Soft & Easy Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

Lora Lopez

Posted on September 1, 2025

Welcome to the delightful world of baking with the Soft & Easy Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe! These cookies are not just another treat; they are a comforting hug in the form of baked goodness. If you’ve been searching for a cookie that offers the perfect balance of softness, sweetness, and a nutty crunch, you’ve landed at the right place. This recipe is ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike, ensuring that anyone can whip up a batch of these delicious delights in no time. With their buttery flavor and toasty pecans, these cookies are destined to become a household favorite.

Imagine coming home after a long day and being greeted by the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home. The smell alone is enough to make anyone feel cozy and comforted. Whether it’s a rainy day or a sunny afternoon, these cookies are perfect for every occasion. They are also a great addition to any gathering, holiday celebration, or simply as a treat to share with friends and family. So grab your apron and let’s dive into the wonderful world of butter pecan cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with the Soft & Easy Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe. Here are just a few:

Easy Preparation: The straightforward steps make this recipe accessible to everyone. No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients mean you can enjoy baking without stress!
Soft & Chewy Texture: The combination of butter and sugars creates a cookie that is soft in the center with slightly crispy edges, ensuring every bite is a delight.
Rich Flavor: With the rich flavor of butter and the nutty crunch of pecans, these cookies provide a satisfying taste experience that is hard to resist.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion be it a holiday cookie platter, a simple dessert after dinner, or an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea. They can also be customized with chocolate chips or dried fruits for added variety!
Great for Sharing: These cookies are an excellent choice for gifting or sharing. Whether it’s during the holiday season or just because, homemade cookies are always appreciated.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Trying the Soft & Easy Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe is not only about making delicious cookies; it’s about creating memories. Baking is a fantastic way to bond with loved ones, be it family or friends. Every moment spent in the kitchen can be turned into a cherished memory, from measuring ingredients to watching cookies rise in the oven. Furthermore, baking is a therapeutic activity that can help relieve stress and lift your spirits.

These cookies are perfect for any skill level, making them a great choice for baking with kids or hosting a fun baking party with friends. You can teach them the importance of measuring ingredients, mixing, and the joy of waiting for cookies to bake. Plus, the results are undoubtedly rewarding when you see the smiles on everyone’s faces as they indulge in their creations.

Moreover, sharing your baked goods can foster connections with your neighbors, colleagues, or even strangers. Imagine bringing a plate of these cookies to a gathering or a potluck; they are sure to be the star of the show! With their irresistible flavor and appealing texture, these cookies will leave a lasting impression and may even prompt requests for the recipe!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Before we jump into the baking process, let’s gather all the ingredients and tools needed for creating these delicious cookies.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup pecans, chopped

Necessary Utensils

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, you’ll need the following utensils:

Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Electric mixer or whisk
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Cookie scoop or tablespoon
Wire cooling rack

Having the right tools can significantly enhance your baking process, making it easier and more enjoyable!

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that we have everything we need, let’s dive into the detailed steps of making your Soft & Easy Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe.

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring your cookies bake evenly.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. This adds moisture and flavor to your cookie dough.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt throughout the flour.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans using a spatula. This will ensure they are evenly distributed without breaking them down too much.
Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space (about 2 inches) between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear slightly underbaked, but they will continue to cook while cooling.
Cool the Cookies: After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy: Once cooled, enjoy your soft and easy butter pecan cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!

Pro Tip: For an extra touch of flavor, lightly toast the pecans before adding them to the dough. This enhances their nuttiness and adds depth to your cookies!

FAQs

What makes these butter pecan cookies soft?

The combination of butter and sugars creates a soft texture, while the underbaking slightly ensures they remain chewy in the center. This perfect balance is key to achieving that soft cookie.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter; just reduce the added salt in the recipe to about 1/4 teaspoon to avoid overly salty cookies.

How do I store the leftover cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months, then bake them fresh when you want!

Can I add chocolate chips to the cookie dough?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips along with the pecans for a delicious twist on this classic recipe.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Soft & Easy Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe is not just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create delicious memories in your kitchen. With their perfect texture and delightful flavor, these cookies are bound to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So why not gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the satisfaction of baking something special? We would love to hear how your cookies turned out, so feel free to leave a comment below or share this recipe with your friends!

For more delicious recipes, check out Strawberry Pineapple Pound Cake for a sweet treat that pairs wonderfully with these cookies!