Butter Pecan Cookies: A Cozy Fall Delight
As the leaves begin to shift into warm hues of red and gold, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a batch of freshly baked cookies that whisper comfort and nostalgia. Butter Pecan Cookies are not just any dessert; they’re a slice of my childhood. Growing up, my grandmother would often spend weekends baking these delightful treats, filling the air with an irresistible, nutty aroma that inextricably linked to cozy family gatherings. Each bite of these cookies is like a warm hug—perfectly golden, tender, and bursting with rich, creamy flavor.
These cookies make for an easy fall dessert that you will love to share. Whether you’re hosting friends or just cozying up with a cup of tea, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple – This easy recipe comes together in no time, letting you spend more moments in cozy conversation and less in the kitchen.
- Crowd-Pleasing – The rich, buttery flavor and toasted pecans will impress anyone who has a sweet tooth.
- Perfect for Holidays – These cookies make a lovely addition to your holiday dessert spread, embodying warmth and joy.
- Family-Friendly – Baking together is a wonderful way to create lasting memories with loved ones, and these cookies are perfect for all ages.
- Versatile – They’re great on their own, but you can customize them for your taste—more on that in a minute!
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your Butter Pecan Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup toasted pecans
Let’s Make It Together
Are you ready to fill your kitchen with the delightful scent of baked cookies? Here are the easy steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Let it cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and the browned butter. Mix well until creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, stirring until fully combined and smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in the toasted pecans, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully golden and the centers are still slightly soft.
- Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Delicious Variations to Try
While Butter Pecan Cookies are perfect as they are, here are a few fun ways to customize your treats:
- Chocolate Chip Delight – Add in a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for an indulgent, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the buttery notes.
- Zesty Orange – Incorporate the zest of one orange for a refreshing twist that brightens the cookie’s flavors.
- Maple Pecan – Substitute half of the brown sugar with maple syrup for a deeper, caramel-like taste.
- Spiced Version – Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the warmth of these cookies, making them even cozier!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make Ahead – You can prepare the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. This makes it super convenient for last-minute baking!
- Toast Your Pecans – To really enhance the flavor, toast your pecans in a skillet or oven until fragrant—about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Storage – Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, ensuring they stay fresh and tasty.
- Freezing Option – If you want to save some cookies for later, freeze them! Just place the cooled cookies in a zip-top bag for up to three months.
Nutrition Information per Serving
Here’s what’s inside each lovely Butter Pecan Cookie (approximate values based on a serving size of 1 cookie):
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead? Yes! You can prepare the dough a few days in advance and bake them fresh when you need them.
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or add in chocolate chips.
- How do I store leftovers? Keep any uneaten cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
- How long does it last? These cookies will stay fresh for about a week, or you can freeze them for longer storage.
Wrapping It Up
These Butter Pecan Cookies embody the essence of cozy gatherings and sprinkle a little joy into every bite. Their perfect blend of buttery goodness and nutty crunch makes them an ideal treat for any occasion, be it a casual family dinner or a festive holiday gathering. I hope you find comfort in baking these cookies as much as I do!
Save this Butter Pecan Cookies recipe to your favorite Dessert board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy baking, my friends!
Print
Butter Pecan Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cookies with a rich, buttery flavor and toasted pecans, perfect for cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup toasted pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Let it cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and the browned butter. Mix well until creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, stirring until fully combined and smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in the toasted pecans, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully golden and the centers are still slightly soft.
- Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Notes
Make ahead by chilling the dough for up to 3 days. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: butter pecan cookies, fall dessert, cozy treat, baking, cookies