Description
Delight in these rich and buttery Butter Pecan Cookies, featuring toasted pecans and a luscious caramel drizzle. Crafted with browned butter for a deep, nutty flavor, these cookies combine a tender, slightly crisp texture with the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. Ideal for festive occasions or daily indulgence, they offer a decadent treat that’s both classic and irresistible.
Ingredients
Scale
For Toasted Pecans:
- 3 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter
- 1⅔ cups chopped pecans
For Browned Butter and Dough:
- 1 cup salted sweet cream butter
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1¼ cups dark brown sugar (tightly packed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 extra-large eggs (room temperature)
- 1⅔ cups toasted chopped pecans (from above)
For Garnish and Caramel Drizzle:
- 42 pecan halves (for garnish)
- 1 cup caramel bits
- 1½ tablespoons water
- Coarse sanding sugar (optional garnish)
- Coarse sea salt (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Toast Pecans: Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add 1⅔ cups chopped pecans and stir continuously for 1 to 1½ minutes until pecans are fully coated and release a warm, nutty aroma. Transfer toasted pecans to the lined baking dish to cool.
- Brown Butter: In a light-colored skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 cup butter, stirring frequently. Once the butter foams and milk solids separate, allow solids to turn golden brown and emit a nutty scent. Remove from heat and immediately pour into a medium heatproof bowl to cool fully, preventing burning.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon baking soda. Set aside.
- Mix Sugars and Brown Butter: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium-high, beat the cooled browned butter with 1¼ cups dark brown sugar, ½ cup granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until fully combined, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Reduce mixer speed to medium-low and incorporate 2 eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture in two halves, mixing just until incorporated each time to avoid overmixing.
- Add Toasted Pecans and Chill Dough: Fold in the toasted pecan pieces gently until well combined. Cover dough and refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight for best results.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape Cookies and Bake: Using either a 1½-tablespoon or 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, form dough balls and optionally roll them in coarse sanding sugar for sparkle. Place balls 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Press a pecan half on top of each. Bake 9-10 minutes for larger cookies or 7-8 minutes for smaller cookies until edges are light golden brown. Let cookies rest on sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Prepare and Add Caramel Drizzle: Place 1 cup caramel bits in a microwave-safe bowl, add 1½ tablespoons water, and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each until smooth. Drizzle caramel over cooled cookies and allow to harden before serving.
Notes
- Using a light-colored skillet for browning butter helps monitor color changes to avoid burning.
- Chilling the dough overnight improves texture and flavor development.
- Optional coarse sanding sugar adds a decorative sparkle and slight crunch to cookies.
- Carefully watch baking times as oven temperatures vary; cookies should have light golden edges when done.
- Caramel drizzle adds sweetness and visual appeal but can be omitted or substituted as desired.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Butter Pecan Cookies, Browned Butter Cookies, Pecan Cookies, Caramel Drizzle Cookies, Homemade Cookies, Nutty Cookies, Dessert Cookies
