Description

These buttery, rich butter pecan cookies are packed with toasted pecans and have a soft, chewy center with slightly crisp edges. Their nutty flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them a perfect treat for any occasion, especially during the holiday season.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans (toasted)

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Instructions

Toast the Pecans:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 5–7 minutes, or until fragrant. Let cool completely.
Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Add the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Add the Pecans:
Fold in the toasted pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Chill the Dough (Optional):
For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Bake the Cookies:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (if not already on from toasting pecans). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop the dough into 1.5-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake:
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
Cool:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Extra Nutty Flavor: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can freeze the cookie dough balls and bake them straight from the freezer—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Add-Ins: For a fun twist, try adding white chocolate chips or a dash of cinnamon to the dough.