Discover the ultimate Buttery Pecan Cookies recipe, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. This straightforward recipe is your key to achieving melt-in-your-mouth, nutty goodness that will have everyone asking for more.
Key Ingredients for Buttery Pecan Cookies
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans, lightly toasted
How to Make Buttery Pecan Cookies
Prepare to be amazed by how incredibly easy it is to whip up these Buttery Pecan Cookies. In under 30 minutes of prep time, you’ll create a batch of perfectly tender, flavor-packed cookies that boast a delightful crunch from toasted pecans and an irresistible buttery base. These cookies are a testament to simple ingredients transforming into pure deliciousness, making them an ideal treat for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. The rich, nutty aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake is just the beginning of the satisfaction.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which leads to tender cookies. Beat for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the vanilla extract and salt until well combined. These flavor enhancers will distribute evenly throughout the cookie dough.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough at this stage, as it can result in tough cookies. Mix until no streaks of dry flour remain.
- Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the lightly toasted chopped pecans by hand. You want a nice distribution of nuts without breaking them down too much. Ensure they are evenly dispersed for that signature pecan flavor in every bite.
- Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): For easier handling and to prevent excessive spreading, cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is particularly helpful on warmer days or if your butter was very soft.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- Shape the Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. You can also roll the dough into balls if you prefer a more uniform shape.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set but still appear slightly soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
- Cool: Let the Buttery Pecan Cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set properly and prevents them from breaking.
Why You’ll Love This Buttery Pecan Cookies
You’re going to adore these Buttery Pecan Cookies because they offer the perfect balance of rich, nutty flavor and tender, buttery texture that melts in your mouth. Unlike more elaborate cookie recipes, these are wonderfully straightforward to make, proving that gourmet taste doesn’t require complex steps, saving you precious time and money compared to store-bought treats. The star here is undoubtedly the generous addition of toasted pecans, providing a delightful crunch and deep, roasted flavor that elevates this cookie to a truly special niveau.
These cookies are a delightful alternative to more common chocolate chip or sugar cookies, delivering a sophisticated yet comforting taste that’s perfect for afternoon tea, holiday platters, or just a cozy evening at home. The simple addition of butter and pecans creates a flavor profile that’s both classic and irresistible. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and experience the simple joy of baking these incredible Buttery Pecan Cookies – your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Properly storing your Buttery Pecan Cookies will ensure they stay delicious for days. Once completely cooled, airtight containers are your best friend. You can store them at room temperature for up to 5 days. To extend their freshness even further, consider freezing them. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cookies will retain their quality for up to 3 months.
To reheat, if desired, you can gently warm individual cookies in a toaster oven or a low-heat oven for a few minutes until they are slightly warmed and their buttery aroma is revived. For thawing frozen cookies, simply remove them from the freezer and let them come to room temperature in their airtight container.
Final Thoughts
These Buttery Pecan Cookies are a testament to the magic of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Give this recipe a try; you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again for a guaranteed moment of sweet, nutty bliss.
Buttery Pecan Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat for about 2-3 minutes.1 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- Beat in the vanilla extract and salt until well combined.1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Mix until no streaks of dry flour remain.2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- Gently fold in the lightly toasted chopped pecans by hand.1 cup chopped pecans, lightly toasted
- For easier handling and to prevent excessive spreading, cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. You can also roll the dough into balls if you prefer a more uniform shape.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set but still appear slightly soft.
- Let the Buttery Pecan Cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.