Few cookies deliver the nostalgic warmth and buttery crunch quite like Butter Pecan Cookies. These soft, chewy treats are loaded with toasted pecans, sweet brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon. With optional toffee bits for extra richness and depth, they’re everything a cozy afternoon bake should be.
These cookies are perfect for cookie swaps, holiday trays, or your everyday indulgence. Their slightly crisp edges, gooey centers, and crunchy pecan bites make them completely irresistible.
Why I Love This Recipe
This cookie has it all: buttery richness, nutty texture, and just enough spice. Toasting the pecans brings out their flavor, and the brown sugar adds chewiness and depth. A touch of cornstarch makes the centers extra soft, while the cinnamon rounds it all out with a warm, cozy flavor.
It’s also a no-fuss, no-mixer-required dough that chills fast and bakes even faster.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1½ cups pecans, roughly chopped (toasted, if desired)
- ½ cup toffee bits (optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Toffee Add-In: Highly recommended for extra crunch and flavor!
- Nut-Free Version: Swap pecans for white chocolate chips or skip entirely.
- Butter Tip: Make sure melted butter has cooled to avoid greasy dough.
- Brown Sugar Boost: Dark brown sugar = more molasses flavor and chew.
How to Make Butter Pecan Cookies
1. Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Cream until light and fluffy (1–2 minutes).
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
2. Add the Dry Ingredients
- Gradually stir in flour, cinnamon, cornstarch, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the dough.
3. Fold in the Mix-Ins
- Gently fold in chopped pecans and optional toffee bits until evenly distributed.
4. Chill the Dough
- Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30–45 minutes to make it easier to scoop and roll.
5. Scoop and Shape
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Scoop dough and roll into balls (about 1.5 tbsp each).
- Optional: roll each in granulated sugar for a crackly finish.
6. Bake
- Arrange on a parchment-lined baking tray, leaving space for spreading.
- Bake for 11–14 minutes, or until golden at the edges and soft in the center.
- If too puffy, press lightly with a spoon after baking.
7. Cool and Serve
- Let cookies cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a rack.
- Enjoy warm or at room temperature—either way, they’ll disappear fast!
Tips for Success
- Toast your pecans in a skillet or oven for 5–7 minutes before adding—totally worth it.
- Don’t skip chilling—it keeps the cookies from over-spreading.
- Bake a test cookie first to adjust timing and spacing.
- These cookies freeze beautifully both raw and baked.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These cookies are perfect on their own, but even better with:
- A mug of coffee or spiced chai
- A side of Big Family Banana Pudding for a Southern-inspired dessert spread
- Add to a cookie box with Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies and Easter Cookies
- Share alongside Copycat Neiman Marcus Cookies for a classic-meets-gourmet vibe
- Go nostalgic with Old-School No-Bake Cookies for a low-effort win
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Fridge: Chill unbaked dough balls for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze dough balls or baked cookies for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm baked cookies in a low oven or microwave for 10–15 seconds for that just-baked feel.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Love a good classic cookie? Try these next:
- Old-School No-Bake Cookies
- The Easter Cookies Everyone’s Talking About
- Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies
- Copycat Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Big Family Banana Pudding
Final Thoughts
These Butter Pecan Cookies strike the perfect balance between crispy edges, chewy centers, and nutty goodness. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want to treat yourself, these cookies are sure to become a repeat favorite.
Tried them? Tag @ChefManiac and show us your cookie batch! And follow for more sweet, nostalgic bakes that never go out of style.
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