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Classic Homemade Grandma’s Butter Pecan Cookies

homemade butter pecan cookies - featured image

A nostalgic and easy 5-ingredient recipe for buttery, nutty, and perfectly crisp butter pecan cookies that bring comfort and warmth with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans, toasted

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and golden. Set aside to cool.
  3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and packed light brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer.
  4. Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until combined.
  5. Gradually add 2 cups all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Fold in the cooled toasted pecans gently with a spatula until evenly distributed.
  7. Scoop dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Slightly flatten the tops with your fingers.
  8. Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are golden but centers are still soft. Watch closely after 10 minutes to prevent overbaking.
  9. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Use softened, not melted, butter for best texture. Toast pecans just before mixing to enhance flavor. Avoid overmixing flour to keep cookies tender. Slightly flatten cookie tops for even baking. For softer cookies, reduce baking time by 1-2 minutes; for crunchier, add 1-2 minutes. Chilling dough or shaped cookie balls for 15 minutes before baking helps prevent spreading. Browned butter can be used for deeper caramel flavor but cool before mixing.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter pecan cookies, classic cookies, easy cookie recipe, 5-ingredient cookies, homemade cookies, nostalgic cookies, buttery cookies, pecan cookies