Butter Pecan Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy holiday gathering or a casual afternoon snack. These cookies are easy to make, featuring a delightful blend of buttery flavors and crunchy toasted pecans. Their soft and chewy texture makes them irresistible, ensuring everyone will be asking for seconds. Enjoy these homemade butter pecan cookies anytime you crave a sweet treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You only need basic pantry staples to whip up these delicious cookies.
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have cookie dough ready to chill.
- Versatile Flavor: The combination of butter and toasted pecans offers a rich taste that’s loved by many.
- Perfect for Sharing: Yielding about 30 cookies, they’re great for parties, holidays, or just sharing with friends.
- Customizable: Feel free to add optional toffee bits for an extra touch of sweetness.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make preparing your Butter Pecan Cookies easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop or spoon
- Parchment paper
- Baking tray
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl helps combine all ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
- Electric mixer or whisk: Ensures your butter and sugars are creamed well, giving the cookies a light texture.
- Baking tray: Provides even heat distribution while baking, resulting in perfectly cooked cookies.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup Butter (Unsalted, Melted, Should be cooled so that it’s warm and not very hot)
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Brown sugar
- 2 Eggs (Large)
- 1.5 tsp Vanilla extract
- 2.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Cinnamon powder
- 1 tsp Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- 1/2 tsp Baking powder
For the Mix-ins
- 1.5 cups Pecans (Roughly chopped, Unsalted, Preferably toasted)
- 1/2 cup Toffee bits (Optional)
How to Make Butter Pecan Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add the all-purpose flour, cinnamon powder, cornstarch, baking soda, and baking powder. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Step 4: Incorporate Pecans and Toffee Bits
Gently fold in the chopped pecans and optional toffee bits until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Chill the dough for 30-45 minutes in the refrigerator to make it easier to handle when shaping.
Step 6: Shape Cookie Balls
Scoop out small portions of chilled dough and roll them into balls using your hands. The dough might feel crumbly at first but will come together nicely.
Step 7: Optional Sugar Coating
If desired, roll each cookie dough ball in granulated sugar before baking for an extra sweet touch.
Step 8: Prepare for Baking
Place cookie balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper spaced apart to allow room for spreading during baking.
Step 9: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Bake for about 11-14 minutes or until cookies are golden brown along the edges but still soft in the center. Allow them to cool slightly before enjoying!
How to Serve Butter Pecan Cookies
Butter pecan cookies are not just delightful on their own; they can be paired with various accompaniments to enhance their flavor. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your cookie experience.
With Coffee
- A warm cup of coffee perfectly complements the sweet and nutty flavors of butter pecan cookies, making for an excellent afternoon treat.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Use two butter pecan cookies to create a delicious ice cream sandwich. Choose vanilla or caramel ice cream for a classic pairing.
Drizzled with Chocolate
- A light drizzle of melted chocolate over the cookies adds an indulgent touch that balances the nuttiness with rich sweetness.
As a Dessert Platter
- Serve butter pecan cookies alongside other baked goods like brownies and fruit tarts for a diverse dessert platter that guests will enjoy.
With Milk
- A tall glass of cold milk is a timeless pairing that enhances the chewy texture of butter pecan cookies, making it perfect for kids and adults alike.
Warmed Up
- Slightly warming the cookies in the microwave for a few seconds brings out their aroma and makes them even softer, enhancing the overall experience.
How to Perfect Butter Pecan Cookies
To ensure your butter pecan cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
Use room temperature ingredients: Allow your eggs and melted butter to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter.
Don’t overmix: When adding flour and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
Chill your dough: Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to handle but also helps improve the texture and flavor after baking.
Watch your baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be golden brown at the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.
Use toasted pecans: Toasting your pecans before adding them to the dough enhances their flavor, adding an extra layer of nuttiness to each bite.
Experiment with spices: While cinnamon is a great addition, you can also try other spices like nutmeg or allspice for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
Best Side Dishes for Butter Pecan Cookies
When serving butter pecan cookies, you might want to offer some side dishes that complement their rich flavor. Here are some great options:
Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice that pairs beautifully with the warm flavors of butter pecan cookies.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station for dipping pieces of cookie, creating an interactive dessert experience.
Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese can provide a savory contrast to sweet cookies.
Hot Chocolate: Serve hot chocolate on chilly days alongside your butter pecan cookies for a cozy treat.
Caramel Sauce: Offer caramel sauce for drizzling over both the cookies and ice cream; it’s a perfect match!
Nut Mix: A spiced nut mix can echo the flavors in the cookies while providing a crunchy texture contrast.
Tea Selection: A variety of herbal teas can provide different flavors that complement the buttery taste of these delightful cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Butter Pecan Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using hot butter: Melted butter should be warm but not hot. Hot butter can lead to greasy cookies. Allow it to cool slightly before mixing.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success. Use kitchen scales or measuring cups designed for dry and wet ingredients.
- Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading. Don’t rush this step; 30-45 minutes in the fridge makes a difference.
- Overbaking cookies: Cookies will continue to cook on the tray after being removed from the oven. Bake until golden brown and firm around the edges.
- Ignoring pecan quality: Unsalted and toasted pecans elevate the flavor. Make sure you use good-quality nuts for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.
Freezing Butter Pecan Cookies
- Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
- For best results, freeze them individually, then place them in one bag.
Reheating Butter Pecan Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat, covering it with a lid for 2-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Butter Pecan Cookies.
What makes Butter Pecan Cookies chewy?
The combination of melted butter and cornstarch contributes to their chewy texture.
Can I substitute ingredients in Butter Pecan Cookies?
Yes! You can use different types of nuts or add chocolate chips instead of toffee bits.
How do I know when my Butter Pecan Cookies are done?
Look for golden brown edges and a puffed center that slightly deflates as they cool.
How long can I store Butter Pecan Cookies?
You can keep them fresh in the refrigerator for about one week or freeze them for up to three months.
Final Thoughts
These Butter Pecan Cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for any occasion. Their rich flavor and delightful texture make them irresistible. Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit!
Butter Pecan Cookies
Indulge in the delightful world of Butter Pecan Cookies, where every bite offers a harmonious blend of buttery goodness and crunchy toasted pecans. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet afternoon treat, these cookies boast a soft and chewy texture that keeps everyone coming back for more. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch that yields about 30 irresistible cookies. The rich flavor pairs beautifully with coffee or can be transformed into ice cream sandwiches for an extra-special dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 30 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1.5 cups chopped toasted pecans
- Optional: ½ cup toffee bits
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, cornstarch, baking soda, and baking powder until just combined.
- Fold in chopped pecans and optional toffee bits for added sweetness.
- Chill the dough for 30-45 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop cookie dough onto a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Bake for 11-14 minutes or until edges are golden brown; let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (25g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
