Print

Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 638 reviews

These Butter Pecan Cookies are buttery, nutty, and delightfully soft with a caramel drizzle topping. The recipe features browned butter and toasted pecans which add depth of flavor and a rich aroma, making these cookies an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Butter and Nuts

  • 3 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter
  • 1⅔ cups chopped pecans
  • 1 cup salted sweet cream butter (for browning)
  • 42 pecan halves (garnish)

Dry Ingredients

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

Sugars and Flavorings

  • 1¼ cups dark brown sugar (tightly packed)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Other Ingredients

  • 2 extra-large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup caramel bits
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Coarse sanding sugar (optional garnish)
  • Coarse sea salt (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Toast Pecans: Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add 1⅔ cups chopped pecans and stir continuously for 1 to 1½ minutes until fully coated and fragrant. Transfer toasted pecans to the lined baking dish to cool.
  2. Brown the Butter: In a light-colored skillet, melt 1 cup butter over medium-high heat, stirring often. Watch closely as the butter foams, milk solids separate, and solids turn golden brown with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately and transfer to a heatproof bowl. Allow to cool completely to avoid burning.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and baking soda until evenly combined. Set aside.
  4. Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer, beat the cooled browned butter with dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth and fully incorporated.
  5. Add Eggs: Lower mixer speed to medium-low. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each to ensure smooth incorporation.
  6. Add Dry Ingredients: Add half of the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients at a time, mixing just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
  7. Incorporate Toasted Pecans: Fold in the toasted pecans gently until evenly distributed. Cover dough and chill in the refrigerator for 3 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture.
  8. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
  9. Shape and Bake Cookies: Using a 1½ tablespoon or 1 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion dough and roll into balls. Optionally, roll dough balls in coarse sanding sugar for sparkle. Place dough balls 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Press a pecan half lightly into the center of each ball. Bake larger cookies (1½ tbsp) for 9-10 minutes, smaller cookies (1 tbsp) for 7-8 minutes until edges turn light golden brown. Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 2-3 minutes after baking before transferring to a rack to cool completely.
  10. Prepare Caramel Drizzle: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine caramel bits with 1½ tablespoons water. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until caramel is smooth and fully melted. Drizzle caramel over cooled cookies and allow to harden before serving.

Notes

  • Use a light-colored skillet when browning butter to better monitor the color change and prevent burning.
  • Chilling dough for 3 hours or overnight improves the flavor and texture of the cookies.
  • Coarse sanding sugar adds a decorative sparkle and slight crunch when rolled on the dough balls before baking.
  • The caramel drizzle can be omitted or substituted with melted chocolate for variation.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: butter pecan cookies, browned butter cookies, pecan cookies, caramel drizzle cookies, nutty cookies, homemade cookies

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/butter-pecan-cookies-recipe/