Homemade Butter Pecan Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of butter with the crunch of toasted pecans. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies add warmth to holiday gatherings or can be enjoyed as a comforting snack. Their soft and chewy texture makes them irresistible, ensuring they will be a hit with family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, whipping up these cookies is a breeze.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery goodness and toasted pecans creates a flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Treat: These cookies are perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or just because. They fit right into any dessert table.
- Chewy Texture: Enjoy soft, chewy cookies that stay fresh for days, thanks to the unique recipe method.
- Customizable: Add optional toffee bits for an extra layer of sweetness and texture.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making these delicious butter pecan cookies, ensure you have the right tools on hand. Having the right equipment can make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cookie tray
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl provides ample space for combining ingredients without mess.
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugars together for a fluffy texture.
- Cookie tray: Essential for baking multiple cookies at once while ensuring even heat distribution.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and allows for easy cleanup after baking.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup Butter (Unsalted, Melted, Should be cooled so that it’s warm and not very hot)
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Brown sugar
- 2 Eggs (Large)
- 1.5 tsp Vanilla extract
- 2.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Cinnamon powder
- 1 tsp Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- 1/2 tsp Baking powder
- 1.5 cups Pecans (Roughly chopped, Unsalted, Preferably toasted)
- 1/2 cup Toffee bits (Optional)
How to Make Butter Pecan Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add in the two large eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add in all-purpose flour, cinnamon powder, cornstarch, baking soda, and baking powder. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
Step 4: Fold in Pecans and Toffee Bits
Gently fold in the chopped pecans and optional toffee bits until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes. This step makes it easier to handle when forming cookie balls.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out small portions of chilled dough. Roll each portion into balls using your hands. If desired, roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing on a cookie tray lined with parchment paper.
Step 7: Bake Them Perfectly
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Bake the cookies for about 11-14 minutes or until they are golden brown around the edges but still poofy in the center. As they cool, they will deflate slightly; if needed, press down gently with a spoon to achieve your desired shape.
Enjoy your homemade butter pecan cookies!
How to Serve Butter Pecan Cookies
Butter pecan cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to enhance their flavor or pair them with other foods, here are some serving suggestions.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic combination, the creaminess of milk balances the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
Warm with Ice Cream
- Serve warm cookies topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Drizzled with Chocolate
- Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over your butter pecan cookies for an extra touch of indulgence.
Paired with Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these cookies alongside your favorite coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon snack.
As Holiday Gifts
- Package them nicely in a decorative box to give as gifts during the holiday season.
How to Perfect Butter Pecan Cookies
To ensure your butter pecan cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use toasted pecans: Toasting enhances the flavor and crunchiness of the nuts, making your cookies even more delicious.
- Chill the dough: This helps improve the texture and makes it easier to handle when forming cookie balls.
- Don’t overmix: Mix the dough until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Watch your baking time: Keep an eye on the oven; remove them when they are golden brown on the edges but still soft in the center.
- Experiment with spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of flavor if desired.
- Store properly: Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Butter Pecan Cookies
Butter pecan cookies make a delightful dessert, but they can also be complemented by some tasty side dishes. Here’s a list of perfect pairings:
- Fruit Salad: Fresh fruits like berries or apples add brightness and balance out the sweetness.
- Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses can provide a savory contrast to the sweet cookies.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a healthy side that goes well with cookies.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate for an interactive dessert experience.
- Nutty Granola Bars: These bars can provide an additional crunchy texture alongside your soft cookies.
- Spiced Chai Latte: The warmth and spices in chai complement the flavors in butter pecan cookies beautifully.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over your cookie enhances its richness and adds another layer of flavor.
- Vanilla Custard: A smooth custard pairs well, offering creaminess that contrasts with the cookie’s texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Butter Pecan Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can ruin your batch. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the right texture. If you skip this step, your cookies may spread too much and lose their chewy quality.
Miscalculating baking time: Overbaking or underbaking can lead to dry or gooey cookies. Keep an eye on them in the oven and remove them when they are golden brown at the edges.
Using hot melted butter: If your melted butter is too hot, it can cook the eggs when mixed in. Allow it to cool until warm before combining it with other ingredients.
Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your cookies dense. Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy.
Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using cold eggs or butter can affect how well they incorporate. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Butter Pecan Cookies
- Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to three months. Label with the date for easy reference.
Reheating Butter Pecan Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat and warm each cookie for 1-3 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Butter Pecan Cookies that may help clarify any doubts:
What makes Butter Pecan Cookies chewy?
The combination of melted butter and cornstarch contributes to their soft and chewy texture by retaining moisture during baking.
Can I use different nuts in Butter Pecan Cookies?
Yes! Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds, depending on your preference while keeping the overall flavor profile intact.
How do I make my Butter Pecan Cookies more flavorful?
Adding spices like nutmeg or using dark brown sugar can enhance the flavor profile of your cookies, giving them an extra layer of richness.
Are Butter Pecan Cookies suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze wonderfully, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time during busy holidays or gatherings.
Final Thoughts
Butter Pecan Cookies are not just delicious; they offer a wonderful blend of flavors that evoke warmth and comfort. Their chewy texture combined with toasted pecans makes them ideal for any occasion, especially during festive seasons. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding chocolate chips or incorporating different spices to suit your taste!
Butter Pecan Cookies
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of homemade Butter Pecan Cookies. These delightful treats combine rich butter and toasted pecans to create a soft, chewy cookie that will be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or simply craving a sweet snack, this easy recipe ensures you can whip up a batch in no time. The buttery goodness, paired with the perfect crunch of pecans, makes these cookies an irresistible addition to your dessert table. Enjoy them alongside a glass of milk or warm with a scoop of ice cream for an extra special treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1.5 cups chopped toasted pecans
- 1/2 cup toffee bits (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
- Gradually incorporate flour, cinnamon, cornstarch, baking soda, and baking powder until just combined.
- Gently fold in chopped pecans and optional toffee bits.
- Chill dough in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes for easier handling.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop chilled dough into balls and place on a lined cookie tray.
- Bake for 11-14 minutes until golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
