Butter Pecan Cookies with Browned Butter and Toasted Pecans Recipe

There is something absolutely magical about the rich, nutty flavor that comes from browned butter combined with the delightful crunch of toasted pecans. This Butter Pecan Cookies with Browned Butter and Toasted Pecans Recipe captures that magic perfectly, delivering thick, chewy cookies that are bursting with warmth and buttery sweetness. Each bite melts in your mouth with a lovely blend of textures and flavors that feel both nostalgic and extraordinary. Whether you’re a pecan lover or just in search of the ultimate cozy cookie, this recipe is an absolute must-try and is guaranteed to soon become one of your favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the cornerstone of baking these heavenly Butter Pecan Cookies with Browned Butter and Toasted Pecans Recipe. Each ingredient plays an essential role: the browned butter adds depth and richness, the toasted pecans bring a perfect crunch, and the blend of flours and spices create just the right texture and flavor balance.

• Pecan halves, finely chopped (1 and 1/4 cups): For that irresistible toasted crunch that defines these cookies.
• Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons + 2 sticks/8 ounces): The base of flavor, browned for a nutty aroma and taste.
• All-purpose flour (2 and 1/2 cups): Creating structure and the perfect chewy bite.
• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps keep the cookies tender and soft.
• Salt (3/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet flavors perfectly.
• Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth that complements the pecans beautifully.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures a light yet chewy texture.
• Dark brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Brings moisture and deep caramel notes to the dough.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and a slight crispiness around the edges.
• Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Rounds out the flavors with a classic aromatic hint.
• Eggs (2 large plus 1 egg yolk, room temperature): Provides richness and the perfect binding.
• Pecan halves for decoration (optional, 16 pieces): A pretty and crunchy finishing touch.

How to Make Butter Pecan Cookies with Browned Butter and Toasted Pecans Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Start by melting 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped pecans and stir occasionally for about 4 to 5 minutes until they are lightly toasted and fragrant. This step unlocks the full nutty flavor of the pecans, giving your cookies a crunch that perfectly contrasts the soft dough. Once toasted, set them aside to cool before folding them into your batter.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

Next, melt the remaining 2 sticks of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. This is the stage that makes all the difference in the Butter Pecan Cookies with Browned Butter and Toasted Pecans Recipe. Keep a close eye on the butter—it will start to foam and then you’ll hear tiny popping sounds as the milk solids brown. The butter will turn a rich amber color with lovely brown flecks and a wonderful nutty aroma. Remove it from the heat right away and pour it into a large mixing bowl to cool slightly before adding sugars.

Step 3: Mix the Dough

Into the browned butter, whisk in the dark brown sugar and granulated sugar until combined. Stir in the vanilla extract for that extra depth of flavor. Beat in the eggs and egg yolk one at a time, mixing gently but thoroughly to create a smooth, glossy batter. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula, being careful not to overmix. Finally, fold in the toasted pecans, spreading all that delightful crunch evenly throughout the dough.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough tightly and pop it into the refrigerator for 4 hours. This resting period is crucial—it allows the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up, which helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Patience here results in thick, chewy Butter Pecan Cookies with Browned Butter and Toasted Pecans Recipe perfection.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a large cookie scoop, portion the dough into 3-tablespoon sized balls, spacing them about 3 inches apart for room to spread. For a classic look and a bit of extra pecan flavor, gently press one whole pecan half on top of each dough ball. Bake one sheet at a time for 10 to 11 minutes, until the cookies are golden with slightly crisp edges. If any edges spread beyond the desired shape, you can carefully press them back in right after removing the cookies from the oven. Once out, sprinkle the warm cookies with a little granulated sugar for a subtle sparkle and sweetness, then cool them on the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

How to Serve Butter Pecan Cookies with Browned Butter and Toasted Pecans Recipe

Garnishes

While these cookies are perfectly flavorful on their own, adding a simple garnish elevates the experience. Try a sprinkle of coarse sea salt or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar right after baking to add that extra layer of flavor and texture. The tiny pecan half on top not only looks charming but also gives a satisfying nutty crunch in every bite.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a creamy cup of coffee, or a soothing mug of hot tea. Their richness contrasts beautifully with beverages that offer a mild bitterness or smooth creaminess, highlighting the browned butter’s depth and pecan’s toasted nuance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve these Butter Pecan Cookies with Browned Butter and Toasted Pecans Recipe alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or nestled on a dessert plate with a drizzle of caramel sauce. They also make excellent gifts when packaged in a decorative tin or cellophane bag tied with a ribbon, perfect for holiday sharing or thoughtful homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to 3 days. The container helps maintain softness and moisture, so each cookie stays tender with its signature chewy texture.

Freezing

If you want to bake ahead, the dough can be scooped and frozen for up to 2 months. Simply freeze the dough balls on a lined tray before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, just add a minute or two to the baking time and bake directly from frozen.

Reheating

To revive your cookies and warm up those lovely browned butter aromas, gently reheat them in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes or until just warmed through. Avoid microwaving to preserve their texture and crunch.

FAQs

Can I substitute regular butter for unsalted butter in this recipe?

While unsalted butter is recommended to control the salt level in these Butter Pecan Cookies with Browned Butter and Toasted Pecans Recipe, you can use salted butter if needed. Just reduce or omit any added salt to prevent the cookies from being too salty.

Why do I need to brown the butter? Can’t I just melt it?

Browned butter adds a deeper, nuttier flavor and complexity that regular melted butter simply doesn’t provide. It’s the secret ingredient that transforms these cookies from good to unforgettable.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary. Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum for best texture and be sure to measure ingredients accurately.

What if I don’t chill the dough for 4 hours? What happens?

Chilling allows the dough to firm up and the flavors to meld. Skipping this step might result in cookies that spread too much and have less concentrated flavor. If you’re short on time, chill at least 1 hour, but 4 hours or overnight is best.

How can I make smaller cookies with this recipe?

Simply scoop smaller dough balls and reduce bake time by 1 to 2 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking and enjoy bite-sized buttery goodness!

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the joy of baking and sharing a batch of these Butter Pecan Cookies with Browned Butter and Toasted Pecans Recipe. They offer a wonderful balance of nutty richness and tender chewiness that feels both comforting and indulgent. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—it might just become your go-to cookie for every occasion, from family gatherings to simple afternoons with a cup of tea. Enjoy every buttery, pecan-packed bite!

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