These Butter Pecan Cookies deliver the rich, nutty goodness of browned butter and toasted pecans in a thick and chewy cookie. Lightly spiced with cinnamon and finished with a touch of sugar, they’re the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Whether for a cozy weekend treat or an elegant holiday dessert, these cookies are bound to become a favorite!
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Rich, Nutty Flavor: Brown butter and toasted pecans bring unparalleled depth to every bite.
- Chewy Texture: Cornstarch keeps the cookies soft and thick, while chilled dough ensures they don’t spread too much.
- Customizable Size: Bake them large for a bakery-style cookie or make smaller versions for a festive cookie tray.
- Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for prepping ahead and baking fresh cookies whenever you want.
Ingredients
For the Buttered Pecans
- 1 1/4 cups pecan halves, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Butter Pecan Cookies
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter, melted until browned
- 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
- 16 pecan halves, for decoration (optional)
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Essential Tools
- Large Skillet: For toasting pecans in butter.
- Mixing Bowls: One for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients.
- Small Saucepan: To brown the butter.
- Rubber Spatula: Ideal for folding ingredients without overmixing.
- Cookie Scoop: Ensures evenly sized cookies for consistent baking.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Preparation Tips
- Brown Butter Like a Pro: Keep a close eye while browning butter, as it can burn quickly. Look for amber color and nutty aroma.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for flour to avoid dense cookies.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip this step—it allows the flavors to develop and prevents spreading during baking.
- Use Fresh Pecans: Fresh pecans make a huge difference in flavor. Toasting them in butter enhances their nuttiness even more.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Make the Buttered Pecans
- Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped pecans and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4–5 minutes, until lightly toasted and fragrant.
- Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda. Set aside.
- Brown the Butter: Melt 2 sticks butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally. When it turns amber and has a nutty aroma, remove from heat immediately and pour into a large mixing bowl. Let cool for 5–10 minutes.
- Combine Sugars and Butter: Add the dark brown sugar and granulated sugar to the browned butter. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Add Vanilla and Eggs: Mix in the vanilla extract, then beat in the eggs and egg yolk, one at a time, until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula. Mix until just combined.
- Incorporate Pecans: Fold in the buttered pecans evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 48 hours.
3. Shape and Bake the Cookies
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Portion Dough: Use a large cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons) to form dough balls. Place them on the baking sheets, spaced about 3 inches apart.
- Decorate: Press a pecan half onto the top of each dough ball, if desired.
- Bake: Bake one sheet at a time for 10–11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly underbaked.
- Shape Adjustments: If the cookies spread unevenly, gently press the edges back into shape with a spatula while they’re still warm.
- Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
These cookies are rich, nutty, and chewy—a perfect indulgence for any occasion!
Serving Suggestions
1. Classic Pairings
- Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk for a timeless combination.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot cocoa to complement the nutty flavors.
2. Holiday Cookie Platters
- Add these cookies to a holiday cookie tray with:
- Chocolate crinkle cookies
- Snickerdoodles
- Gingerbread cookies
- Sugar cookies with royal icing
3. Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Create indulgent dessert sandwiches by placing a scoop of vanilla ice cream or butter pecan ice cream between two cookies.
4. Dessert Boards
- Include these cookies on a dessert charcuterie board with:
- Assorted chocolates
- Fresh fruit like pears, apples, or figs
- Candied nuts or spiced pecans
5. As a Gifting Treat
- Pack these cookies in decorative tins or gift boxes lined with parchment paper. Add a festive ribbon and a handwritten tag for a thoughtful gift.
Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe
1. Overbaking the Cookies
- Mistake: Baking for too long results in dry, crumbly cookies.
- Solution: Remove the cookies from the oven as soon as the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked. They’ll firm up as they cool.
2. Skipping the Dough Chill Time
- Mistake: Unchilled dough spreads too much, leading to thin cookies.
- Solution: Refrigerate the dough for at least 4 hours to ensure thick, chewy cookies.
3. Burnt Butter
- Mistake: Browning butter requires close attention; it can burn quickly.
- Solution: Remove the butter from heat as soon as it turns amber and you notice a nutty aroma.
4. Unevenly Sized Cookies
- Mistake: Uneven portions bake at different rates, leading to inconsistent results.
- Solution: Use a cookie scoop to create evenly sized dough balls for uniform baking.
5. Forgetting to Toast the Pecans
- Mistake: Skipping this step leaves the pecans with a less pronounced flavor.
- Solution: Toasting the pecans in butter enhances their nuttiness and adds depth to the cookies.
Side Dish Recommendations
1. Hot Beverages
- Pair these cookies with warm drinks for cozy enjoyment, such as:
- Hot buttered rum
- Spiced apple cider
- Cinnamon latte
2. Whipped Cream or Custard
- Serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a bowl of vanilla custard for an elegant dessert.
3. Fresh Fruit
- Add balance to the richness of the cookies with a side of fresh fruit, such as:
- Sliced pears or apples
- Pomegranate arils or fresh figs
4. Ice Cream Pairings
- These cookies pair beautifully with vanilla bean, butter pecan, or salted caramel ice cream for a decadent treat.
Tips for Success
- Use High-Quality Pecans: Fresh, high-quality pecans make all the difference in flavor. Avoid nuts that are stale or bitter.
- Customize Decoration: Top each cookie with a pecan half or sprinkle with granulated sugar for added elegance.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dough ahead of time and bake fresh cookies as needed. Store dough in the fridge for up to 48 hours or freeze for longer storage.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Try adding a handful of mini chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks for a twist on the classic recipe.
With these serving ideas and expert tips, your Butter Pecan Cookies will be a standout dessert at any gathering or celebration!
Recipe Tips
1. Chill the Dough for Best Results
- Chilling the dough for at least 4 hours ensures the cookies don’t spread too much during baking, keeping them thick and chewy.
2. Watch the Brown Butter Closely
- Brown butter can quickly go from perfect to burnt. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the heat as soon as you see amber hues and smell a nutty aroma.
3. Measure Flour Accurately
- Use the spoon-and-level method to measure your flour. Too much flour can lead to dry or dense cookies.
4. Toast Pecans for Extra Flavor
- Cooking pecans in butter enhances their natural nuttiness and makes a big difference in flavor. Don’t skip this step!
5. Customize the Size
- For smaller cookies, use about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough and reduce the baking time by 1–2 minutes. For larger cookies, stick with 3 tablespoons per cookie for a bakery-style look.
Storage Instructions
1. Room Temperature
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
2. Refrigeration
- Cookie Dough: Keep the dough in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before baking. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before scooping if needed.
3. Freezing
- Unbaked Dough: Scoop dough into balls, flash-freeze on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Dough can be frozen for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
- Baked Cookies: Freeze cooled cookies in an airtight container or bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I Use Pre-Toasted Pecans?
Yes, but cooking them in butter adds extra richness and flavor to the cookies.
2. What If I Don’t Have Dark Brown Sugar?
You can substitute with light brown sugar, but the cookies will have a slightly less caramelized flavor.
3. Can I Skip Browning the Butter?
While you can use regular melted butter, browning it adds depth and a nutty richness that makes these cookies truly special.
4. Why Is My Dough Too Sticky to Handle?
Sticky dough is normal due to the high butter content. Chilling the dough will firm it up and make it easier to handle.
5. Can I Add Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! White chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chunks, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can be added for extra flair.
6. How Do I Prevent Cookies from Spreading Too Much?
Make sure the dough is thoroughly chilled before baking, and avoid overmixing the dough after adding the dry ingredients.
7. Can I Make the Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for similar results.
8. What’s the Best Way to Reheat Cookies?
Warm cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3–5 minutes to refresh their texture and bring out the flavors.
9. Can I Decorate These Cookies for Holidays?
Yes! Sprinkle with festive-colored sugar or drizzle with white chocolate for a holiday-themed touch.
10. How Do I Keep Cookies Fresh for Longer?
Freeze the cookie dough and bake fresh as needed, or store baked cookies in a vacuum-sealed container to maintain their texture.
Conclusion
Butter Pecan Cookies are the ultimate indulgence, combining the rich, nutty flavors of browned butter and toasted pecans with a soft, chewy texture. Perfect for cozy afternoons, holiday cookie trays, or anytime you crave a decadent treat, these cookies are sure to impress!
Bake a batch today and enjoy the buttery, nutty goodness in every bite!
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