Pecan Cookies Recipe (with Video)

Pecan Cookies Recipe: When it comes to homemade treats, pecan cookies are right up there with the best of them. They’ve got the perfect balance of sweet and nutty, a crunchy exterior, and a soft, chewy middle. Whether it’s for the holidays, a family gathering, or just a weekend snack, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

What makes pecan cookies so special? It’s all about the texture and flavor. Pecans have a rich, buttery taste that pairs perfectly with brown sugar and vanilla, making them the ideal nut for cookies. Plus, you don’t need any fancy ingredients or techniques to whip them up at home. If you’re craving comfort food, this pecan cookie recipe is just what you need.

This guide is all about helping you bake the perfect pecan cookies from scratch. No shortcuts, no confusion—just straightforward, easy-to-follow steps for a batch of cookies that’ll vanish within minutes of coming out of the oven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s start with the basics. The ingredients for pecan cookies are simple and likely already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

Basic Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for a warm, spicy touch)
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips (for a chocolatey twist)
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut (adds chewiness and tropical flavor)

You can tweak the recipe based on your taste preferences. Want them a little richer? Use dark brown sugar instead of light. Prefer a bit more texture? Don’t chop the pecans too finely. It’s your kitchen—make it your own.

Make sure to measure everything correctly. Cookies are one of those baked goods where precision matters. Too much flour and you’ll end up with dense cookies. Too little and they’ll spread into thin puddles.

Kitchen Tools Required

To make the perfect pecan cookies, you don’t need a chef’s kitchen—just a few essentials. Here’s your toolkit:

Must-Haves:

• Mixing bowls (at least two: one large and one medium)
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat

Nice-to-Haves:

• Cookie scoop (for uniform size)
• Cooling rack (for even cooling)
• Offset spatula (makes transferring cookies easier)

Having the right tools can make a big difference in how your cookies turn out. A cookie scoop, for instance, ensures all your cookies are the same size, which means they bake evenly. Parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze.

If you don’t have a stand mixer, don’t worry. A hand mixer—or even good old-fashioned elbow grease—works just fine. The key is to cream your butter and sugar thoroughly to get that fluffy, airy base.

Preparing the Dough

This is where the magic begins. Follow these steps closely to get that perfect pecan cookie dough.

Step 1: Toast the Pecans (Optional but Recommended)

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet.
• Toast for 7–10 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Let them cool before adding to the dough.

Toasting the pecans really brings out their natural oils and enhances their nutty flavor. Don’t skip this if you have time—it makes a noticeable difference.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

• In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
• This step is crucial for giving your cookies the right texture.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

• Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
• Mix until just combined—don’t overmix.

Step 5: Fold in the Pecans (and Optional Ingredients)

• Gently fold in the chopped pecans.
• If you’re adding chocolate chips, coconut, or spices, now’s the time.

The dough should be slightly sticky but not wet. If it’s too soft, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much when baking.

Shaping and Baking the Cookies

Now comes the fun part—shaping and baking. Here’s how to get perfect, bakery-style pecan cookies every time.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 2: Scoop the Dough

• Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough.
• Roll into balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake

• Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
• The centers should still look slightly soft—they’ll firm up as they cool.

Step 4: Cool

• Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
• Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Don’t overbake! It’s better to underbake slightly than to go too far. You want the centers to stay soft and chewy.

Storing and Freezing Tips

Once you’ve baked a fresh batch of pecan cookies, the last thing you want is for them to go stale or lose their amazing texture. Good news: with the right storage, you can keep your cookies tasting fresh for days—or even weeks.

Room Temperature Storage:

• Let your cookies cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
• Store at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Refrigerating:

• If your kitchen is warm, or you’ve used ingredients like coconut or chocolate chips, pop the cookies in the fridge.
• Store in an airtight container and consume within 7–10 days.

Freezing the Dough:

• Want to prep ahead? This dough freezes beautifully.
• Scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer bag or container. Label with the date.
• Bake straight from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time.

Freezing Baked Cookies:

• Cool completely, then layer with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

There’s nothing better than having ready-to-bake cookie dough in your freezer. Trust me—it’s a game changer for unexpected guests or sudden sweet cravings.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Pecan cookies are incredibly versatile. Sure, they’re great on their own, but pair them with the right drink or dessert, and you’ll elevate the whole experience.

Perfect Pairings:

• Coffee: A hot cup of coffee (especially a nutty or medium roast) brings out the richness of the pecans.
• Tea: Try with black tea or chai for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Milk: Classic, right? A cold glass of milk balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Ice Cream: Sandwich two cookies around vanilla or butter pecan ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Holiday Twist:

• Dip half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with crushed pecans or sea salt.
• Add festive spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the dough.

Gift Ideas:

• Stack a dozen in a cellophane bag, tie with a ribbon, and you’ve got a homemade holiday gift.
• Pack in a mason jar with a cute tag for birthdays, teacher gifts, or housewarmings.

There’s really no wrong way to enjoy pecan cookies. Whether it’s as a midnight snack or a holiday treat, these cookies always hit the spot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best bakers run into issues sometimes. Here are some common cookie mistakes and how to avoid them:

1. Using Cold Butter: If your butter isn’t softened, it won’t cream properly with the sugars. This leads to dense cookies.
2. Overmixing the Dough: Once you add flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing leads to tough cookies.
3. Incorrect Oven Temperature: Always preheat and use an oven thermometer if you can. Too hot or too cold ruins the bake.
4. Skipping the Chill: If your dough is too soft, your cookies will spread too much. A quick chill makes a big difference.
5. Crowding the Baking Sheet: Give your cookies space! Overcrowding causes them to merge and bake unevenly.

These little tweaks can take your baking from average to amazing. Sometimes, the difference between a good cookie and a great one is just a few degrees or a few minutes.

Why This Recipe Works

Let’s break it down. Why do these pecan cookies turn out so dang good every single time?

• Brown Sugar + Butter: The combination of brown sugar and butter gives you a rich, caramel-like flavor and chewy texture.
• Toasted Pecans: Adds depth and a satisfying crunch.
• Simple Ingredients: You don’t need to hunt for obscure items—just pantry staples.
• Customizable: Add chocolate, coconut, spices—make it your own.
• Foolproof Method: With clear steps, you’ll get consistent results even if you’re new to baking.

There’s something deeply comforting about a cookie recipe that just works. This one has been tested and tweaked to perfection.

FAQs about Pecan Cookies Recipe

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can. Just reduce or skip the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavor. Salted butter adds a little extra richness!

Do I need to toast the pecans first?

Toasting pecans isn’t mandatory, but it does bring out a deeper, nuttier flavor. Just bake them at 350°F for 5–7 minutes before mixing them in.

How do I store pecan cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Want them to last longer? Freeze ‘em! They’ll stay good for up to 3 months.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. Chill the dough in the fridge for up to 48 hours before baking. You’ll get thicker, more flavorful cookies this way.

What can I use instead of pecans?

Walnuts are a great swap. Almonds or macadamia nuts also work if you’re feeling fancy.

Conclusion

Baking pecan cookies from scratch doesn’t have to be complicated. With a handful of basic ingredients, a few essential tools, and this detailed guide, you can create a batch of delicious, golden-brown cookies that’ll impress everyone—from picky eaters to cookie connoisseurs.

These cookies are everything a good homemade treat should be—soft, chewy, nutty, and sweet. They’re perfect for holidays, gifts, or everyday cravings. Once you make them, they’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

So roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get baking. Your perfect batch of pecan cookies awaits.