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Soft Butter Pecan Cookies stacked on a rustic plate with toasted pecans and brown butter sheen.

Butter Pecan Cookies

Soft, chewy, and perfectly buttery — these Butter Pecan Cookies are filled with toasted pecans and brown butter flavor for the ultimate cozy dessert. Simple, elegant, and full of southern charm, they’re perfect for gifting, holiday trays, or late-night treats.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Course Cookies, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 165 kcal

Equipment

  • mixing bowls
  • Saucepan
  • Spatula
  • Whisk
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment paper

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
  • 1/3 cup toffee bits or chocolate chips optional

Instructions
 

  • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Swirl until golden brown and nutty in aroma. Remove from heat and cool for 10 minutes.
  • In a skillet, toast chopped pecans for 4–5 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk browned butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until glossy. Add egg and vanilla; whisk until smooth.
  • In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold into wet ingredients until just combined.
  • Fold in toasted pecans and optional toffee bits or chocolate chips.
  • Scoop 1½ tablespoon dough portions onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
  • Chill the dough for 20 minutes (optional for thicker cookies).
  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden and centers look soft.
  • Cool 5 minutes on tray before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm with Pumpkin Spice Milk or coffee.

Notes

✔️ Browning the butter adds deep caramel flavor — don’t skip it!
✔️ Toasting the pecans enhances nuttiness.
✔️ For extra chewy cookies, slightly underbake.
✔️ Add toffee bits for a Crunchy Pecan Toffee Cookie twist.
✔️ Serve alongside Apple Crumble or Autumn Harvest Salad for a perfect cozy meal.
Keyword Baking Recipes Cookies, Butter Pecan Cookies, Crunchy Pecan Toffee Cookies, Great American Cookie Company Chewy Pecan Cookies, Pecan Desserts