Oh, let me tell you about the magic of butter pecan cookies! These little gems are bursting with rich, buttery flavor and a delightful crunch from the pecans. Honestly, every time I bake these, I’m transported back to my grandma’s kitchen, where the warm, sweet aroma would waft through the air, beckoning everyone to come and indulge. I remember sitting at the table, sneaking bites before they were even cool enough to handle. There’s something so comforting about them—a perfect treat for cozy afternoons or gatherings with friends. Whether you’re dunking them in coffee or savoring them straight from the oven, butter pecan cookies are always a hit. Trust me, you’ll want these in your life!
Ingredients for Butter Pecan Cookies
Get ready to gather your ingredients! You’ll love how simple and straightforward this list is. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Make sure your butter is nice and soft—this is key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture! And don’t skimp on the pecans; they really bring that wonderful crunch and flavor that makes these cookies so special. Enjoy the process of measuring everything out; it’s part of the fun!
How to Prepare Butter Pecan Cookies
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making these butter pecan cookies. I promise, it’s not just easy; it’s also incredibly satisfying! First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial, so don’t skip it—your cookies will bake evenly and beautifully!
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. I like to use a hand mixer for this, but a good old-fashioned wooden spoon works just fine too. You want it to be light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Next, crack in those two large eggs and add the vanilla extract. Keep mixing until everything’s well combined. The batter should be smooth and a bit glossy—so lovely!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to ensure that your leavening agent is evenly distributed.
- Now, gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients. I usually do this in three parts, mixing gently after each addition. This helps to avoid any flour clouds and keeps things nice and neat!
- Once everything’s combined, fold in the chopped pecans. Go ahead and give the batter a good stir, but be gentle—you don’t want to overmix!
- With a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop dollops of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between them because they’ll spread a bit as they bake.
- Pop those beauties into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown around the edges. The centers might look a little soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Finally, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is where the aroma really takes over—so good!
And there you have it! Your kitchen is about to smell heavenly, and you’ll have the most delicious butter pecan cookies ready to enjoy.
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! These butter pecan cookies are not just tasty, but they also provide some nutritional insights. Each cookie packs an estimated:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 10g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on how you make them. But trust me, they’re worth every delicious bite! Enjoy in moderation, and they’ll definitely satisfy your sweet tooth!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, where do I even start? Honestly, these butter pecan cookies are a total game changer! Once you take a bite, you’ll understand why they’re such a hit. Here are just a few reasons you’ll adore making these cookies:
- Quick Preparation: You’ll whip these up in no time! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious cookies baking away in under 30 minutes.
- Delicious Flavor: The rich buttery taste combined with the crunchy pecans creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible!
- Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a family reunion, a holiday party, or just a cozy get-together, these cookies will impress everyone. They disappear faster than you can say “butter pecan!”
- Easy to Store: These cookies stay fresh in an airtight container, making them easy to keep around for snacking or sharing later.
- Customizable: Feeling adventurous? You can easily add in chocolate chips or even try different nuts to make these cookies your own!
Trust me, you’re going to want to keep this recipe handy—it’s a keeper!
Tips for Success
Okay, let’s make sure your butter pecan cookies turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to help you achieve cookie greatness:
- Soften Your Butter: This is crucial! Make sure your butter is at room temperature, so it creams nicely with the sugars. If it’s too cold, your cookies won’t be as tender and flavorful.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on them! You want those edges to be golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so trust the process!
- Toast the Pecans: For an extra layer of flavor, toast your chopped pecans in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the dough. It brings out their nuttiness beautifully!
- Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Plus, it helps the cookies bake evenly!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress with your butter pecan cookies!
Variations on Butter Pecan Cookies
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix things up with your butter pecan cookies! Here are a few of my favorite variations that you can try:
- Chocolate Chip Twist: Add a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful chocolatey surprise in every bite. It pairs beautifully with the buttery flavor!
- Nutty Mix: Swap out the pecans for your favorite nuts—walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts can add a unique twist and different textures.
- Cinnamon Spice: Sprinkle in a teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for fall or winter baking. You could even add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra kick!
- Maple Glaze: Drizzle a simple maple glaze over cooled cookies for a sweet, sticky finish that amplifies the rich flavor of the cookies.
- Oatmeal Addition: Mix in a cup of rolled oats to give your cookies a chewy texture and a heartier feel. It’s a great way to add some fiber, too!
Feel free to get creative and make these cookies your own. Each variation is sure to be a hit!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked these scrumptious butter pecan cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and delightful for as long as possible! To store them, simply place the cooled cookies in an airtight container. They should last up to a week at room temperature, but trust me, they’ll probably be gone long before then!
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare!), you can also freeze them. Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up. This will bring back that fresh-baked goodness and make them taste like they just came out of the oven! Yum!
FAQ About Butter Pecan Cookies
Got questions about these delicious butter pecan cookies? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common inquiries I get, along with my trusty answers:
Can I freeze these cookies? Absolutely! These cookies freeze beautifully. Just wrap each one in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to two months in the freezer. When you’re ready for a treat, let them thaw at room temperature or microwave them for a few seconds to bring back that fresh-baked taste!
What can I substitute for pecans? If you’re not a fan of pecans or have a nut allergy, you can easily swap them out for other nuts like walnuts or almonds. You can also leave them out entirely for a simple butter cookie that’s still delightful!
How long do they last? These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but if stored properly in an airtight container, they’ll stay delicious for about a week at room temperature. Just be prepared—they might not last that long!
Have more questions? Don’t hesitate to ask! I’m here to help you create the best butter pecan cookies ever!
Print
Butter Pecan Cookies: 7 Comforting Bites to Savor
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious butter pecan cookies with a rich flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For extra flavor, toast the pecans before adding.
- Do not overbake for softer cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: butter pecan cookies
