Irresistibly Chewy Pecan Butter Cookies: Your New Favorite Fall Treat
Get ready to discover the most delightful, chewy Pecan Butter Cookies that are about to become a staple in your baking repertoire! Crafted with creamy, rich pecan butter, generously studded with chopped pecans, and infused with the tantalizing aroma of vanilla bean, these cookies offer a flavor experience your tastebuds will truly cherish.
If you’re a true pecan enthusiast, then these pecan butter cookies are simply made for you. Inspired by my mom’s cherished peanut butter cookie recipe, I embarked on a culinary adventure, substituting the peanut butter with decadent pecan butter and folding in extra pecan pieces. The result? Cookies that are beyond dreamy! They boast a wonderfully light and subtly flaky edge, yielding to an incredibly soft and chewy center – precisely the characteristics of a perfectly baked cookie.
For those who have yet to explore the magic of baking with pecan butter, this recipe offers the perfect introduction. While it’s an excellent way to usher in the cozy fall season, its irresistible flavor makes it a delightful treat to enjoy year-round, bringing a touch of comforting warmth no matter the weather.
This delightful Pecan Butter Cookie recipe was specifically crafted for #FallFlavors week, featuring exquisite pecans generously provided by Millican Pecan Company and premium vanilla bean paste from Taylor & Colledge. Rest assured, all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own, born from a genuine love for these incredible ingredients and the joy of baking.
Embrace the Season with Easy and Chewy Pecan Cookies
There’s something undeniably special about the autumn season. The crispness in the air, the vibrant tapestry of warm colors, and the satisfying crunch of fallen leaves underfoot all seem to awaken a primal craving for comforting, homemade baked goods. Drawing inspiration from these quintessential fall characteristics, I decided to celebrate the arrival of September by crafting my very own batch of Pecan Butter Cookies, based on my mother’s beloved peanut butter cookie recipe. It’s crucial to distinguish these from “butter pecan” cookies – while both are delicious, my pecan butter cookies offer a distinct, rich, and deeply nutty experience that truly sets them apart!
This recipe marks my third and final contribution to this year’s highly anticipated #FallFlavors event, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with how these cookies turned out. Their perfect balance of chewiness and intense pecan flavor makes them an absolute triumph.
Don’t forget to explore the other two fantastic recipes I’ve shared this year as part of the event: my delightful Giant Butterscotch Cookies and the incredibly indulgent Caramel Pecan Clusters. Each recipe celebrates the wonderful tastes of autumn in its own unique way!
The versatility of pecans in baking is truly remarkable! Whether I’m preparing my classic turtle cookies, a comforting pecan pie, or a luscious banana bread coffee cake, there’s always an excellent reason to incorporate these wonderful nuts. Pecans naturally enhance almost any recipe, lending a deliciously sweet element and creating nutty textures that are both palatable and utterly addicting. Their earthy, buttery notes are especially welcome during the autumn and holiday seasons, but honestly, their goodness transcends seasonality!
Unveiling the Richness: What is Pecan Butter?
Pecan butter is a delightfully creamy and smooth nut butter spread, made simply from whole, roasted pecans. It differs from other nut butters with its distinctively sweet, slightly earthy, and buttery flavor profile that truly captures the essence of fresh pecans. I was incredibly excited to receive a jar of Millican Creamy Pecan Butter for Fall Flavors week. Having never baked with it before, the moment I saw it, I instantly knew it would be the star ingredient of an unforgettable cookie!
Unlike traditional peanut or almond butter, pecan butter offers a more subtle sweetness and a richer, almost caramel-like undertone. This makes it an exceptional ingredient for baking, adding moisture, depth of flavor, and a tender crumb to treats like these chewy pecan butter cookies. It also provides a healthy dose of monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and fiber, making it a delicious and nutritious addition to your pantry.
My next culinary experiment involves transforming my beloved Nutty Monkey Smoothie by replacing the almond butter with this fantastic pecan butter. I can hardly wait to experience that enhanced nutty flavor!
Versatile Ways to Enjoy Pecan Butter
Beyond its stellar performance in these chewy cookies, pecan butter offers a multitude of delicious uses. Its silky texture and rich flavor make it a wonderful spread. Consider slathering it over warm, toasted bagels or slices of crusty bread for a quick breakfast or snack. It’s also fantastic drizzled over fluffy waffles and pancakes, adding an extra layer of nutty indulgence. For a healthier option, pair it with crisp apple or banana slices, or spread it thinly onto your favorite crackers for a sophisticated bite. You can also incorporate it into salad dressings for a unique twist, blend it into oatmeal, or even use it as a base for savory sauces.
Essential Ingredients for Your Pecan Butter Cookies
Gathering the ingredients for these delightful cookies is a breeze. Most items can be easily found at your local grocery store, and chances are, many are already stocked in your pantry!
- Shortening: A classic baking fat, shortening has been used for generations to create tender, soft baked goods. Composed of solid fat at room temperature, it contributes to a consistently soft texture in cookies and helps prevent them from spreading too thin. While butter can be used, shortening typically ensures a softer, lighter cookie.
- Pecan Butter: The undeniable star of this recipe! Smooth, rich, and exquisitely nutty, pecan butter is the secret ingredient that elevates these cookies from good to absolutely phenomenal. Its unique flavor profile truly shines through.
- Sugar (Granulated White and Brown): I opt for a blend of both white and brown granulated sugars for a reason. This combination is key to achieving cookies that are incredibly moist, possess a delightful chewiness, and have the perfect balance of sweetness. Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel note, while white sugar contributes to crisp edges.
- Eggs: Whether you choose farm-fresh eggs from a local market or standard store-bought ones, eggs are indispensable. They provide crucial moisture, act as a binder to hold the cookie dough together, and contribute to the overall richness and structure of the cookies.
- Vanilla Bean Paste: In my opinion, vanilla bean paste offers a superior flavor experience compared to regular vanilla extract. It provides a more intense, authentic vanilla taste and adds beautiful visible flecks of vanilla bean, enhancing both the aroma and visual appeal of the cookies.
- All-Purpose Flour: Your favorite all-purpose flour will work perfectly for these cookies, providing the necessary structure without making them tough. For dietary considerations, feel free to experiment with whole wheat flour for added fiber or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though slight adjustments to liquid may be needed.
- Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These are the essential leavening agents in the recipe, working in tandem to give the cookies their ideal rise and light, airy texture. Baking soda reacts with acidic ingredients (like brown sugar), while baking powder provides consistent lift.
- Salt: Just a small dash of fine sea salt is all it takes to elevate these cookies. Salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other wonderful flavors, ensuring the cookies aren’t cloyingly sweet but perfectly harmonized.
- Chopped Pecans: Beyond the pecan butter, extra chopped pecans are added for bursts of texture and intensified pecan flavor. These versatile nuts are fantastic for all sorts of recipes, and in these cookies, they add a delightful crunch that complements the chewy dough.
Crafting Your Perfect Pecan Butter Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these easy pecan butter cookies is a straightforward process, promising delicious results with minimal fuss. Follow these simple steps for cookie perfection:
Step One: Prepare the Dough
First, begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the shortening, creamy pecan butter, both granulated white and brown sugars, eggs, fragrant vanilla bean paste, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they are just combined into a cohesive dough. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Once the dough comes together, gently fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step Two: Shape and Flatten
Next, take rounded balls of the cookie dough and drop them onto an ungreased baking sheet, leaving adequate space between each for spreading. For that classic cookie look and to help ensure even baking, lightly press the bottom of a glass or the tines of a fork into granulated sugar, then gently press it into the center of each cookie dough ball to flatten it slightly. This step not only creates a lovely pattern but also promotes a consistent texture as the cookies bake.
Step Three: Bake to Perfection and Cool
Finally, slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the cookies for approximately eight to ten minutes. It’s crucial to watch these cookies closely to achieve that desired chewy perfection! Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies, so keep a keen eye on them. The moment the edges turn a beautiful golden brown, it’s time to remove them from the oven. Even if the centers still appear slightly soft, they will continue to set as they cool.
Allow the freshly baked pecan butter cookies to remain on the hot baking sheet for a couple of minutes after removing them from the oven. This brief cooling period helps them firm up before you transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, maintaining their freshness and chewiness. For longer storage, you can pop them in the freezer for up to four months, ready to be thawed and enjoyed whenever a craving strikes!
Expert Tips for Flawless Pecan Butter Cookies
Achieving cookie perfection is all about the details. Here are some pro tips to ensure your pecan butter cookies turn out wonderfully every time:
- Measure Flour Accurately: Precision is key in baking! Be sure to properly measure your flour, ideally by weighing it for the most accurate results. If using cups, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge; never scoop directly from the bag, as this can pack the flour and lead to dense, dry cookies.
- Vanilla Substitute: If you don’t have vanilla bean paste on hand, you can certainly use an equal amount of good quality vanilla extract. While the paste offers a more intense flavor and visual flecks, extract will still provide that essential warm vanilla note.
- Get Creative with Add-ins: These pecan butter cookies are a fantastic base for customization! Feel free to incorporate your favorite mix-ins such as butterscotch chips for a sweet, caramelly touch, mini chocolate chips (white, milk, or dark) for an extra layer of indulgence, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for added warmth and fall spice.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs (and butter, if substituting for shortening) are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more smoothly with the sugars and shortening, creating a more uniform and aerated dough, which translates to a better cookie texture.
- Don’t Overmix: After adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, less tender cookies.
- Chilling the Dough (Optional but Recommended): For thicker, chewier cookies that spread less, consider chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) before baking. This allows the fats to solidify and the flavors to meld, resulting in an even more satisfying cookie.
Love These Pecan Butter Cookies? Pin It for Later!
If you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself reaching for these pecan butter cookies as a delightful treat or a satisfying snack at any time of day. When that cookie craving inevitably strikes, you’ll want this recipe at your fingertips! Don’t let this incredible recipe get lost in the shuffle – be sure to save it to your Pinterest board. Pin it now so you’ll always have this go-to recipe for the best chewy pecan cookies ready for your next baking session!
Discover More Fall Flavors & Amazing Prizes!
Welcome to #FallFlavors, a festive event where over 25 talented food bloggers come together to share their most enticing recipes featuring beloved autumn tastes. We are incredibly grateful to our generous sponsors: Millican Pecan, Dixie Crystals, Melissa’s Produce, Taylor & Colledge, Nairn’s, and The Republic of Tea. They have kindly provided participating bloggers with complimentary products to inspire our recipe creations this week. These same wonderful sponsors have also offered fantastic prizes for our giveaway, so be sure to enter for your chance to win and spread the word to your friends so they can participate too! For even more delicious inspiration, be sure to follow our dedicated Fall Flavors Pinterest account.
Amazing Prizes Up for Grabs:
Prize 1: Texas Pecan Candy Basket from Millican Pecan
Indulge in the Millican Pecan Texas Pecan Candy Basket, a treasure trove of pecan delights! This basket is generously loaded with 6 Milk Chocolate Pecan Clusters, 6 Milk Chocolate Caramillicans (akin to Turtle candies), 6 White Chocolate Caramillicans, 6 rich Pecan Pralines, and a 1/2 lb. Bag of assorted Flavored Pecans. Each and every bite is DELICIOUS! This incredible prize is valued at $75.
Prize 2: Williams Sonoma Cleartouch Nonstick 6-Piece Bakeware Set from Dixie Crystals
Perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners, this entry-level collection boasts a sturdy nonstick silicone coating at an exceptional value. Crafted from aluminized steel – the material preferred by professional bakers – it ensures excellent heat transfer for consistently even baking. Your creations will turn out beautifully and release effortlessly every time. The 6-Piece Set includes a Half-sheet pan, a 12-cup muffin pan, a round cake pan, a square cake pan, a rectangular cake pan, and a loaf pan. An $80 value.
Prize 3: 3 Month Melissa’s Produce Gift Subscription
Experience the freshest, most delicious produce delivered right to your door once a month for three months! At Melissa’s, every piece of produce is meticulously selected at its peak of perfection and carefully packed by hand, guaranteeing safe arrival and exceptional quality. A $124 value.
Prize 4: A Red Dancing Leaves Teapot and a tin of Hot Apple Cider Tea from The Republic of Tea
Let the comforting aroma of fresh apple and mulled cider spices envelop your senses as you sip this golden infusion. The crisp, lingering finish will leave you craving more! This naturally caffeine-free blend combines apples, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, reminiscent of classic apple cider. Its luscious aroma makes this cup the perfect accompaniment to the beautiful colors of the harvest season. The set includes an embossed, windswept leaves 20 oz ceramic teapot with a stainless steel infuser, an exclusive design by The Republic of Tea. A $44 value.
Prize 5: A selection of six flavors of Oat Crackers from Nairn’s
One lucky winner will receive a box of each of Nairn’s Original Oat Crackers, Chocolate Chip Oat Grahams, Stem Ginger Oat Grahams, Caramelized Onions Flatbreads, Rosemary & Sea Salt Flatbreads, and Oat Cracker. Nairn’s has been dedicated to baking wholesome oats since 1896, using only simple, natural, and high-quality ingredients in all their products. Minimum $25 value.
Prize 6: A Selection of extracts from Taylor and Colledge.
One winner will receive an exquisite selection of extracts, including premium vanilla bean, almond, lemon, and lavender. Since earning its first award for vanilla excellence in 1897, Taylor & Colledge’s unwavering commitment to unsurpassed quality has solidified its reputation as one of the world’s finest producers of vanilla and other extracts. Minimum of $25 value.
Enter the Exciting Fall Flavors Giveaway Now!
Don’t miss your chance to win these incredible prizes from our generous sponsors!
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Please see the giveaway disclaimer at the very bottom of this post for full terms and conditions.
A Pecan Lover’s Delight: More Favorite Recipes!
If you adore pecans as much as we do, you’re in for a treat! Discover more of my absolute favorite recipes that prominently feature these delightful nuts, perfect for any occasion:
- Graham Cracker Toffee (as pictured above – irresistibly sweet and crunchy!)
- Seven Layer Cookies (a classic for a reason, packed with delicious layers)
- Caramel Pecan Clusters (pure indulgence, perfect for gifting or a special treat)
- Sugared Pecans (a versatile snack or garnish, wonderfully addictive)
- Pumpkin Pecan Donuts with Cream Cheese Glaze (a seasonal delight, soft and perfectly spiced)
- Pecan Pie (the ultimate comfort dessert, rich and satisfying)
- Reuben Cheeseball (a savory surprise, pecans add a great crunch)
- Applesauce Coffee Cake (moist and flavorful, a perfect breakfast or brunch item)
- Grandma’s Zucchini Bread (pecans add texture and richness to this comforting classic)
- Pumpkin Zucchini Streusel Bread (a delightful blend of fall flavors and textures)
- Cinnamon Crunch Coffee Cake (streusel-topped goodness with nutty pecans)
- Ice Cream Sticky Rolls (a fun and decadent twist on classic sticky buns)
- Pecan Caramel Bark (easy to make, wonderfully sweet and crunchy)
If you are a huge fan of peanut butter cookies, I can almost guarantee you will absolutely adore this Pecan Butter Cookie Recipe! Let’s get baking and create some magic in your kitchen. 
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Print Recipe
Pecan Butter Cookies
Equipment
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Glass Batter Bowl
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Rubber Spatulas
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Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
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KitchenAid Hand Mixer
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13×18 Half Sheet Pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup shortening
- 1 cup pecan butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 2 eggs
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 C).
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In a large bowl, combine the shortening, pecan butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla bean paste, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped pecans.
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Drop rounded balls of dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Dip the bottom of a glass or the tines of a fork into granulated sugar and press into the cookie dough ball to flatten it slightly.
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Bake for 8-10 minutes, watching carefully. To keep them soft and chewy, do not overbake! Once the edges are golden brown, remove them from the oven. Leave them on the cookie sheet for 1-2 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
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Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition
Explore More #FallFlavors Recipes:
Delve into a treasure trove of autumn-inspired culinary delights from fellow food bloggers participating in #FallFlavors week:
Beverages
- Apple Cider Milk Tea With Boba And Caramel Apple from Magical Ingredients
- Apple Cider Old Fashioned from Books n’ Cooks
Breakfast and Baked Goods
- Apple Cider Donut Muffins from Cheese Curd In Paradise
- Pear and Apple Cider Scones from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Side Dishes
- Balsamic Roasted Purple Brussels Sprouts W/ Grapes & Chestnuts from Savory Moments
- Cinnamon Sweet Potato Pumpkin Muffins from Blogghetti
- Fall Roasted Vegetable Medley from Family Around the Table
- Glazed Cippolini Onions With Rosemary from Life Love and Good Food
- Sweet Potato Latkes from Take Two Tapas
Main Dishes
- Apple Cider Pulled Pork With Apple Slaw from Simple and Savory
- Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce from Jen around the world
Desserts
- Apple Blondies from Eat Move Make
- Apple Turnover from Art of Natural Living
- Butterscotch Pie from Lemon Blossoms
- Gf Cinnamon Graham Cracker Cupcakes from Frugal & Fit
- No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake With Salted Caramel Glaze from West Via Midwest
- Oatmeal Scotchies from Palatable Pastime
- Pear Bundt Cake from The Fresh Cooky
- Pear Cobbler from Fresh April Flours
- Pear Crisp Ice Cream from Jolene’s Recipe Journal
- Pecan Butter Cookies from An Affair from the Heart
- Pecan Pie Bars from Devour Dinner
- Pumpkin Cupcakes from House of Nash Eats
- Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies from SueBee Homemaker
- Rosemary Pecan Shortbread With Honey-Ginger Icing from The Spiffy Cookie
- Sweet Tea Panna Cotta from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Turtle Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches from That Recipe
Fall Flavors 2021 Giveaway Disclaimer: Six (6) winners will be randomly selected. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. Bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. Winners have 24 hours to respond once notified by email, or they forfeit the prize and an alternate winner will be chosen. The #FallFlavors bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members living in the household cannot enter or win the giveaway. Entries will be verified. No purchase is necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter the giveaway and the contest is open only to US residents. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or any other social channel mentioned in the #FallFlavors posts or entries. Thank you to our sponsors Millican Pecan Company, Dixie Crystals, Melissa’s Produce, Taylor & Colledge, Republic of Tea, and Nairn’s for providing prizes.