Butter Pecan Cookies

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Butter Pecan Cookies

These Butter Pecan Cookies are irresistibly rich, buttery, and packed with toasted pecans for the perfect balance of crunch and chewiness. The magic ingredient? Browned butter, which adds a deep, nutty caramel flavor that takes these cookies to the next level. Whether enjoyed on their own, drizzled with glaze, or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Browned Butter Magic – Creates a deep, nutty, caramelized flavor.
  • Perfectly Textured – Soft and chewy in the center with crisp, golden edges.
  • Nutty Crunch – Toasted pecans add texture and enhance the buttery goodness.
  • Simple Ingredients – Uses pantry staples for an easy yet impressive treat.
  • Versatile – Enjoy plain, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, or add chocolate chips for variety.

Ingredients

For the Cookies (Makes 20–24 cookies)

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (for browning)
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped

Optional Topping

  • Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling before baking)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Butter

  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  2. Stir frequently as the butter foams, then subsides, turning golden brown with a nutty aroma (about 5–7 minutes).
  3. Pour the browned butter into a heatproof bowl and let it cool slightly while preparing the other ingredients.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
  2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined—do not overmix.

Step 4: Fold in the Pecans

  1. Gently fold in the toasted pecans using a spatula.
  2. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

  1. Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  2. Chilling helps enhance the flavors and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  3. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
  4. If desired, sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of flaky sea salt before baking.
  5. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
  6. The cookies will firm up as they cool.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

  1. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  2. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Browned Butter – Adds a rich, caramelized depth of flavor.
  • Toasted Pecans – Enhances the nuttiness and provides a satisfying crunch.
  • Chilling the Dough – Ensures the perfect chewy texture and prevents excessive spreading.

Variations to Try

  • Chocolate Twist – Stir in semi-sweet or white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
  • Gluten-Free Option – Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Warm Spice Addition – Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra depth.
  • Extra Nutty – Increase the pecans to 1½ cups for more crunch.
  • Drizzle with Glaze – Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create a sweet drizzle over cooled cookies.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cookies

  • Toast the Pecans – Spread them on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool before chopping.
  • Don’t Skip Chilling – This prevents spreading and enhances the flavors.
  • Storage – Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Serving Suggestions

  • Classic Treat – Enjoy with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee.
  • Gourmet Dessert – Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
  • Party Platter – Arrange cookies with brownies, cupcakes, or fruit tarts for a stunning dessert spread.

These Butter Pecan Cookies are a true celebration of rich, nutty flavors and buttery goodness. With their soft, chewy texture and irresistible crunch, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy pecan cookies? Let us know in the comments!

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