Oh, hello there! If you’re reading this, I have a delightful treat to share with you today—Butter Pecan Cookies! Now, let me tell you, these cookies are like little bites of heaven. I remember the first time I baked them; I was trying to impress a friend with my “baking skills.” Spoiler alert: they were a massive hit! The rich, buttery flavor combined with the crunch of pecans makes for an absolutely mesmerizing cookie that pairs perfectly with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.
Every time I whip up a batch, I can’t help but think of cozy evenings spent with loved ones, sharing stories over warm cookies fresh from the oven. The aroma that fills the kitchen when these cookies bake is simply heavenly. If you love the nutty goodness of pecans, these cookies are definitely going to win a special place in your heart (and your cookie jar).
What’s in Butter Pecan Cookies?
Unsalted Butter: This is the star of the show! The softened butter provides moisture and richness that makes these cookies melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds that lovely depth of flavor and slight chewiness to the cookies. It’s the secret ingredient that takes the taste to the next level!
Granulated Sugar: The perfect balance to the brown sugar. Granulated sugar helps create that perfect crispness on the edges.
Large Egg: This wonderful binding agent is a must. It’s essential for achieving that perfect texture.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brings warmth and adds that wonderful bakery aroma we all love.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cookie dough! It gives structure and holds everything together.
Baking Soda: This little leavener helps our cookies rise and keeps them soft in the middle.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors, making your cookies taste even better!
Pecans: Chopped pecans add that delightful crunch and nutty flavor. I just love how they elevate these cookies!
Finely Chopped Pecans: These are for rolling the cookie balls before baking. They give a lovely outer crunch and make them look extra pretty!
Is Butter Pecan Cookies Good for You?
Alright, let’s get real for a minute! While Butter Pecan Cookies are certainly a delightful treat, they are, of course, indulgent. But let’s talk about the good stuff:
Pecans: These are a fantastic source of healthy fats and provide a nice dose of antioxidants. They also add fiber to your cookies, which is a small win, right?
Butter: While I love buttery goodness in my baked goods, it is important to enjoy in moderation. However, butter does provide essential fatty acids and vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
Of course, keep in mind that these cookies are still a dessert—so they’re best enjoyed as a treat rather than a regular staple in your diet. But trust me; every bite is worth it!
Here’s What You’ll Need
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup pecans, chopped
– 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (for rolling)
*This recipe yields about 24 cookies, perfect for sharing (or not)!*
How to Make Butter Pecan Cookies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes for easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Get that arm workout in as you mix—multitasking, yay!
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Feel free to sing your favorite song while you wait—baking is all about having fun!
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. We’re going for cookie dough, not cookie bricks!
5. Gently fold in the chopped pecans until they’re evenly distributed in the dough. This is where those wonderful pecan bits come into play!
6. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in the finely chopped pecans for that extra crunch coat.
7. Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between them. They’ll spread out while baking!
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked. Trust me, they’ll firm up a bit as they cool.
9. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Try not to eat them all at once—though no judgment if you do!
Sweet Tips for Savoring
– For a deeper flavor, you can toast the pecans before adding them to the dough. It takes just a few minutes, and it enhances that lovely nutty flavor.
– These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they last that long! Enjoy them dipped in milk or crumbled over ice cream for an extra special treat.
I can’t express how excited I am for you to try these Butter Pecan Cookies. They’re perfect for any occasion or even as a lovely treat just for yourself. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the cookie magic begin! And don’t forget to share your cookie adventures with me—I’d love to hear how yours turn out! Happy baking!
