- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes) using an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract until combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 2: Fold in the Pecans
- Add Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans (and chocolate chips, if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 3: Scoop and Bake
- Scoop the Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
- Cool on Baking Sheets: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy: Serve these delicious Butter Pecan Cookies warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect for sharing or enjoying with a glass of milk!
Tips and Variations:
- Toasting Pecans: For enhanced flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.
- Add Spices: For an extra kick, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- Storing Cookies: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They also freeze well for up to three months—just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper.
Final Thoughts:
These Butter Pecan Cookies are a delightful combination of buttery richness and nutty crunch. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to impress. Enjoy every chewy, flavorful bite!