There’s something undeniably comforting about baking, isn’t there? I often find myself lost in the rhythm of the kitchen, especially when I’m making my favorite butter pecan cookies. The smell of warm butter mingling with sweet brown sugar just fills the house with a cozy vibe that’s hard to resist. Trust me, these cookies are not just a treat; they’re a hug in dessert form! So, whether you’re looking to impress guests or just want to indulge on a quiet evening, this recipe is your go-to. It’s simple, straightforward, and perfect for both seasoned bakers and those just starting out. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to share, making them a delightful addition to any gathering. I can still remember the first time I made these cookies with my grandmother; we’d snack on them fresh from the oven, our faces dusted with flour, and laughter filling the air. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into making these delicious butter pecan cookies together!
Ingredients List
To make the most delightful butter pecan cookies, you’ll need some simple yet important ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing. This is what gives our cookies that rich, buttery flavor.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: This adds a lovely caramel-like sweetness. Just press it down into the measuring cup to pack it in nicely.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: This helps balance the sweetness and contributes to a nice texture.
- 2 large eggs: These will bind everything together and keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: A must for that warm, inviting flavor.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of our cookies, so be sure to measure accurately.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps our cookies rise and get that lovely texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
- 1 cup pecans, chopped: These add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor. Feel free to toast them lightly for an extra depth of flavor!
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to cookie heaven!
How to Prepare Butter Pecan Cookies
Now that we have our ingredients ready, it’s time to get baking those irresistible butter pecan cookies! Don’t worry if it feels a bit daunting; I promise it’ll be worth it. Let’s take it step by step.
First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because starting with a hot oven ensures your cookies bake evenly and turn out perfectly golden.
While the oven is heating up, grab a large mixing bowl. Cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. I like to use a hand mixer for this, but a sturdy wooden spoon works just as well. This process should take about 2-3 minutes. The fluffiness helps create light cookies, so don’t rush it!
Next, add in the two large eggs and the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is fully combined and smooth. The batter might look a bit shiny, and that’s just perfect!
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step helps ensure the baking soda is evenly distributed, preventing any surprises later on. Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I recommend adding it in thirds, mixing gently after each addition until just combined. You don’t want to overmix; a few flour streaks are okay!
Finally, it’s time to fold in those chopped pecans. Gently stir them into the dough so they’re evenly spread throughout. The aroma of the pecans blended into that buttery dough is simply heavenly!
Now, using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread a bit while baking.
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as every oven is a little different! Once they’re baked, allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step is important to avoid breakage.
And there you have it! Your kitchen will be filled with the most delightful scent as you enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to adore these butter pecan cookies! They’re not just tasty; they bring joy and comfort into your kitchen. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, even beginner bakers will feel confident whipping these up!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of rich butter and crunchy pecans creates a flavor that’s simply irresistible. Each bite is a little piece of heaven!
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a family gathering or a friendly coffee date, these cookies are sure to impress and spread happiness.
- Quick to Bake: From start to finish, you can have warm cookies ready in under 30 minutes, making it a great last-minute treat!
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in different nuts or add chocolate chips for a fun twist if you’re feeling adventurous!
It’s hard not to love a recipe that brings everyone together while filling the air with the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies!
Tips for Success
To ensure your butter pecan cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips that I swear by. Trust me, these little tricks will make a big difference!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them blend together smoothly, creating that delightful fluffy texture. If you forget to take them out ahead of time, just pop the eggs in a bowl of warm water for about 10 minutes!
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the flour mixture, stir just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the soft, chewy ones we love!
- Chill the Dough: If you find the dough is too soft to scoop, don’t hesitate to chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilled dough can help the cookies hold their shape better while baking.
- Nut Options: While pecans are a classic, feel free to swap in walnuts or even chocolate chips if you’re in the mood for something different. Just remember to chop them evenly for a consistent crunch!
- Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your cookies. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool!
These tips will help you achieve that perfect batch of butter pecan cookies, filled with love and flavor. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your butter pecan cookies fresh and delicious, it’s important to store them properly. Once they’ve cooled completely, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their chewy texture and flavor. If you’re planning to keep them longer, you can also freeze them! Just layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their delightful taste.
When you’re ready to enjoy a cookie, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a bit. If you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked goodness. They’ll be nice and gooey, just like when they first came out of the oven!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying these delicious butter pecan cookies, it’s always good to be mindful of nutrition. Each cookie contains approximately 150 calories, with 10g of sugar and 7g of fat. These cookies are a delightful treat, but keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. For instance, using different types of butter or sugar can alter the calorie count.
Also, if you decide to switch to gluten-free flour or margarine for a dairy-free version, the nutritional information will change accordingly. So while these cookies are undoubtedly delicious, they are best enjoyed in moderation. Remember, it’s all about balance and savoring each sweet bite!
FAQ Section
Here are some common questions that might pop up as you embark on your butter pecan cookie adventure. I’m here to help clear things up!
Q1: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for unsalted butter to control the saltiness, using salted butter will still yield delicious cookies. Just remember to reduce the added salt to about 1/4 teaspoon to balance the flavors.
Q2: What if I don’t have brown sugar?
No worries! You can use granulated sugar in place of brown sugar, but your cookies will miss that lovely caramel flavor. If you have some molasses on hand, you can mix about 1 tablespoon of molasses into the granulated sugar to mimic brown sugar.
Q3: Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
Yes! These butter pecan cookies freeze wonderfully. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months!
Q4: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and you’ll still have a fantastic cookie. Make sure to check that your other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Q5: How can I make these cookies chewier?
For chewier cookies, try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking, and don’t overbake them. Taking them out when the edges are just golden while the centers look a bit soft will give you that perfect chewy texture!
For more information on baking techniques, you can visit King Arthur Baking.
Print
Butter Pecan Cookies: 5 Comforting Treats to Remember
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious butter pecan cookies that are easy to make and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute with gluten-free flour.
- Use margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: butter pecan cookies, cookie recipe, easy cookies
