Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe (Soft, Chewy Homemade Butter Pecan Cookies)
If you love the rich flavor of butter pecan ice cream, you'll fall in love with these Butter Pecan Cookies. Made with browned butter, toasted pecans, brown sugar, and vanilla, these cookies are soft in the center, slightly crisp around the edges, and packed with buttery nutty flavor.
Perfect for holidays, cookie exchanges, bake sales, or everyday baking, these homemade butter pecan cookies are guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Why You'll Love These Butter Pecan Cookies
Soft and chewy texture
Rich buttery flavor
Toasted pecans in every bite
Easy homemade recipe
Perfect for holidays
Better than bakery cookies
What Are Butter Pecan Cookies?
Butter Pecan Cookies are classic Southern-style cookies made with butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and toasted pecans.
The toasted pecans add crunch and depth while brown sugar keeps the cookies soft and chewy.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup light brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cornstarch
½ teaspoon salt
1½ cups chopped pecans
Equipment Needed
Baking sheets
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Cookie scoop
Parchment paper
How to Make Butter Pecan Cookies
Step 1: Toast the Pecans
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Spread pecans on a baking sheet.
Bake for 6 to 8 minutes until fragrant.
Allow to cool.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Continue cooking until golden brown and nutty smelling.
Remove from heat and cool for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Beat browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together.
Add eggs and vanilla extract.
Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl whisk together:
Flour
Baking soda
Cornstarch
Salt
Step 5: Make the Dough
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
Fold in toasted pecans.
Step 6: Chill
Cover and chill dough for 30 minutes.
Step 7: Bake
Scoop dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
The centers should appear slightly underbaked.
Step 8: Cool
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
What Do Butter Pecan Cookies Taste Like?
These cookies are rich, buttery, nutty, and slightly caramel-like thanks to the brown sugar and toasted pecans.
The browned butter creates a deeper flavor than traditional cookies while keeping the centers soft and chewy.
Expert Tips
Toast the pecans first.
Brown the butter for maximum flavor.
Chill the dough before baking.
Don't overbake.
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt after baking.
Variations
Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Add 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Brown Butter Pecan Cookies
Increase the browning time slightly for deeper flavor.
Butter Pecan Cookie Bars
Press dough into a 9x13 pan and bake for 25 minutes.
White Chocolate Butter Pecan Cookies
Add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes. Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months.
Why toast the pecans?
Toasting enhances their flavor and crunch.
Can I use walnuts?
Yes, but pecans provide the classic butter pecan flavor.
How do I keep cookies soft?
Store in an airtight container and avoid overbaking.
Storage
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1 Cookie
Calories: 255
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 14g
Sugar: 18g
More Cookie Recipes You'll Love
Great American Cookies Copycat
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Peanut Butter Cookies
Sugar Cookies
Pecan Sandies
Final Thoughts
These Butter Pecan Cookies are buttery, chewy, and loaded with toasted pecans. Whether you're baking for the holidays or simply craving a homemade cookie, this easy recipe delivers rich flavor and bakery-quality results every time.