Butter Pecan Cookies

Introduction

Butter Pecan Cookies are a delicious treat that everyone loves! With their rich butter flavor and crunchy pecans, they are the perfect addition to any dessert table. Baking these cookies is simple and fun, making them a great option for a cozy family night or a weekend get-together.

Why Make This Recipe

You should try making Butter Pecan Cookies because they are easy to prepare and taste amazing! Their sweet, buttery flavor mixed with crunchy pecans is hard to resist. Plus, they fill your home with a wonderful aroma while baking. These cookies are great for sharing with friends and family, and they are sure to become a favorite!

How to Make Butter Pecan Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup pecans, chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Butter Pecan Cookies

These cookies are perfect on their own, but you can enjoy them warm with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a delightful dessert after dinner or a sweet snack during the day.

How to Store Butter Pecan Cookies

To keep your Butter Pecan Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay tasty for about a week. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before freezing!

Tips to Make Butter Pecan Cookies

Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Don’t overmix the dough; mix until just combined for soft and chewy cookies.
If you love extra crunch, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the dough.

Variation

You can add chocolate chips or substitute walnuts for pecans if you want a different flavor. Another fun twist is to sprinkle sea salt on top before baking for a sweet and salty combination!

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.

2. Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop out the dough balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag.

3. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden. They will continue to firm up as they cool!