Butter Pecan Cookies (2024)

If you’re in the market for a sweet treat that’s filled with caramelized goodness and the delightful crunch of toasted nuts, my buttery pecan cookies are for you. Each bite is an enticing blend of sweet, salty, and nutty notes that melt in your mouth.

Not only are they delicious, but these brown sugar pecan cookies are the poster children of sweet simplicity. Chopped pecans get a quick toast in nutty browned butter, and are folded into an easy-to-make cookie dough base. Then, it’s chilled, scooped, and baked. You can even freeze the dough balls for baking when the craving strikes! In short, this recipe for easy pecan cookies is certain to become a family favorite and deserves a spot in the hallowed halls of cookie excellence. For more cookie recipes, try my turtle cookies recipe, lebkuchen recipe, and almond butter cookies recipe!

What You Need To Make This Recipe

Unsalted Butter + Salt – in the world of baking, precision is key. I prefer using unsalted butter, which gives me greater control over the salty-sweet balance of my treats. If you only have salted butter on hand, omit or cut back on the added salt.

Chopped Pecans – you can buy pecan pieces which are significantly less expensive than the bags labeled as fancy pecan halves. Save a few bucks by opting for the pieces, then buy a small bag of halves if you want a pretty garnish on top of these pecan cookies.

Light Brown Sugar – light brown sugar as we know it is simply granulated sugar with some of the molasses added back in. The light version has less molasses, resulting in a lighter, more caramel-like taste. In a pinch, dark brown sugar will work. Muscovado sugar is also an acceptable alternative.

Egg – for binding the dough and adding structure. Let it come to room temperature (or soak it in warm water for about 10 minutes) to keep it from causing the melted butter to seize.

Vanilla Extract – for added warmth and complexity. Feel free to use an equal amount of vanilla paste or vanilla powder instead.

Cornstarch – mostly used as a thickening agent, in cookies, this starchy powder helps to create the perfect delicately chewy cookies with a lightly crisp exterior.

How To Make Butter Pecan Cookies

1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chopped pecans and cook until toasted, 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer the buttered pecans to a small bowl and let cool. Add the sugars to a large mixing bowl.

2. In the same small skillet, heat the remaining ½ cup butter over medium-high heat. Cook until butter foams and the milk solids brown, 6 to 8 minutes.

3. Whisk the browned butter into the sugars.

4. Whisk in the egg and vanilla until very well combined, about 1 minute.

5. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (all-purpose flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt).

6. Fold the flour mixture into the butter mixture, mixing just until the last streaks of flour disappear.

7. Stir in the butter pecans until evenly dispersed. Cover and chill until dough is firm, about 1 hour.

8. Scoop the chilled dough into 1½ tablespoon-sized balls and roll into smooth balls between your palms. If desired, you can roll the balls in extra granulated sugar and press a pecan half in the center. Place on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet 2 inches apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the tops of the cookies appear dry and the edges are lightly golden brown. Let cool slightly on the pan, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips For Making This Recipe

• Use smell as a doneness indicator. Keep a close eye (and your nose!) on the buttered pecans to prevent them from burning. They’re done when they smell nutty, and the once-white exposed edges of the nut pieces have turned golden brown.
• Use a spring-loaded cookie scoop for even portioning. Ever wonder how bakeries end up getting perfectly-sized cookies? It’s not magic; it’s a simple kitchen tool! Using a cookie scoop or small ice cream scoop ensures each dough ball is the same size, baking up an even batch of cookies. Plus, they’re fun to use!
• Freeze some cookie dough balls for cookies on demand. Next time your sweet tooth comes calling, just pop a few dough balls in the oven. (Note: you may need to add an extra 1-3 minutes onto the cook time if you bake directly from frozen.)
• Add other mix-ins! Add 1 cup of mini chocolate chips, dried cranberries or cherries, or another favorite cookie mix-in for a riff on the classic flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’ve tried this Butter Pecan Cookie recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!