How to Make Pecan Cookies Recipe – Soft, Crunchy & Full of Flavor

When you are a baking lover, but don’t want to follow difficult recipes. This pecan cookies recipe is perfect for you because it is made with simple ingredients no electric tools are needed. These cookies are quick, easy, and more flavorful. This recipe could not be any easier, and there’s no chilling required.

If you’re a fan of pecan flavor like I am, you’ll also love my Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe. It’s soft, nutty, and melts in your mouth with every bite — just like these cookies, but in a warm, moist bread form. A perfect cozy treat for breakfast or tea time!

Ingredients for Pecan Cookies Recipe

pecan cookies Recipe Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 1/4 cups dark brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (measured correctly)
  • 1 1/2 cups toasted pecans, chopped
  • 1/2 cup toffee bits (optional, but adds a delicious flavor)

How to Make Delicious Pecan Cookies Recipe at Home

  Toast the Pecans

Firstly, preheat the oven. Spread the pecan halves on the baking tray and toast them in the oven for 5 minutes. This brings out their taste much crunchier and delicious. Once toasted, let them cool and then chop them into smaller pieces.

 Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, add melted butter and sugar, mix well until creamy, then add 1 large egg yolk and ½ tsp of vanilla essence and mix all ingredients well until smooth.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, add all-purpose flour, 1 tsp cornstarch, and last ingredient is a pinch of salt. (If using plain flour, then you should add ¾ tsp baking soda and ½ tsp baking powder) sift all dry ingredients and add them gradually to the wet ingredients. Carefully dont add whole dry ingredients instant gradually add and mix gently, and make creating the perfect dough for your pecan cookies recipe.

  Add Pecan aur Toffee Bits  

Now add in the chopped pecans into the mixture. The cookie dough  mixture will be thick but that a perfect for make cookie bolls. 

Make a Cookie Bolls

Usa a spoon or a cookies scoop (almost ½ tablespoon for each cookie) Gently roll them into balls using your hands. 

Pecan Cookies Recipe cookies bolls

Bake the Pecan Cookies: 

 Place the cookie balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each cookie. Bake for 10–12 minutes. The edges should look golden, and the center might look slightly soft.

  Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking tray. They’ll get even soft as they cool. If you like, sprinkle a little sea salt on top for extra flavor. Then enjoy pecan cookies recipe!

Pro Tips for Perfect Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

  • Use melted but cooled butter:  Always use melted butter that has cooled at to room temperature. Melted butter can dissolve the sugar too quickly, making the dough greasy and flat. But when the butter is cooled, it blends smoothly with the sugar, giving your dough a soft and shiny, well-combined texture.
  • Don’t skip toasting the pecans: Few minutes of toasting pecans makes a cookie’s natural nutty flavour and gives a richer taste. This step may seem small, but it makes a big difference.
  • Use dark brown sugar:  Dark brown sugar adds moisture and a caramel flavor. Its makes chewy and more delicious cookies. That’s why I love brown sugar in cookie recipes.
  • Avoid over-mixing and measuring: Using too much flour can make the dough dry and the cookies crumbly. Spoon and level your flour into the measuring cup. Similarly over overmixing makes the cookies hard.
  • Add toffee bits for a gourmet touch: Toffee bits add a sweet crunch and an extra layer of buttery richness. It’s optional, but recommended!
Pecan Cookies Recipe

How to Store Homemade Pecan Cookies

  •  Room Temperature: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature up to 4 to 5 days. 
  •  Freeze Cookies: You can freeze baked cookies in a sealed bag up to 2 months. Whenever you want to eat, warm them in the microwave for a second.
  • Freezing the Cookie Dough:You can freeze the raw cookie dough balls. Just scoop and roll the dough into balls, and freeze them on a tray for 1 hour. Set the dough, then transfer to a freezer bag.  

More Easy Cookie Recipes You’ll Love

Equipment You’ll Love in Your Kitchen

I personally use a non-stick baking tray and a cookie scoop. Honestly, once you have these, baking feels less messy and so much more fun.

Nutrition Information Pecans Cookies

  160 calories || 16g carbohydrates || 10g sugar || 10g fat || 4g saturated fat || 2g protein || 1g fiber ||  75mg sodium

FAQs

Should I toast pecans for cookies?

Yes, toasted pecans make the cookies crunchy and enhance the flavor.

Can pecan cookies be frozen?

Yes, pecan cookies can be frozen. Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks, or freeze them in a zip bag for longer storage.

What is the secret ingredient to keep cookies soft?

The secret ingredient I love to use for soft cookies is brown sugar. It makes the cookies soft, chewy, and gives them a delicious caramel-like flavor.

Can you add pecans to sugar cookies?

Yes, you can add pecans to sugar cookies. Chopped pecans enhance the flavor also add a delightful crunch to every bite.

Conclusion

If you want to make easy and delicious cookies, this buttery pecan cookies is perfect for you! You don’t need any special ingredients to make with simple kitchen items. The rich buttery flavor combined with the crunchy pecans makes every bite taste amazing.

I hope you love this pecan cookies recipe. If you are a chocolate lover, try my chocolate cookie recipe. Don’t forget to share your feedback.

Pecan Cookies Recipe

How to Make Soft Pecan Cookies Recipe

Ovenly Magic
Prep Time 12 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Course cookies
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cookies

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 Large egg
  • tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • cup toasted pecans, chopped
  • ½ cup toffee bits (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Toast the Pecans: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread pecans on a tray and toast 5 minutes. Cool and chop.
  • Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix melted butter and sugar until creamy. Add egg and vanilla, mix well.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, and pinch of salt. Gradually mix into wet ingredients to form dough.
  • Add Pecans & Toffee Bits: Fold in chopped pecans and optional toffee bits.
  • Shape Cookies: Use a scoop or spoon to form ½ tbsp balls. Place on a lined baking tray, leaving space between.
  • Bake: Bake 10–12 minutes. Edges should be golden; center slightly soft.
  • Cool & Serve: Let cool on tray; cookies soften as they cool. Optionally sprinkle sea salt.

Notes

  • Use cooled melted butter for soft cookies
  • Don’t skip toasting pecans for richer flavor
  • Dark brown sugar keeps cookies chewy and caramel-flavored
  • Avoid overmixing to prevent dry cookies
Keyword Soft Pecan Cookies

Hi, I’m Ella!
Baking is my happy place — where sugar, butter, and creativity come together! I’m here to share easy, home-style recipes that anyone can enjoy, whether you’re a beginner or a baking pro.
So, tie your apron, preheat the oven, and let’s bake something beautiful!

Thanks For Visiting

Stay updated with the latest recipes, tips, and baking inspiration. Share your favorite recipes with us and let us know your thoughts—your feedback makes our community sweeter!

Scroll to Top