The Perfect Nutty Pecan Cookies Recipe for Sweet Treat Lovers

These classic pecan cookies deliver a delightful crunch with every nutty pecan cookies recipe bite.

Buttery, sweet, and packed with rich flavor, they’re a true Southern delight.

Crisp edges give way to a soft, tender center that melts in your mouth.

Each cookie brings a warm, comforting embrace of toasted pecans and delicate sweetness.

The secret lies in perfectly balanced ingredients that create a harmonious blend of textures.

Crumbling softly with each bite, these cookies promise to become a cherished treat in your baking repertoire.

You’ll want to share these irresistible morsels with everyone you know.

Brown Butter Pecan Cookies: Flavor Factor

• Brown butter and toasted pecans create a sophisticated, nutty depth that transforms these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary, making every bite a gourmet experience.
• Flexible recipe allows simple ingredient swaps or additions, letting home bakers personalize the cookies to match their taste preferences or pantry availability.
• Seemingly complex technique of browning butter and toasting nuts delivers professional-level results without requiring advanced baking skills, perfect for home cooks wanting to wow friends and family.
• Combination of crispy edges, soft centers, crunchy pecans, and rich chocolate chunks provides a multidimensional mouthfeel that keeps taste buds intrigued with each delightful bite.

Ingredients for No-Bourbon Pecan Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic spice to complement the nutty pecans.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help the cookies rise and achieve a soft, tender texture.

• Butter: The star ingredient that is browned to develop a rich, nutty flavor.
• Granulated Sugar, Dark Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and contribute to the cookies' moisture and caramel-like depth.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cookies.

• Pecans, Chocolate Chunks: Add delightful texture, crunch, and rich flavor to the cookies. Pecans are toasted to intensify their nutty profile.

Cookie-Making Equipment Guide

• Skillet: Essential for toasting pecans to bring out their rich, nutty flavor.
• Small saucepan: Perfect for browning butter and developing deep, caramel-like notes.
• Large mixing bowl: Crucial for combining dry ingredients with precision.
• Electric mixer: Helps create a smooth, creamy texture when mixing wet ingredients.
• Separate mixing bowl: Needed for preparing wet ingredients separately.
• Baking trays: Required for shaping and baking cookies.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Wire rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly and maintain their crisp texture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Whisk: Ideal for thoroughly mixing dry ingredients.

Instructions for Brown Butter Pecan Cookies

Step 1: Fire Up The Pecans

Grab a skillet and toss in chopped pecans with melted butter.

Sizzle them over medium heat until they turn golden and release an irresistible nutty fragrance.

Let them cool down while you prep the rest of the magic.

Step 2: Transform The Butter

Pour butter into a small saucepan and melt it slowly.

Watch closely as it bubbles and transforms into a deep golden liquid with a rich, caramel-like smell.

This brown butter will be your flavor secret weapon.

Step 3: Blend Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Baking soda
• Baking powder

Combine until everything looks perfectly mixed.

Step 4: Create Creamy Base

• Browned butter
• Granulated sugar
• Dark brown sugar

Beat until smooth and dreamy.

Add vanilla extract, then eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each.

Step 5: Marry Wet And Dry

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture.

Mix gently until just combined – don’t overwork the dough.

Step 6: Introduce Delicious Extras

Fold in toasted pecans and chocolate chunks.

Distribute evenly throughout the dough for maximum yumminess.

Step 7: Chill And Relax

Cover the dough and let it hang out in the refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight.

Patience brings flavor!

Step 8: Prepare The Oven

Crank up the oven to 350F.

Line baking trays with parchment paper.

Step 9: Shape The Cookies

Scoop dough into beautiful rounds.

Place on baking trays with breathing room between each.

Optional: Press a pecan half on top for extra pizzazz.

Step 10: Bake To Perfection

Slide trays into the oven.

Bake 12-14 minutes until edges turn golden but centers remain slightly soft.

Step 11: Cool And Enjoy

Let cookies rest on baking trays for 5 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack and allow complete cooling.

Then devour with pure joy!

Tips for Nutty, Indulgent Cookies

• Toast pecans before adding to enhance their nutty, rich taste and release natural oils for deeper complexity.
• Watch butter carefully while browning, stirring frequently to prevent burning and achieve perfect golden-brown color with rich, caramel-like aroma.
• Refrigerate cookie dough for minimum 4 hours to allow flavors to meld and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
• Remove cookies from oven when edges are golden but centers remain slightly soft for chewy, moist result.
• Fold chocolate chunks gently to ensure even spread throughout cookie dough without overmixing.

Creative Cookie Flavor Options

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Pecan Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
• Vegan Nutty Chocolate Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and select dairy-free chocolate chunks for a plant-based version.
• Keto-Friendly Pecan Chocolate Cookies: Swap wheat flour with almond flour, use sugar-free chocolate chips, and replace sugar with erythritol or stevia for a low-carb alternative.
• Nut-Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies: Remove pecans completely and replace with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch and texture while accommodating nut allergies.

Best Ways to Serve Pecan Cookies

• Sweet Party Platter: Arrange cookies on a rustic wooden board with scattered toasted pecans, creating an inviting dessert display perfect for gatherings.
• Dessert Companion Pairing: Serve warm cookies alongside vanilla bean ice cream or a rich espresso to enhance the nutty chocolate flavors and elevate the tasting experience.
• Gift-Worthy Presentation: Stack cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with a burlap ribbon, making them a delightful homemade gift for friends and family during holidays or special occasions.
• Gourmet Milk Moment: Create a cozy snacking experience by serving cookies with cold whole milk or a creamy hot chocolate, highlighting their indulgent texture and rich ingredients.

Storing Pecan Chocolate Chunk Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing quality or taste.
• Store in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days, keeping away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Warm cookies for 8-10 seconds in microwave or crisp in oven at 300F for 3-4 minutes to restore fresh-baked texture and enhance nutty, chocolatey flavors.

FAQs

• Why do I need to toast the pecans?

Toasting pecans enhances their natural nutty flavor and gives them a deeper, richer taste. The light browning process releases essential oils that make the pecans more aromatic and crunchy.

• What makes brown butter different from regular melted butter?

Brown butter develops a complex, nutty flavor through caramelization. When butter is cooked longer, milk solids turn golden brown, creating a deep, almost caramel-like taste that adds incredible depth to the cookie’s flavor profile.

• Why is chilling the dough important?

Chilling the dough allows the flour to hydrate and the butter to solidify, which prevents cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also helps develop a richer, more complex flavor by giving ingredients time to meld together.

Nutty Pecan Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 59 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Homemade nutty pecan cookies deliver classic Southern comfort with rich, buttery flavors. Crisp edges and delicate crumb invite cookie enthusiasts to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups (260 grams) chocolate chunks
• 1.5 cups (170 grams) pecans, finely chopped
• 2 large eggs, room temperature

Sugars and Sweeteners:

• 1 cup (220 grams) dark brown sugar
• 0.5 cup (99 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons (8 grams) vanilla extract

Baking and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1.5 tablespoons (24 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon flaky sea salt (optional)
• 24 pecan halves for decoration (optional)

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Instructions

1. Roast pecans in a skillet over medium heat with melted butter until lightly golden and aromatic, approximately 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a cooling surface.
2. Create brown butter by melting butter in a saucepan, stirring continuously until it transforms into a rich, amber-hued liquid with a distinctive nutty fragrance, about 5-7 minutes at medium heat. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl: whisk flour, salt, cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder until thoroughly incorporated.
4. Using an electric mixer, cream browned butter with granulated and dark brown sugars until smooth and uniform. Incorporate vanilla extract, then add eggs individually, mixing after each addition.
5. Gradually integrate dry ingredient mixture into wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to maintain dough’s delicate texture.
6. Gently fold toasted pecans and chocolate chunks into the dough, ensuring even distribution throughout.
7. Refrigerate dough for minimum 4 hours or overnight to enhance flavor development and improve cookie structure.
8. Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
9. Form dough into uniform balls, positioning them on prepared trays with adequate spacing. Optional: press a pecan half onto each cookie’s surface.
10. Bake for 12-14 minutes, targeting golden-brown edges while maintaining slightly soft centers.
11. Let cookies rest on baking trays for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack for complete cooling and optimal texture.

Notes

• Toasting pecans intensifies their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch, elevating the overall taste of the cookies.
• Brown butter creates a rich, caramel-like depth that transforms ordinary cookies into an extraordinary treat with its complex, nutty undertones.
• Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and allows flavors to meld, resulting in a more concentrated and robust cookie texture.
• For dietary variations, swap chocolate chunks with dairy-free chocolate, use gluten-free flour blend, or replace eggs with flax eggs to accommodate different nutritional needs.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg