Brown Sugar Pecan Cookies Recipe
Brown Sugar Pecan Cookies are a delicious blend of nutty pecans and rich brown sugar, creating a soft, chewy cookie with a caramel-like sweetness. The buttery, crisp edges and soft center make these cookies irresistible, while the pecans add a satisfying crunch. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re baking for a holiday, a casual get-together, or just craving a comforting treat.
Brown Sugar Pecan Cookies
These cookies are all about the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The brown sugar gives the cookies a deep, caramel-like sweetness, while the toasted pecans bring a rich, nutty flavor and crunch. I love how soft and chewy these cookies are in the center, with just the right amount of crispness around the edges.
They’re easy to make and can be whipped up quickly for a homemade treat. Plus, they store well, making them great for gifting or enjoying over a few days (if they last that long!).
Why You’ll Love These Brown Sugar Pecan Cookies
If you’re a fan of rich, chewy cookies with a bit of crunch, these Brown Sugar Pecan Cookies are perfect. The brown sugar gives them a rich, caramel flavor, and the pecans add a satisfying texture. I also love how simple they are to make—you can have a batch ready in under 30 minutes.
These cookies are perfect for fall or holiday baking, but they’re delicious any time of year. The warm, buttery flavors make them comforting and nostalgic, and they pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea.
Main Ingredients in Brown Sugar Pecan Cookies
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives these cookies a rich, caramel-like sweetness and helps keep them soft and chewy.
- Pecans: Toasted pecans add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the brown sugar.
- Butter: Butter gives the cookies their rich, buttery flavor and helps them achieve a tender, chewy texture.
- Flour: All-purpose flour provides structure to the cookies.
- Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and help create a soft, chewy texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds depth of flavor and enhances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These leavening agents help the cookies rise and stay soft.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Brown Sugar Pecan Cookies
Here’s how to make these delicious Brown Sugar Pecan Cookies:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Toast the Pecans: Place the pecans on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before roughly chopping them.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the Pecans: Gently fold the chopped pecans into the cookie dough until evenly distributed.
- Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Tips for the Best Brown Sugar Pecan Cookies
- Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans before adding them to the cookie dough enhances their flavor and brings out their natural oils, making them even more delicious.
- Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a better texture in the cookies.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cookies soft and tender.
How to Store and Serve
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To serve, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
These Brown Sugar Pecan Cookies are perfect for snacking, serving at parties, or gifting to friends and family. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
Brown Sugar Pecan Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup toasted pecans roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Toast the Pecans: Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool slightly, then chop roughly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the Pecans: Gently fold in the toasted pecans.
- Scoop and Shape: Scoop the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
