Have you ever craved a cookie that combines rich butter flavor, the crunch of pecans, and a touch of sweetness? If so, you’re in for a treat! Butter Pecan Cookies are not just another cookie recipe; they are a delightful experience that will bring joy to your taste buds. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies will quickly become a family favorite.
When it comes to indulgent desserts, nothing beats the allure of freshly baked Butter Pecan Cookies. In this post, we’ll dive into the recipe, inspired by classic baking traditions and packed with tips to make them perfect every time.
Ingredients List
For these scrumptious Butter Pecan Cookies, you will need:
- 1 cup butter, softened to room temp
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- Pinch of salt
- Pecan halves to top cookies with
If you have dietary restrictions, consider substituting the regular butter with plant-based butter and using a sugar alternative like coconut sugar. This keeps the deliciousness while catering to diverse dietary needs.
Timing
Preparation for these delightful cookies will take around 15 minutes, and the baking time is 10 minutes. In total, you’re looking at about 25 minutes—a quick treat to whip up when you have a baking urge! This is significantly shorter compared to some cookie recipes that can take over an hour, making them perfect for those busy weeknights or surprise guests.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This initial step is crucial for ensuring that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This helps to distribute the baking soda evenly throughout the flour, which is essential for a light and fluffy texture.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, eggs, sugars, and vanilla extract using an electric handheld mixer. This creates a fluffy base that enhances the cookie’s texture.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the butter and egg mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be careful here!
Step 5: Add Pecans
Fold in the chopped pecans gently, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. The pecans provide a delightful crunch, balancing the softness of the cookie.
Step 6: Prepare Baking Sheets
Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Scoop and roll 1½ tablespoon balls of dough and place them on the baking sheets, keeping enough space between each ball to allow for spreading.
Step 8: Top with Pecan Halves
Press a pecan half on top of each ball of cookie dough. This not only looks nice but adds an extra crunch on top!
Step 9: Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. The cookies should look soft in the centers when you take them out.
Step 10: Flatten the Cookies
Gently press down on the cookies with the bottom of a glass or a spoon. This gives them that perfectly round and flat shape we all love.
Step 11: Cool the Cookies
Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to prevent them from continuing to bake on the hot sheet. Allow them to cool for 5 minutes—or dive in immediately for warm, gooey goodness!
Nutritional Information
For each cookie, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
These cookies are a delicious treat and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet!
Healthier Alternatives
Looking to lighten up this treat? Here are some modifications:
- Use Whole Wheat Flour: Swap half or all of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to increase fiber content.
- Natural Sweeteners: Replace sugar with mashed bananas or applesauce for a healthier sweetness.
- Nut Butter: Instead of butter, use almond or cashew butter for a nutty flavor with healthier fats.
Serving Suggestions
Butter Pecan Cookies are wonderful on their own, but here are some ideas to elevate your serving:
- Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful sundae.
- Create a cookie sandwich using cream cheese frosting or whipped cream.
- Serve alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be finicky, so here are some common pitfalls:
- Not Softening Butter: Ensure butter is at room temperature for optimal mixing.
- Overmixing: Mix your dough just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: Allow cookies to cool properly; they’ll firm up and be easier to handle.
Storing Tips
To keep your Butter Pecan Cookies fresh:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to three months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Conclusion
Butter Pecan Cookies are a delightful addition to any dessert repertoire. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, they are perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. Try this recipe out and let your kitchen be filled with the warm, nutty aroma of freshly baked cookies. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and variations!
FAQs
Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just add a pinch more salt to the recipe.
What can I use instead of pecans?
Feel free to use walnuts, almonds, or chocolate chips if you prefer a different flavor.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be golden brown, and the centers will look soft. They’ll continue to firm up while cooling.
Get creative and enjoy the baking process—there’s nothing quite like homemade Butter Pecan Cookies!
Print
Butter Pecan Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously rich Butter Pecan Cookies, combining crunchy pecans and a sweet buttery flavor for a delightful dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened to room temp
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- Pinch of salt
- Pecan halves to top cookies with
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, eggs, sugars, and vanilla extract.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients into the butter and egg mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans gently.
- Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
- Scoop and roll 1½ tablespoon balls of dough and place them on the baking sheets.
- Press a pecan half on top of each ball of cookie dough.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
- Gently press down on the cookies with the bottom of a glass or a spoon.
- Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool for 5 minutes.
Notes
For dietary restrictions, use plant-based butter and sugar alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cookies, butter pecan, dessert, baking, treats