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Make these butter pecan cookies with crispy edges and a soft inside. A rich, nutty flavor and buttery taste make them the perfect sweet treat.

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If you love butter pecan’s warm, nutty flavor, these butter pecan cookies will be your new favorite treat! With crispy edges, a soft inside, and a rich, buttery taste, these cookies are perfect for parties, after-school snacks, or when craving something sweet. They come together quickly, require no chilling, and store well in an airtight container.

Are you ready? Let’s bake up a batch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – No chilling required, so you can bake right away!
• Perfect Texture – Crisp edges with a soft, pillowy inside.
• Rich and Buttery Flavor – Made with unsalted butter, white sugar, and vanilla extract for a classic taste.
• Nutty and Delicious – Chopped pecans add just the right amount of crunch without overpowering the cookies.
• Great for Any Occasion – These cookies are perfect for holiday baking, school lunches, or pairing with a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Ingredients Needed

Gather these simple pantry staples before getting started:

• ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 ¼ cups chopped pecans

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Chop the pecans in a food processor using the pulse function until finely chopped. Be careful not to overprocess, or they will turn into pecan butter.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

Cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the sweetness.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In the same bowl, mix in the flour and baking powder until fully incorporated. The dry ingredients should be well blended, creating a thick cookie dough.

Add the Pecans

Fold in the chopped pecans to distribute them evenly throughout the cookie dough.

Scoop and Bake

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the dough into cookie dough balls and place them on the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them apart. Bake for 12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

 Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Butter Pecan Cookies

• Use Room Temperature Butter – This ensures the best texture in the cookie dough.
• Do Not Overmix the Dough – Overmixing can make the cookies too dense instead of soft and chewy.
• Keep Extra Dough Chilled – Store the remaining dough in the fridge between batches if baking in large batches.

• Finely Chop the Pecans – This gives the cookies an even texture and allows the nutty flavor to blend well.
• Try Toasting the Pecans – Lightly toast the pecans on medium heat in a dry pan for extra flavor.
• Store Cookies Properly – Keep them in an airtight container to maintain their soft, chewy texture.

Variations & Add-Ins

• Add Toffee Bits – Enhance the buttery flavor with some crunchy toffee pieces.
• Use Dark Brown Sugar – Swap out the white sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
• Drizzle with Caramel – Add a drizzle of caramel on top for a sweeter treat.
• Pair with Ice Cream – These cookies go perfectly with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Other Easy Cookie Recipes You’ll Enjoy:

• The Best Chocolate Chip Cowboy Cookie Recipe
• Quick Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies (Valentine’s Day Treat)
• Classic Gingerbread Cookie Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Do These Cookies Need to Chill Before Baking?

No, there’s no need to chill the dough before baking, but keeping the extra dough chilled between batches can help maintain consistency.

Can I Use Pre-Chopped Pecans?

Yes, store-bought chopped pecans work fine, but using a food processor allows for a more finely chopped texture.

How Should I Store These Cookies?

Store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.

Can I Use Salted Butter Instead of Unsalted?

Yes, but it will slightly alter the flavor. Reduce added salt if using salted butter.

These butter pecan cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves chewy cookies with a nutty flavor and buttery taste. Their crispy edges and soft inside make them a standout cookie for any occasion, from casual snacking to holiday baking! 

Whether making a quick batch for family or bringing them to a gathering, this recipe is an easy, crowd-pleasing favorite.

Give them a try, and let me know in the comments how they turned out!

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