Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe
These Butter Pecan Cookies are soft, buttery, and loaded with toasted pecans and a hint of cinnamon. The addition of toffee bits adds delightful sweetness and crunch. With perfectly golden edges and a delicate center that slightly deflates as they cool, these cookies are a nostalgic treat perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Mila
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 30 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled (warm, not hot)
- 2 large eggs
- 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
Add-ins
- 1.5 cups pecans, roughly chopped, unsalted, preferably toasted
- 1/2 cup toffee bits (optional)
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps to incorporate air and create a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and homogeneous, ensuring even flavor distribution.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, cinnamon powder, cornstarch, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add this to the wet mixture and mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Add Pecans and Toffee Bits: Gently fold in the toasted pecans and optional toffee bits, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Chill Dough: Cover and refrigerate the dough for 30 to 45 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies maintain shape during baking.
- Form Cookie Balls: Scoop small portions of the chilled dough and roll into balls. The dough may be crumbly at first, but the warmth of your hands will help bind it together smoothly.
- Optional Sugar Roll: If desired, roll each cookie dough ball in granulated sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and a slight crunch on the exterior.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the cookie balls on a parchment-lined cookie tray, spacing evenly to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 11 to 14 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the centers are puffed. The cookies will deflate slightly as they cool; if preferred, gently press them down with the back of a spoon.
Notes
- Make sure the melted butter is warm but not hot to prevent cooking the eggs when mixing.
- Chilling the dough is crucial for handling and forming the cookies properly.
- Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor but can be omitted if using pre-toasted nuts.
- Toffee bits are optional but add a lovely sweetness and texture contrast.
- If you prefer crisper cookies, bake them a minute or two longer, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Keywords: Butter Pecan Cookies, soft cookies, pecan cookies, homemade cookies, toffee cookies, cinnamon cookies, holiday cookies