Butter Pecan Cookies (Soft, Buttery, and Loaded with Pecans)

If you love rich, nutty desserts, Butter Pecan Cookies are a classic treat that never goes out of style. These cookies are soft in the center, slightly crisp around the edges, and packed with toasted pecans, giving them a warm, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth.

Perfect for holiday baking, afternoon snacks, or cookie exchanges, these homemade butter pecan cookies are easy to make and filled with comforting Southern-style flavor.

Why You’ll Love These Butter Pecan Cookies

Rich buttery flavor
Crunchy toasted pecans
Soft and chewy texture
Perfect for holiday cookie trays
Simple ingredients and easy steps

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup pecans, chopped and toasted

Optional additions:

½ cup white chocolate chips
¼ teaspoon cinnamon for warmth

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Cookie scoop or spoon

How to Make Butter Pecan Cookies

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast them for 5–7 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Step 5: Combine the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 6: Fold in Pecans

Stir in the toasted pecans (and optional chocolate chips if using).

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Tips for the Best Butter Pecan Cookies

Toast the pecans to enhance their flavor.
Use room-temperature butter for smoother dough.
Avoid overbaking for soft, chewy cookies.
Chill the dough for 20 minutes if it feels too soft.

Delicious Variations

Brown Butter Pecan Cookies

Brown the butter before mixing for a deeper, nutty flavor.

Maple Butter Pecan Cookies

Add 1 tablespoon maple syrup to the dough.

Chocolate Butter Pecan Cookies

Mix in dark chocolate chunks for a rich twist.

What to Serve with Butter Pecan Cookies

These cookies pair perfectly with:

Coffee
Milk
Hot chocolate
Vanilla ice cream

They’re also great for holiday dessert trays and gift boxes.

Storage Tips

Room Temperature:
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezer:
Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Cookie Dough:
Dough can be frozen and baked later.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per cookie)

Calories: 170
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 10g
Protein: 2g
Sugar: 9g

Final Thoughts

These Butter Pecan Cookies are the perfect combination of buttery richness and crunchy toasted pecans. With their soft texture and warm flavor, they’re a delicious treat for any occasion.