Description
Easy Butter Pecan Cookies
Ingredients :
1 cup butter, melted and slightly warm
½ cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1½ tsp vanilla extract
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp cinnamon powder
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
1½ cups pecans, roughly chopped
Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fully incorporated.
Gradually add flour, cinnamon, cornstarch, baking soda, and baking powder. Stir until just combined.
Fold in chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Chill the dough for 30-45 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to handle.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Scoop small portions of dough, roll into balls, and place them on the prepared tray. Dough may seem crumbly, but the warmth of your hands will help it come together.
Bake for 11-14 minutes, or until cookies are golden around the edges and slightly puffy in the center. They will deflate as they cool.
Prep Time: 20 mins (plus chilling)
Kcal: 180 per cookie | Servings: 24
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect cookies every time. First, ensure your melted butter is just warm to the touch, not hot, to properly cream with the sugars. Use a hand or stand mixer on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy. When adding the dry ingredients, mix on low speed just until no white streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough cookies. For the chilling step, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. This step is non-negotiable as it solidifies the butter, preventing excessive spreading and allowing flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
These rich, nutty cookies are versatile. For a decadent dessert, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a cookie sundae. They pair wonderfully with coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a festive platter, drizzle cooled cookies with a simple vanilla glaze or a light caramel sauce and sprinkle with extra chopped pecans. They also make a thoughtful homemade gift when packed in a decorative tin or box.
How-to Summary
In summary, create these cookies by: 1) Creaming warm melted butter with both sugars until fluffy. 2) Beating in eggs and vanilla. 3) Gently mixing in the combined dry ingredients. 4) Folding in pecans. 5) Chilling the dough for 30-45 minutes. 6) Scooping, rolling, and baking at 350°F for 11-14 minutes until golden-edged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cold butter instead of melted? No. Melted butter is key for this recipe’s chewy-yet-crisp texture and rich flavor. Cold butter won’t cream correctly with the sugars.
How should I store these cookies? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The dough balls can be frozen for up to 3 months; bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
My dough is very crumbly. What did I do wrong? This is normal due to the melted butter. Use the warmth of your hands to press and roll the dough balls—they will hold together.
Can I substitute the pecans? Yes, walnuts are a good alternative, or you can use chocolate chips for a different variation. Toasting the pecans beforehand will deepen their flavor.
Why did my cookies spread too much? The dough likely wasn’t chilled long enough, or your oven temperature is too low. Ensure your baking soda and powder are fresh for proper lift.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using piping hot melted butter, which can cook the eggs and create a greasy dough.
- Skipping the chilling step, causing the cookies to spread flat in the oven.
- Overmixing the dough after adding the flour, which leads to dense, tough cookies.
- Overbaking; remove cookies when edges are golden but centers look slightly underdone, as they continue to set while cooling.
- Measuring flour incorrectly. Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off; scooping packs in too much.
Conclusion
These Easy Butter Pecan Cookies deliver a perfect balance of buttery richness, warm spice, and crunchy nuts with minimal effort. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can consistently achieve bakery-quality results. The key lies in the simple techniques of properly creaming, careful mixing, and patient chilling. This reliable recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite for any occasion.