Soft & Chewy Butter Pecan Cookies – A Classic Cookie Done Right

Few cookies feel as nostalgic and comforting as a soft and chewy butter pecan cookie. Rich, buttery dough, toasted pecans in every bite, and that perfectly tender center make these cookies a timeless favorite. They’re simple, familiar, and deeply satisfying—the kind of cookie that reminds you of cozy kitchens, handwritten recipes, and warm ovens humming in the background.

Butter pecan flavor is often associated with ice cream, but it translates beautifully into cookies. The key lies in quality butter and lightly toasted pecans. Toasting the pecans brings out their natural oils and enhances their nutty sweetness, adding depth and warmth to the cookie dough. Combined with brown sugar and vanilla, the flavor is rich without being heavy.

These cookies strike that ideal balance between soft centers and lightly crisp edges. They’re not cakey, not crunchy—just perfectly chewy. The dough is easy to work with and forgiving, making this recipe great for both beginner and experienced bakers. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a cookie exchange, or just because, butter pecan cookies always feel like a thoughtful, homemade treat.

Another reason these cookies are so beloved is their versatility. They’re elegant enough to serve on a dessert platter yet casual enough to enjoy straight from the cookie jar. Pair them with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk, and you have a moment worth savoring.

Once you make a batch of these soft and chewy butter pecan cookies, they’re likely to become a regular in your baking rotation. They’re classic, comforting, and endlessly crave-worthy.

Ingredients:

• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Pecans, chopped and lightly toasted

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
6. Fold in the toasted pecans evenly throughout the dough.
7. Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies evenly apart.
8. Bake until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still soft.
9. Let cookies cool briefly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Tricks:

• Toast pecans lightly for maximum flavor, but let them cool before adding to the dough.
• Use room-temperature butter for proper creaming.
• Do not overbake—cookies will firm up as they cool.
• Chill the dough briefly if it feels too soft.

Variations:

• Brown Butter Pecan Cookies: Brown the butter for a deeper, nutty flavor.
• Chocolate Chip Butter Pecan: Add a handful of chocolate chips.
• Maple Butter Pecan: Replace some sugar with maple syrup.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with coffee or tea.
• Add to holiday cookie trays.
• Sandwich vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a decadent treat.

Storage Information:
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Cookie dough can be frozen for up to 2 months and baked as needed.

FAQ:
Why are my cookies flat?
Butter that’s too warm or not enough flour can cause spreading.

Can I use salted butter?
Yes, just reduce the added salt slightly.

Do I have to toast the pecans?
You don’t have to, but toasting adds much better flavor.

History / Fun Facts:
Butter pecan flavor has roots in Southern cuisine, where pecans are widely used in baking. Its popularity grew through desserts and ice cream, eventually inspiring cookies that highlight the same rich, nutty, buttery profile people love.