Easy Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

Let me take you back to a chilly afternoon where the house smells like browned butter and toasted pecans. I had a batch of these Easy Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe cooling on the counter, and let me tell you—within minutes, the kitchen was filled with curious noses and eager hands. One bite in, and it was clear: this is the cookie.

Soft in the center with crisp, golden edges. Buttery and rich, with the deep nutty flavor of toasted pecans. They’re the kind of cookie that disappears before the tray’s even cool. And yes—these are the ones everyone asks for during the holidays (or frankly, any day).

Why You’ll Love These Easy Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

These cookies strike the perfect balance:

Browned butter gives them a deep, caramel-like richness.
Toasted pecans bring crunch and warmth.
They’re sweet, but not too sweet—just enough to keep you reaching for one more.

Whether you’re curled up with a hot drink or need something special for your cookie swap, these Butter Pecan Cookies are your new go-to.

The Three Magic Moves 🧈

Making these beauties is as simple as it is satisfying. Here’s the flow:

Brown the Butter – for that nutty, rich flavor base.
Toast the Pecans – because flavor is everything.
Mix, Scoop, Bake – and try not to eat the dough (but no promises, right?).

Browned Butter = Game Changer 🔥

Let’s talk about browned butter. It’s regular butter’s fancy cousin—nutty, rich, and aromatic. Just melt unsalted butter on the stove, let it bubble and brown, and that’s it. Your cookies will have the most divine depth of flavor, like toffee meets toasted nuts.

Pro Tip:
Let the browned butter cool a bit before mixing into the dough, or your eggs might scramble. We want warm, not hot!

Toasted Pecans for the Win 🌰

This recipe toasts the pecans before they go into the dough, and trust me—it makes all the difference. Toasting brings out their natural oils and gives them a warm, roasty depth that pairs perfectly with the brown sugar and butter.

Chop them coarsely so you get that satisfying crunch in every bite.

How to Make Butter Pecan Cookies 🍪

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 cup chopped pecans
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Brown the Butter
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until it foams and turns golden brown, with a nutty aroma (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool for 15 minutes.

2. Toast the Pecans
While the butter cools, toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Let cool.

3. Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

4. Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the cooled browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until just combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet, stirring until just combined. Fold in the toasted pecans.

5. Chill (Optional)
For thicker cookies, chill dough for 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours).

6. Bake
Scoop dough into balls (about 2 tablespoons each) and place on prepared baking sheets, leaving space to spread. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers are set but soft.

7. Cool & Serve
Let cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temp—and watch them vanish.

Cozy Cookie Tips ❤️

Chilling the dough helps control spread and enhances flavor.
Don’t overbake! The centers should look slightly underdone; they’ll firm up as they cool.
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days (if they last that long).

A Cookie for Every Season 🍂

These cookies were made for fall and winter, but let’s be real—once you taste them, you’ll find excuses to bake them year-round. Think of them as the cookie version of your favorite wool sweater: comforting, reliable, and always in style.

Final Thoughts 📝

If you’ve never browned butter before, consider this your delicious introduction. These Butter Pecan Cookies are simple, special, and absolutely unforgettable. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a quiet evening in, they’re bound to be the highlight of your day.