Soft & Chewy Butter Pecan Cookies (Easy Homemade Recipe)

If you love cookies that are rich, buttery, nutty, and irresistibly soft, these soft & chewy butter pecan cookies are about to become your new favorite. Inspired by the cozy flavor of butter pecan ice cream and classic Southern baking, this cookie recipe delivers deep caramel notes, toasted pecans, and melt-in-your-mouth texture — all with simple pantry ingredients.

These cookies strike the perfect balance: crisp edges, chewy centers, and warm toasted pecan flavor in every bite. They’re easy enough for weekday baking but impressive enough for holidays, cookie swaps, and special occasions.

Best of all? No chilling required, no fancy tools, and no complicated steps. Just pure homemade comfort.

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Why Butter Pecan Cookies Are So Loved

Butter pecan is a flavor rooted in nostalgia. The combination of browned butter and toasted pecans creates a nutty, caramel-like depth that feels luxurious yet familiar. Unlike chocolate chip cookies, butter pecan cookies let the butter shine — rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.

Toasting the pecans enhances their natural oils, making the cookies more flavorful without adding extra sweetness. The result is a cookie that tastes warm, cozy, and indulgent, without being overly sugary.

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🧈 Ingredients

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
• Optional: flaky sea salt for topping

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🍪 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy.
3. Add the egg and egg yolk, mixing until fully incorporated. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Sprinkle flour, baking soda, and salt over the wet ingredients.
5. Fold gently until just combined — do not overmix.
6. Fold in toasted pecans evenly throughout the dough.
7. Scoop dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon and place balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and centers look slightly underbaked.
9. Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
10. Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt if desired.

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Secret Tips for Ultra-Soft & Chewy Cookies

• Use melted butter instead of creamed butter for extra chewiness
• Add an extra egg yolk for richness and soft texture
• Slightly underbake — cookies finish setting as they cool
• Toast pecans first to boost flavor and aroma

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Flavor Variations to Try

• Brown Butter Pecan Cookies: Brown the butter before mixing for deeper nutty flavor
• Maple Butter Pecan Cookies: Replace 2 tbsp sugar with maple syrup
• White Chocolate Butter Pecan: Add ½ cup white chocolate chips
• Spiced Butter Pecan: Add ¼ tsp cinnamon or nutmeg

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with milk or coffee
• Pair with vanilla or butter pecan ice cream
• Add to holiday cookie trays
• Package as edible gifts

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Storage & Freezing

• Store at room temperature up to 4 days in an airtight container
• Freeze baked cookies up to 3 months
• Freeze cookie dough balls and bake straight from frozen

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Why This Butter Pecan Cookie Recipe Works

This recipe focuses on fat-to-flour balance, using melted butter and brown sugar to create chewiness while maintaining structure. Toasted pecans add crunch without drying out the dough, and the extra egg yolk ensures a soft interior every time.

It’s simple, reliable, and consistently bakery-quality — exactly what a homemade cookie should be.