Prepare to indulge in the most delightfully chewy Pecan Butter Cookies that promise to become an instant favorite! Crafted with rich, creamy pecan butter, generous chunks of chopped pecans, fragrant vanilla bean paste, and a symphony of sweet flavors, these cookies offer an experience your tastebuds will truly cherish.
If you’re a true pecan enthusiast, then this pecan butter cookie recipe is an absolute must-try! My culinary journey often leads me to experiment with classic recipes, and these cookies are a perfect example. I took my mom’s beloved peanut butter cookie recipe, a time-tested family favorite, and transformed it into something uniquely spectacular by replacing the peanut butter with rich pecan butter and incorporating crunchy pecan pieces. To simply call these cookies “dreamy” would barely scratch the surface of their incredible appeal. Each bite delivers a delightful contrast: light and subtly flaky edges give way to a wonderfully soft and chewy center. This is precisely the texture and balance every perfect cookie aspires to achieve.
For those who have yet to venture into baking with pecan butter, now is your moment. Its distinct, subtly sweet, and intensely nutty flavor profile elevates these cookies beyond expectation. While they undeniably make a fantastic recipe to herald the arrival of the cozy fall season, their irresistible taste means they are a delightful indulgence at any time of the year. Imagine the warmth and comfort these chewy homemade pecan butter cookies can bring to your kitchen, filling your home with an aroma that’s both inviting and utterly delicious.
This exquisite Pecan Butter Cookie recipe was lovingly crafted as part of #FallFlavors week. I’m grateful to Millican Pecan Company for providing the premium pecans, and to Taylor & Colledge for their exceptional vanilla bean paste. The opinions and passion for these cookies expressed in this post are entirely my own.
Fall in Love with the Best Chewy Pecan Butter Cookies
There’s an undeniable magic that accompanies the autumn season. Is it just me, or do the crisp air, the vibrant tapestry of warm colors, and the satisfying crunch of fallen leaves underfoot evoke an insatiable yearning for comforting, homemade baked goods? It seems to be a universal sentiment. As September rolls in with its cozy embrace, I found myself inspired to celebrate the season’s delights in my kitchen. Drawing upon my mother’s legendary peanut butter cookie recipe, I embarked on a mission to create my own signature pecan butter cookies. It’s crucial to clarify: when I speak of “pecan butter cookies,” I’m referring to a creation distinctly different from “butter pecan cookies.” The former highlights the unique, smooth richness of pecan butter as a primary ingredient, while the latter typically features butter flavored with pecan pieces. My recipe puts pecan butter center stage, delivering an unparalleled depth of flavor and a wonderfully soft, chewy texture that sets these cookies apart.
This particular recipe marks my third and final contribution to this year’s highly anticipated #FallFlavors event, and I am absolutely thrilled with the outstanding results! The moment these cookies emerged from the oven, filling my home with their irresistible aroma, I knew I had a winner. Their perfect balance of nutty sweetness and tender chewiness exceeded all expectations, making them a true highlight of my fall baking endeavors.
While you’re here, don’t forget to explore the other two delectable recipes I crafted for this year’s event: my generously sized Giant Butterscotch Cookies, bursting with old-fashioned charm, and my decadent Caramel Pecan Clusters, a heavenly blend of sweet and nutty flavors. Each recipe celebrates the comforting essence of fall, offering a unique treat for every palate.
Pecans are an incredibly versatile ingredient, offering a wealth of possibilities for baking and beyond. Their rich, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch make them a star in countless recipes. Whether I’m whipping up my chewy turtle cookies, baking a classic, comforting pecan pie, or adding a delightful twist to my banana bread coffee cake, there’s always a compelling reason to incorporate these wonderful nuts. Pecans effortlessly infuse a deliciously sweet and savory element into almost any dish, while also contributing complex nutty textures that are both palatable and wonderfully addicting. They truly shine during the autumn months and throughout the holiday season, bringing a touch of gourmet sophistication to everyday and celebratory meals alike. Explore the myriad ways pecans can elevate your baking and cooking!
What is Pecan Butter and Why Use It?
Pecan butter is a luxurious, creamy, and intensely flavorful nut butter spread crafted from pure, whole pecans. Unlike peanut butter, which can sometimes overpower other flavors, pecan butter offers a more nuanced, subtly sweet, and inherently rich profile that pairs beautifully with a wide range of ingredients. I was absolutely thrilled to receive a jar of Millican Creamy Pecan Butter for Fall Flavors week! Having never baked with it before, I was immediately inspired. The moment I tasted its smooth, nutty goodness, I knew exactly what culinary creation it was destined for: these incredibly satisfying pecan butter cookies.
Beyond its unique flavor, pecan butter also boasts a beneficial nutritional profile, containing healthy fats, antioxidants, and essential minerals. Its natural oils contribute to the wonderfully moist and tender texture of baked goods, making it an ideal ingredient for cookies, cakes, and pastries. The richness it imparts is simply unparalleled.
My next exciting experiment involves a personal favorite: replacing the almond butter with this delicious pecan butter in my refreshing Nutty Monkey Smoothie! I can hardly wait to experience the enhanced flavor and creamy texture it will bring. Prepare for a truly delightful twist!
Versatile Ways to Enjoy Pecan Butter
Pecan butter’s versatility extends far beyond just baking these chewy cookies. Its silky smooth texture and distinctive flavor make it a fantastic addition to both sweet and savory applications. Spread a generous layer of pecan butter over warm, toasted bagels or a slice of artisanal bread for a quick and satisfying breakfast. Drizzle it over fluffy pancakes or waffles for an elevated brunch experience. For a healthy snack, pair it with crisp apple slices or sweet banana rounds. You can even elevate your favorite crackers by topping them with a dollop of pecan butter, perhaps with a sprinkle of sea salt for a perfect balance of flavors. Its rich profile also makes it an excellent ingredient for savory sauces, salad dressings, or as a flavorful base for energy bites and protein balls. Don’t limit yourself – explore the endless possibilities of this delightful nut butter!
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Pecan Butter Cookies
Crafting these irresistible pecan butter cookies requires a few key ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find at your local grocery store. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the desired texture, flavor, and overall deliciousness of these homemade treats:
- Shortening: A baking staple for generations, shortening is a solid fat kept at room temperature. Its primary role in these cookies is to ensure a remarkably soft and tender crumb, contributing to that melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these pecan butter cookies truly special. It also helps prevent spreading, maintaining a beautiful cookie shape.
- Pecan Butter: The star ingredient! Smooth, intensely nutty, and naturally sweet, pecan butter is the secret to the unique depth of flavor in this recipe. It’s what gives these cookies their distinctive, rich taste and wonderfully chewy consistency, setting them apart from traditional nut butter cookies.
- Sugars (White & Brown Granulated): I advocate for a blend of both white granulated sugar and brown sugar in this recipe. The combination is magical: white sugar contributes to the crispy edges and structure, while brown sugar, with its molasses content, adds moisture, depth of flavor, and is absolutely essential for creating that perfectly soft and incredibly chewy center that defines these cookies.
- Eggs: Whether you choose farm-fresh eggs from a local market or standard store-bought ones, eggs are indispensable. They serve multiple functions: providing essential moisture for a tender cookie, acting as powerful binders to hold the dough together, and contributing to the overall structure and richness of the finished product.
- Vanilla Bean Paste: In my personal opinion, vanilla bean paste offers a superior flavor experience compared to standard vanilla extract. It delivers a more complex, robust vanilla aroma and taste, and the visible flecks of real vanilla bean add a touch of gourmet elegance. It significantly enhances the overall flavor profile of these nutty cookies.
- All-Purpose Flour: Any good quality all-purpose flour will work perfectly here. For those with dietary considerations, feel free to experiment with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for equally delicious results, or even a whole wheat flour for a nuttier, heartier cookie.
- Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These are the crucial leavening agents that give the cookies their ideal lift and texture. Baking soda reacts with the acidic brown sugar, while baking powder provides an extra boost, ensuring your cookies rise beautifully and achieve that soft, airy yet chewy consistency.
- Salt: A small but mighty ingredient! Just a touch of sprinkled sea salt is all you need. It enhances all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness of the sugars and the richness of the pecan butter, resulting in cookies that are the perfect harmony of salty and sweet.
- Chopped Pecans: Beyond the pecan butter, additional chopped pecans are folded into the dough. These are the true “stars” that provide a delightful textural contrast and an extra burst of nutty flavor in every bite. They’re incredibly versatile and elevate these cookies from great to unforgettable.
How to Bake the Best Chewy Pecan Butter Cookies
Making these delectable pecan butter cookies is surprisingly simple. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve perfectly soft, chewy, and flavorful results every time:
Step One: Prepare the Dough
Begin by preheating your oven to a precise 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). In a large mixing bowl, combine the shortening, creamy pecan butter, both white and brown sugars, eggs, rich vanilla bean paste, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they are just combined and form a cohesive dough. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies. Once the base dough is ready, gently fold in the finely chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This initial mixing step is crucial for developing the cookie’s foundational texture and flavor.
Step Two: Shape and Flatten
Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, drop rounded balls of the delicious pecan butter cookie dough onto an ungreased baking sheet, leaving adequate space between each one to allow for spreading. For that classic peanut butter cookie look and to help them bake evenly, take the bottom of a glass or the tines of a fork, dip it lightly into granulated sugar to prevent sticking, and then gently press it into the center of each cookie dough ball. This simple step flattens the dough slightly and creates an appealing crisscross pattern, enhancing both the appearance and the baking process.
Step Three: Bake to Perfection
Finally, slide your prepared baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the cookies for approximately eight to ten minutes. Precision is key here: closely monitor your cookies! The secret to achieving that perfectly chewy texture and preventing them from becoming dry lies in not overbaking. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn a delicate golden brown, even if the centers still appear slightly soft. This subtle golden hue signals it’s time to remove them from the oven immediately. Allowing them to cool on the hot baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack will help them set and continue to cook ever so slightly, locking in that ideal soft and chewy consistency. Overbaking can quickly transform a perfect cookie into a crumbly disappointment, so keep a watchful eye!
Once baked, allow the pecan butter cookies to rest on the baking sheet for just two to three minutes. This brief cooling period helps them firm up slightly before you carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. For optimal freshness, store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, where they’ll maintain their delightful chewiness. For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully for up to four months. Simply thaw them at room temperature when a craving strikes, and they’ll be almost as good as freshly baked!
Expert Tips for Baking Flawless Pecan Butter Cookies
Achieving the perfect pecan butter cookie is easy with these helpful tips:
- Measure Flour Accurately: Precision in baking is paramount, especially with flour. Always use the “spoon and level” method: spoon flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with the back of a knife. Scooping directly from the bag can compact the flour, leading to an excess amount, which will result in dense, dry cookies rather than the desired chewy texture.
- Vanilla Substitute: If you don’t have vanilla bean paste on hand, don’t fret! You can absolutely substitute an equal amount of high-quality vanilla extract. While the paste offers a richer flavor and visible flecks, good extract will still deliver that essential aromatic vanilla note.
- Enhance with Mix-ins: These pecan butter cookies are fantastic on their own, but they also serve as a wonderful base for additional flavors. Feel free to stir in a half cup of your favorite mix-ins! Consider adding butterscotch chips for extra sweetness, caramel bits for a gooey touch, or white chocolate or dark chocolate chips for a rich, decadent twist.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and pecan butter are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more smoothly with the shortening and sugars, creating a more uniform dough and a better texture in your finished cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: After adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, dense cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
- Quality Baking Sheets: Use light-colored baking sheets. Darker sheets can absorb more heat, causing the bottoms of your cookies to brown too quickly or even burn before the rest of the cookie is properly baked.
- Chilling the Dough (Optional but Recommended): For an even chewier cookie and to prevent excessive spreading, consider chilling your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This allows the fats to firm up and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Love It? Pin It! Share Your Baking Joy
If you’re anything like me, then these chewy pecan butter cookies will quickly find a permanent spot in your rotation of favorite treats and snacks. Whether it’s for a cozy afternoon indulgence, a delightful dessert, or a comforting bite any time the craving strikes, these cookies are perfect. Don’t let this incredible recipe slip away! Make sure to save it to your Pinterest board right away so you’ll have easy access to it whenever you’re ready to bake a batch. Share the joy of these homemade pecan butter cookies with your friends and family, and let everyone experience the irresistible delight of these nutty, chewy masterpieces!
Discover More Fall Flavors Prizes!
Welcome to #FallFlavors, an exciting event where over 25 talented food bloggers unite to share their most cherished Fall-inspired recipes. We’re incredibly thankful to our generous sponsors, Millican Pecan, Dixie Crystals, Melissa’s Produce, Taylor & Colledge, Nairn’s, and The Republic of Tea, who have not only provided participating bloggers with complimentary products for their recipe creations but have also graciously offered a fantastic array of prizes for our giveaway! Be sure to explore all the delicious entries and enter the giveaway for your chance to win. Don’t forget to share this with your friends and family so they can participate too. For more seasonal inspiration, follow our dedicated Fall Flavors Pinterest account.
Prize 1: Texas Pecan Candy Basket from Millican Pecan
The Millican Pecan Texas Pecan Candy Basket is a treasure trove brimming with a diverse selection of premium pecan gifts. This delectable assortment includes 6 rich Milk Chocolate Pecan Clusters, 6 delightful Milk Chocolate Caramillicans (akin to the classic Turtles), 6 creamy White Chocolate Caramillicans, 6 authentic Pecan Pralines, and a generous 1/2 lb. Bag of Flavored Pecans. Every single item is an absolute delight, promising a truly delicious experience! This exceptional basket is valued at $75.
Prize 2: Williams Sonoma Cleartouch Nonstick 6-Piece Bakeware Set from Dixie Crystals
This entry-level collection is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers, featuring a robust nonstick silicone coating at an incredible value. Crafted from aluminized steel, the material preferred by professional bakers, this set ensures excellent heat transfer for consistently even baking. Your food will turn out beautifully and release effortlessly every time. The comprehensive 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 versatile loaf pan. An outstanding value at $80.
Prize 3: 3 Month Melissa’s Produce Gift Subscription
Imagine a stunning selection of the freshest, most delicious produce delivered right to your doorstep, once a month for three consecutive months. At Melissa’s, every item is meticulously selected at its peak of perfection and carefully packed by hand, guaranteeing its safe and pristine arrival. Experience the joy of gourmet produce with this incredible gift subscription, valued at $124.
Prize 4: A Red Dancing Leaves Teapot and a tin of Hot Apple Cider Tea from The Republic of Tea
Allow the comforting aroma of fresh apple and mulled cider spices to envelop you as you savor this golden infusion. The crisp, lingering finish of this naturally caffeine-free blend will leave you craving more! It combines apples, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, reminiscent of classic apple cider. With the luscious scent of cinnamon and cloves, this tea is the perfect accompaniment to the beautiful colors of the harvest season. Complementing this, an elegantly embossed, windswept leaves teapot, with a 20 oz ceramic capacity, includes a high-quality stainless steel infuser. This exclusive design from The Republic of Tea offers a total value of $44.
Prize 5: A selection of six flavors of Oat Crackers from Nairn’s
One fortunate winner will receive a box of each delicious Nairn’s variety: Original, Chocolate Chip, Stem Ginger Oat Grahams, Caramelized Onions, Rosemary & Sea Salt Flatbreads, and Oat Cracker. Nairn’s has a proud heritage of baking oats since 1896, committed to using simple, natural, and wholesome ingredients in all their products. This prize selection holds a minimum value of $25.
Prize 6: A Selection of Extracts from Taylor and Colledge.
One lucky winner will be awarded a premium selection of extracts from Taylor & Colledge, including their renowned vanilla bean, almond, lemon, and lavender. Established in 1897, Taylor & Colledge earned its first award for excellence in vanilla. Since then, their unwavering commitment to unsurpassed quality has solidified their reputation as one of the world’s finest producers of vanilla and other exquisite extracts. This prize has a minimum value of $25.
Don’t Miss Out on the Fall Flavors Giveaway!
Enter now for your chance to win these amazing prizes from our generous sponsors! Simply follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter widget embedded below. Good luck!
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Please refer to the detailed giveaway disclaimer located at the bottom of this post for full terms and conditions.
Love Pecans? So Do We! Explore More Pecan Recipes
If you’re as passionate about pecans as we are, you’ll be thrilled to discover more of my favorite recipes that celebrate the rich, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch of these incredible nuts:
- Graham Cracker Toffee (as pictured above, a sweet and crunchy delight)
- Seven Layer Cookies (a decadent dessert bar with layers of goodness)
- Caramel Pecan Clusters (a classic candy combining sweet caramel and crunchy pecans)
- Sugared Pecans (perfect for snacking or garnishing desserts)
- Pumpkin Pecan Donuts with Cream Cheese Glaze (a delightful autumn breakfast treat)
- Classic Pecan Pie (the quintessential holiday dessert)
- Reuben Cheeseball (a savory appetizer with a nutty crunch)
- Applesauce Coffee Cake (moist cake with a streusel topping)
- Grandma’s Zucchini Bread (a beloved family recipe, often with pecans)
- Pumpkin Zucchini Streusel Bread (a flavorful blend of fall favorites)
- Cinnamon Crunch Coffee Cake (a sweet, cinnamony treat perfect with coffee)
- Ice Cream Sticky Rolls (a unique dessert featuring gooey caramel and pecans)
- Pecan Caramel Bark (an irresistible combination of crunchy, sweet, and chewy)
If you’re already a huge fan of classic peanut butter cookies, I can almost guarantee you will absolutely adore this Pecan Butter Cookie Recipe! Its rich, distinct flavor and wonderfully chewy texture offer a delightful twist that you won’t want to miss. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s gather our ingredients and bake some unforgettable cookies! 
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Print Recipe
Pecan Butter Cookies
Equipment
- Glass Batter Bowl
- Rubber Spatulas
- Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
- KitchenAid Hand Mixer
- 13×18 Half Sheet Pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup shortening
- 1 cup pecan butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the shortening, pecan butter, both granulated sugars, eggs, vanilla bean paste, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and a cohesive dough forms. Gently fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- Drop rounded balls of dough, about 1.5 inches in diameter, onto an ungreased cookie sheet, leaving at least 2 inches between each cookie. Lightly dip the bottom of a glass or the tines of a fork into granulated sugar, then gently press it onto each cookie dough ball to flatten and create a classic crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes. It’s crucial to watch them closely – for soft and chewy cookies, avoid overbaking! The cookies are done when their edges are lightly golden brown and the centers still appear slightly soft. Remove from oven. Allow them to cool on the cookie sheet for 1-2 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or freeze for up to four months for extended freshness.
Notes
Nutrition
More #FallFlavors Recipes Below:
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.