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Butter Pecan Cookies

A delightful treat combining rich butter and crunchy pecans for a cozy home-baked goodness.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time42 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Baking, Butter Pecan Cookies, Cookies, Easy Recipes, Homemade Cookies
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 150kcal

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour Soft and fragrant, this flour is the staple that holds the cookies together.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Ensures a soft and chewy cookie texture.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Balances the sweetness and elevates all the flavors.

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature The star ingredient that brings richness and moisture.
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar Adds delightful sweetness.
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar Infuses depth and a hint of caramel flavor.
  • 2 large eggs Provide binding and moisture, crucial for the cookie's texture.
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract Adds aromatic sweetness.

Nuts

  • 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, toasted Brings a nutty richness and is the highlight of the dish.

Instructions

Preparation and Toasting

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and toast the chopped pecans for 6–8 minutes until fragrant. Let cool before adding to the mixture.

Mixing Dry Ingredients

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt to aerate the dry ingredients.

Creaming Butter and Sugars

  • In a large bowl, beat together the room-temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and fluffy (about 3 minutes).

Incorporating Eggs and Vanilla

  • Mix in the eggs one at a time, incorporating each fully before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix until just combined.

Combining Mixtures

  • Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture and gently fold in the toasted pecans without overmixing.

Chilling the Dough

  • Scoop the dough into 1.5 tablespoon-sized balls and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to help maintain their shape while baking.

Baking

  • On a lined baking tray, bake the chilled cookies for 10–12 minutes, until the edges turn golden and the centers are set.

Cooling

  • Let the cookies rest for 5 minutes on the tray before transferring them to a wire rack to cool.
  • Enjoy them warm or store them in an airtight container for later.

Notes

For optimal flavor, toast the pecans and ensure butter is at room temperature for a light texture. Chilling the dough is crucial for handling and final texture. You can add chocolate chips for variation.