Soft & Chewy Butter Pecan Cookies – Easy Homemade Recipe

There’s something magical about a warm, chewy cookie straight from the oven. And when that cookie is packed with buttery richness, toasted pecans, and just the right amount of sweetness, it becomes an irresistible treat. Butter pecan cookies are the perfect balance of soft and crispy, making them an excellent choice for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, hosting a cozy gathering, or simply craving a homemade treat, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

These Butter pecan cookies have everything you could ask for—deep caramel flavors from brown sugar, a hint of cinnamon for warmth, and the crunch of toasted pecans. The addition of cornstarch ensures a soft texture, while melted butter gives them a rich, chewy bite. And if you love a little extra indulgence, tossing in some toffee bits takes them to the next level.

For me, butter pecan cookies bring back memories of baking with family during the holidays. The kitchen filled with the scent of warm butter and toasted pecans, the anticipation of that first bite—it’s a tradition that never gets old. They’re easy to make, require simple pantry ingredients, and always turn out beautifully. Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, this recipe is foolproof with a few simple tips.

If you love classic butter pecan ice cream, you’re in for a treat. These cookies capture the same buttery, nutty goodness in every bite. So, grab your mixing bowl, preheat your oven, and let’s make some irresistible cookies that will disappear faster than you can bake them.

Why You’ll Love This Butter pecan cookies

Buttery, Nutty, and Absolutely Delicious

The combination of melted butter and toasted pecans gives these cookies an incredibly rich and nutty flavor. Each bite has the perfect balance of chewiness and crunch, making them a delightful treat for any time of the year.

Easy to Make with Simple Ingredients

You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Everything you need is likely already in your pantry. This means you can whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These cookies are a hit at holiday parties, bake sales, or even as a homemade gift. They’re great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy evening with a cup of tea or coffee.

Customizable to Suit Your Taste

While they’re perfect as-is, you can easily add chocolate chips, caramel bits, or even a touch of maple extract for a unique twist. If you love experimenting in the kitchen, this recipe gives you plenty of options.

Stays Fresh for Days

Thanks to the high butter content and brown sugar, these cookies stay soft and chewy for days. If you want to enjoy them later, they also freeze beautifully, so you can always have a batch ready to go.

Health Benefits

A Good Source of Healthy Fats

Pecans are packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which help reduce bad cholesterol levels and support overall heart health. When consumed in moderation, they make for a nutritious addition to your diet.

Rich in Antioxidants

Pecans are high in antioxidants, which help protect your body from oxidative stress and inflammation. This makes them a great ingredient to incorporate into your baking, adding both flavor and health benefits.

Provides Energy and Satiety

The combination of butter, pecans, and eggs provides a good balance of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. These cookies offer a quick source of energy, making them a great option for an afternoon snack.

Contains Essential Nutrients

Pecans are rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc. These nutrients support brain function, immune health, and skin vitality. While cookies should be enjoyed in moderation, it’s nice to know they have some nutritional perks.

Homemade = Fewer Preservatives

When you bake cookies from scratch, you have complete control over the ingredients. Unlike store-bought cookies that often contain artificial flavors and preservatives, homemade versions allow you to enjoy a fresher, more natural treat.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Time

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 30-45 minutes
• Baking Time: 11-14 minutes
• Cooling Time: 10 minutes

Servings

• Makes about 24 cookies

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

• Calories: 180
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 2g
• Fats: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Sugar: 12g
• Fiber: 1g

Ingredients List

• 1 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark, packed)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 ½ cups toasted pecans (roughly chopped)
• ½ cup toffee bits (optional)

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Toast the Pecans
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Spread the pecans evenly on a baking sheet and toast for about 7-8 minutes.
   • Remove from the oven and let them cool before chopping them into smaller pieces.
2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
   • Add in the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
   • Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, cornstarch, baking soda, and baking powder.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
   • Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
5. Fold in the Pecans and Toffee Bits
   • Gently fold in the chopped toasted pecans and toffee bits, ensuring even distribution.
6. Chill the Dough
   • Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30-45 minutes.
   • Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
7. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Form the Cookies
   • Scoop out about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough and roll into balls.
   • Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake the Cookies
   • Bake for 11-14 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly soft.
10. Cool and Enjoy

• • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

How to Serve

Classic Ways to Enjoy These Butter pecan cookies

• Serve warm with a glass of milk.
• Crumble over vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
• Pack them for lunchbox treats or afternoon snacks.
• Pair them with coffee or tea for a cozy break.

Pairing Suggestions

• Beverages: Enjoy with hot chocolate, chai tea, or an iced latte.
• Desserts: Serve alongside brownies, fruit tarts, or chocolate mousse.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cookie dough balls for up to a month.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Dough

One of the most common baking mistakes is overmixing the dough. When you mix too much, you overdevelop the gluten in the flour, which results in dense, tough cookies instead of soft, chewy ones. To avoid this, mix the wet and dry ingredients just until they are combined. A few streaks of flour in the dough are okay—they will disappear when you fold in the pecans and toffee bits.

Skipping the Chilling Step

Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing cookies from spreading too much in the oven. If you skip this step, your cookies may turn out flat and thin instead of thick and chewy. Chilling the dough for at least 30-45 minutes allows the butter to solidify, which helps the cookies maintain their shape as they bake.

Using Cold Butter Instead of Melted Butter

The secret to achieving a chewy texture in these cookies is using melted butter. If you use cold or softened butter, the ingredients won’t combine properly, and the cookies will have a different texture. Melt the butter and let it cool slightly before mixing it with the sugars to get the best results.

Not Toasting the Pecans

Toasting pecans enhances their nutty flavor and gives them a crisp texture, making the cookies even more delicious. If you use raw pecans, they won’t have the same depth of flavor. To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 7-8 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Overbaking the Cookies

It’s easy to assume that cookies need to be fully set in the oven, but they continue to bake from residual heat after being removed. If you wait until they look completely firm before taking them out, they will turn out dry and hard. Instead, remove them when the edges are golden brown, and the centers still look slightly underbaked. They will firm up as they cool.

Using Expired Baking Soda or Baking Powder

Leavening agents like baking soda and baking powder lose their effectiveness over time. If they are expired, your cookies may not rise properly, resulting in flat and dense cookies. Always check the expiration date before baking. If you’re unsure, test your baking soda by adding a little vinegar—if it bubbles, it’s still active.

Measuring Flour Incorrectly

Using too much or too little flour can completely change the texture of your cookies. Always use the spoon-and-level method—spoon the flour into a measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag. Scooping can pack too much flour into the cup, making the dough too dry.

Ignoring the Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat

Baking cookies directly on a greased baking sheet can cause them to spread too much. Instead, always use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. These surfaces provide a better grip, keeping the cookies from overspreading while ensuring even baking.

Pro Tips

Use Both Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar

Brown sugar contains molasses, which adds moisture and chewiness to the cookies, while granulated sugar helps with crisp edges. Using a combination of both sugars creates the perfect balance between soft and slightly crispy textures.

Let the Butter Cool Slightly

Since this recipe calls for melted butter, it’s important to let it cool for a few minutes before mixing it with the sugars. If the butter is too hot, it can scramble the eggs, affecting the consistency of the dough. A few minutes of cooling prevents this and ensures a smooth, well-incorporated dough.

Don’t Skip the Cornstarch

Cornstarch is a secret ingredient that makes these cookies extra soft and tender. Even though it’s only a small amount, it plays a big role in the final texture. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute it with an extra teaspoon of flour, but the cookies may not be as soft.

Chill the Dough for Thicker Butter pecan cookies

For thick, bakery-style cookies, always chill the dough before baking. This helps prevent excessive spreading and allows the flavors to meld together for a richer taste. If you’re short on time, you can scoop the dough into balls and freeze them for 15 minutes instead.

Use a Cookie Scoop for Evenly Sized Cookies

A cookie scoop ensures that all your cookies are the same size, which helps them bake evenly. If you don’t have a scoop, use a tablespoon to measure out the dough, and roll it into balls with your hands.

Bake One Sheet at a Time

If you want perfectly baked cookies, avoid crowding the oven with multiple trays. Baking one sheet at a time ensures even air circulation, leading to consistent baking. If you need to bake multiple batches, rotate the trays halfway through to avoid uneven browning.

Let the Cookies Rest on the Baking Sheet

Cookies continue to bake from residual heat after being removed from the oven. Let them sit on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up without overbaking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these Butter pecan cookies without toffee bits?

Absolutely! The toffee bits add extra sweetness and crunch, but the cookies will still taste amazing without them. If you want to replace them, try adding white chocolate chips, caramel bits, or even extra pecans.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half. This prevents the cookies from becoming overly salty.

How can I make these cookies extra soft and chewy?

To achieve maximum softness and chewiness, be sure to use brown sugar, add cornstarch, and avoid overbaking. Chilling the dough also helps maintain a thick and chewy texture.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes! To freeze the dough, scoop it into individual cookie dough balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, place them on a lined baking sheet and bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.

Why did my cookies turn out too flat?

If your cookies spread too much, it could be because the butter was too warm, you skipped chilling the dough, or you didn’t use enough flour. Make sure to measure your flour correctly and always chill the dough before baking.

Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?

Yes! Chocolate chips pair beautifully with the nutty, buttery flavors of these cookies. You can add semi-sweet, dark, or even white chocolate chips for a delicious twist.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Butter pecan cookies are the ultimate combination of buttery richness, nutty crunch, and chewy sweetness. They’re easy to make, packed with warm flavors, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, sharing them with friends, or treating yourself to a cozy snack, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit.

By following this recipe and avoiding common baking mistakes, you’ll achieve bakery-style cookies that are thick, soft, and full of flavor. Toasting the pecans, chilling the dough, and using a mix of brown and granulated sugar all contribute to the perfect cookie texture.

Now that you have all the tips and tricks to make these delicious cookies, it’s time to get baking! I’d love to hear how they turn out for you. If you make this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts. Did you add any fun twists like chocolate chips or caramel? Share your experience, and if you take a picture of your cookies, tag me on social media so I can see your creations.

Happy baking, and enjoy every buttery, nutty, chewy bite!

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