Few cookies are as elegant yet comforting as a classic Butter Pecan Cookie. With its sweet, nutty aroma, rich buttery taste, and tender texture, this cookie has long been a staple at Southern tables, holiday cookie trays, and cozy kitchen gatherings.

But these aren’t just any butter pecan cookies—they’re melt-in-your-mouth golden delights, crowned with a toasted pecan half for that perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, cookie exchange, or just a cozy night in, these cookies bring together warmth, simplicity, and just the right crunch in every bite.

🥄 Why These Cookies Are So Special

Butter pecan is more than just a nostalgic ice cream flavor—it’s a perfect combo of toasted nuts, browned butter, and caramel-sweet richness that shines in baked goods.

Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this cookie recipe:

✅ Classic comfort – It’s the kind of cookie your grandmother might’ve made
✅ Crunchy, chewy, soft – A dreamy texture combination
✅ Rich in flavor – Thanks to real butter and roasted pecans
✅ Easy to make – One bowl, no chill time, big results
✅ Perfectly giftable – Looks elegant with that pecan half on top

They’re as pretty as they are delicious.

🧾 Ingredients – Pantry Staples, Elevated

Each ingredient in this recipe works together to create buttery, sweet, and nutty perfection:

Ingredients:

1 cup chopped pecans
7 tablespoons unsalted butter
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
A pinch of salt
Pecan halves, for topping

🧈 Butter Tip: Use real unsalted butter for best flavor—don’t substitute margarine here.

👩‍🍳 Instructions – Step-by-Step to Buttery Bliss

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°C (or 175°C / 350°F if using conventional settings).
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even browning.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and slightly fluffy.

This step is key—creaming the sugar helps incorporate air, which makes the cookies tender.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat for another 2 minutes until fully incorporated. The mixture should be glossy and smooth.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Add in the flour, baking soda, and pinch of salt. Stir just until combined—do not overmix. Fold in the chopped pecans gently with a spatula or wooden spoon.

Step 5: Shape and Decorate

Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, form dough balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets.

Press one pecan half into the top of each dough ball to give the cookies that classic butter pecan cookie look.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes, or until the cookies are light golden brown around the edges and slightly soft in the center.

Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

⏱️ Quick Recipe Recap

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies
Calories: ~180 kcal per cookie (depending on size and ingredients)

🌰 Tips for Success

Toast your pecans: For even deeper flavor, toast the chopped pecans before adding them to the dough—just bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until fragrant.
Measure your flour properly: Spoon flour into the cup and level off with a knife to avoid dense cookies.
Use room temperature eggs: They mix better and help maintain a smooth dough.

🍽️ How to Serve Butter Pecan Cookies

These cookies are elegant enough for a party and simple enough for a weeknight treat. Pair them with:

A warm cup of coffee, tea, or spiced chai
A scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream
A holiday cookie platter featuring gingerbread, snickerdoodles, and shortbread

They also make wonderful edible gifts. Stack a few in a clear treat bag tied with a ribbon for birthdays, Christmas, or thank-you presents.

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Storing:

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Freezing:

Dough: Scoop dough balls onto a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes.
Baked cookies: Freeze in layers between parchment. Thaw at room temperature and reheat briefly for that just-baked feel.

🎉 Perfect for Any Occasion

These cookies are a go-to for:

Holiday baking
Thanksgiving dessert tables
Cookie exchanges
Coffee bar treats
Anytime you want to impress

The sweet nuttiness and rich aroma of butter pecan never go out of style.

📌 Final Thoughts: A Cookie with Southern Soul

These Butter Pecan Cookies strike that beautiful balance between nostalgic and gourmet. With toasted pecans, sweet brown sugar, and a buttery, chewy texture, every bite is like a warm hug.

They’re easy to make, hard to forget, and perfect for sharing—if you don’t eat them all first!

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