Soft & Chewy Butter Pecan Cookies (Easy Homemade Recipe)

Few cookies feel as comforting and timeless as soft and chewy butter pecan cookies. With their rich buttery base, warm toasted pecans, and tender centers, these cookies strike the perfect balance between indulgent and nostalgic. They are the kind of treat that feels right at home on a holiday dessert table, alongside afternoon coffee, or simply enjoyed warm from the oven on a quiet evening.

Butter pecan is a flavor deeply rooted in American baking culture. Known for its subtle sweetness and nutty warmth, it has long been associated with ice cream, cakes, and classic Southern desserts. Transforming that flavor into a cookie results in something irresistibly cozy, familiar, and deeply satisfying.

This easy homemade butter pecan cookie recipe is designed for bakers of all levels. You do not need fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. What you do need is quality butter, properly toasted pecans, and a little patience to let the dough rest just long enough to produce that signature soft and chewy texture.

Why You’ll Love These Butter Pecan Cookies

These cookies are more than just delicious. They are dependable, adaptable, and universally loved.

• Soft centers with lightly crisp edges
• Deep buttery flavor without being greasy
• Toasted pecans add crunch and aroma
• Dough comes together in one bowl
• Perfect for holidays, gifting, or everyday baking

Unlike dry or crumbly pecan cookies, this recipe prioritizes moisture retention and structure. Brown sugar plays a key role, locking in chewiness while enhancing the caramel-like notes of the butter and nuts.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup pecans, finely chopped and toasted

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Spread chopped pecans on a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
4. In a large bowl, cream softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
6. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
7. Fold in cooled toasted pecans gently.
8. Scoop dough into balls and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake for 11–13 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers look slightly underbaked.
10. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

The Secret to Soft & Chewy Texture

The real magic behind these cookies lies in fat balance and bake timing. Butter provides flavor and tenderness, while brown sugar attracts moisture, preventing dryness. Removing the cookies while the centers still appear soft ensures they finish setting as they cool, preserving that perfect chewy interior.

Toasting Pecans: A Small Step with Big Impact

Never skip toasting the pecans. Raw nuts can taste flat, but a quick toast intensifies flavor, releases natural oils, and adds complexity. It takes minutes and transforms the final cookie from good to unforgettable.

Variations to Try

• Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add ½ cup chocolate chips
• Maple Butter Pecan Cookies: Replace vanilla with maple extract
• White Chocolate Pecan Cookies: Fold in white chocolate chunks
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with milk, coffee, or hot chocolate. These cookies also pair beautifully with vanilla or butter pecan ice cream for an elevated dessert sandwich.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days
• Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 2 months
• Bake frozen dough directly, adding 1–2 minutes to bake time

Cultural Note: Why Butter Pecan Is a Classic

Butter pecan gained popularity in the Southern United States, where pecans grow abundantly. The flavor became iconic in desserts, symbolizing warmth, comfort, and hospitality — qualities that shine through in every bite of these cookies.

Final Thoughts

These soft & chewy butter pecan cookies deliver everything you want from a homemade cookie: rich flavor, tender texture, and simple preparation. Whether baked for a celebration or a quiet moment of indulgence, they never disappoint.

Soft & Chewy Butter Pecan Cookies

Soft, chewy butter pecan cookies made with toasted pecans and rich brown sugar for a classic homemade treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 210

Ingredients

  

Cookie Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 0.5 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.75 cup unsalted butter softened
• 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
• 0.25 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg large
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup pecans chopped and toasted

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Toast chopped pecans in a dry skillet until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
3. Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
4. Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla.
5. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture until combined.
6. Fold in toasted pecans gently.
7. Scoop dough onto baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
8. Bake 11–13 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool on wire rack.

Notes

Do not overbake for best chewy texture.