These easy, homemade Butter Pecan Cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with toasted pecans and toffee bits. Perfect for cozy fall days, Thanksgiving, or Christmas gatherings, these cookies bring warmth and nutty sweetness to every bite.
If you love all things fall, this recipe pairs beautifully with other seasonal favorites like Leaf Cookies, Cinnamon Cookies, or Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.
Ingredients
- Butter
- Sugar (granulated & brown)
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Flour
- Cornstarch
- Baking soda
- Toasted pecans
- Toffee bits
How to Make Butter Pecan Cookies
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix until smooth.
- Prepare Dry Mixture: Combine flour, cornstarch, and baking soda.
- Mix Wet & Dry Ingredients: Stir until combined.
- Add Pecans & Toffee Bits: Mix until evenly distributed.
- Chill Dough: Refrigerate for 30–45 minutes.
- Shape Cookies: Form dough into balls and place on a cookie sheet.
- Bake: Bake until golden brown and edges are firm.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Up to 3 days in a cookie jar.
- Refrigerator: Up to 5 days in a sealed container.
- Freezer: Dough can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge. Avoid freezing baked cookies, as nuts lose crunch.
Recipe Variations
- Pecan Shortbread Cookies: Fold finely chopped pecans into shortbread dough.
- Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies: Add semi-sweet, dark, or white chocolate chips.
- Pecan Snowball Cookies: Substitute walnuts with pecans in Snowball Cookies.
- Add Coconut: Stir in ½ cup toasted shredded coconut.
- Add Oats: Replace ⅓ cup flour with quick-cooking oats for a chewier texture.
- Add Toffee or Butterscotch Chips: Enhances nutty flavor.
- Use Browned Butter: Adds depth, nutty aroma, and golden color.
- Stuff with Caramel: For a gooey surprise in each bite.
- Add Bourbon: Mix 2 tablespoons into the dough.
- Cookie Bars: Spread dough in a pan, bake, and cut into bars after cooling.
Tips & Techniques
- Cornstarch for Softness: Softens flour proteins for tender cookies.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures smooth, even blending.
- Chill Dough: Prevents spreading and helps cookies hold shape.
- Use Unsalted Butter & Pecans: Keeps sweetness balanced.
- Toast Pecans: Enhances flavor.
- Avoid Oil Substitutes: Butter creates the ideal texture.
- Use Both Sugars: Brown sugar adds chewiness, granulated sugar adds structure.
More Pecan Desserts
- Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns
- Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
- Easy Pecan Pie
These soft, chewy butter pecan cookies are perfect for fall baking, holiday parties, or just a sweet treat for yourself!
Soft & Chewy Butter Pecan Cookies
4
servings10
minutes15
minutesThese easy, soft, and chewy butter pecan cookies are packed with toasted pecans and a hint of cinnamon, perfect for holiday gatherings or any cozy day at home. With simple ingredients and a quick prep, they’re ideal for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or just a sweet treat anytime!
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
½ cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1½ tsp vanilla extract
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp cinnamon powder
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
1½ cups pecans, roughly chopped and toasted
½ cup toffee bits (optional)
Directions
- Cream the Butter & Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Mix in eggs and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add flour, cinnamon, cornstarch, baking soda, and baking powder. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in Pecans & Toffee: Stir in chopped pecans and toffee bits until evenly distributed.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate for 30–45 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop small portions of dough and roll into balls. The chilled dough may feel crumbly, but the warmth of your hands will help shape the cookies. Optional: Roll each ball in granulated sugar for extra sweetness.
- Bake: Place cookies on a parchment-lined tray and bake at 350°F for 11–14 minutes, until edges are firm and golden. The centers may appear “poofy” and will deflate slightly as they cool. If desired, gently press with the back of a spoon for an even top.
- Cool & Enjoy: Allow cookies to cool slightly before serving.
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