The Best Pecan Sugar Cookies Recipe for Sweet Treat Lovers

Sweet pecan sugar cookies reimagine ordinary dessert moments into delightful memories of warmth and comfort.

Nutty, crisp, and irresistibly tender, these cookies represent a delectable fusion of classic baking techniques with rich, aromatic ingredients.

Pecans contribute a luxurious depth that elevates the traditional sugar cookie from simple to spectacular.

Their subtle crunch and caramel-like undertones create a sensory experience that beckons anyone with a passion for homemade treats.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this recipe, which promises consistent results and maximum flavor in every bite.

The magic happens when carefully selected ingredients blend seamlessly, producing a cookie that’s both elegant and approachable.

Prepare to impress family and friends with a treat that feels like a warm culinary embrace.

Why Pecan Sugar Cookies Feel Like a Sweet Hug

• Enhance Flavor with Toasted Pecans: Carefully toasting pecans before mixing into the dough intensifies their nutty, rich flavor, creating a deeper and more complex taste profile that elevates these sugar cookies from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Versatile Holiday Baking Delight: Perfect for festive gatherings, these cookies offer a sophisticated twist on classic sugar cookies with their brown butter icing and crunchy pecan garnish, making them an impressive treat for holiday parties or gift-giving.
• Stress-Free Preparation Technique: The make-ahead dough method allows for flexible baking, letting you prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 2 days, which reduces day-of stress and allows for convenient, well-planned cookie production.
• Textural Masterpiece: Combining soft, tender cookie base with crunchy toasted pecans and smooth brown butter icing creates a delightful multi-textural experience that keeps every bite interesting and satisfying.

The Ingredients Behind Buttery Pecan Sugar Cookies

• Pecans: Rich, toasty flavor that adds crunch and depth to the cookies, best when freshly toasted and chopped.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for the cookie dough, key to achieving the right texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements the pecan flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and rich caramel-like flavor to the cookies.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Smooth base for creating glossy brown butter icing.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure to the cookie dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and classic sweet flavor.

• Butter: Provides richness, flavor, and helps create a tender cookie texture.
• Milk: Helps thin and smooth out the icing for easy application.

• Additional Chopped Pecans: Adds extra crunch and visual appeal to the finished cookies.

How to Make Pecan Sugar Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth

Step 1: Prepare Toasted Pecans

Warm up the oven to 300°F. Spread pecans on a lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Allow pecans to cool, then chop them. Set aside for cookie dough and reserve the rest for garnishing.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Whisk together and set aside.

Step 3: Create Cookie Base

Using a mixer, cream together softened butter and brown sugar on high speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg and vanilla extract, beating for 1 minute. Scrape bowl sides as needed.

Step 4: Combine Dough Ingredients

Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients on low speed. Fold in toasted pecans. If dough feels sticky, add flour.

Step 5: Roll Out Dough

Divide dough into 2 equal portions. Roll each portion on floured parchment paper to 1/4-inch thickness. Layer dough between parchment paper and plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours.

Step 6: Cut and Bake Cookies

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Cut chilled dough into shapes using cookie cutters. Place cookies 3 inches apart on sheets. Bake 12-13 minutes until edges turn light brown.

Step 7: Cool Cookies

Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to wire rack and cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare Brown Butter Icing

Melt butter in a light-colored skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook 5-8 minutes until butter browns and develops a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and cool 5 minutes.

Step 9: Finish Icing

• Confectioners' sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Blend until smooth.

Step 10: Decorate Cookies

Dip cookie tops in icing or spread with knife. Sprinkle remaining chopped pecans on top. Allow icing to set at room temperature for a few hours.

Step 11: Store Cookies

Keep decorated cookies at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for 10 days.

Tips for a Perfect Nutty Crunch in Every Cookie

• Toast Pecans Perfectly: Spread nuts evenly on the baking sheet for consistent golden-brown color and prevent burning by checking frequently during toasting.
• Chill Dough Thoroughly: Allow minimum 1-2 hours refrigeration to ensure cookies maintain shape and develop rich, deep flavors during baking.
• Control Icing Consistency: Let brown butter icing cool slightly before mixing to achieve smooth, spreadable texture that won't run off cookie edges.
• Precision in Rolling: Use even pressure when rolling dough to create uniform cookie thickness, ensuring consistent baking and professional-looking results.
• Gentle Cooling technique: Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack, preventing potential cracking or breaking during transfer.

How to Store Pecan Sugar Cookies to Keep Them Fresh

• Refrigerate Carefully: Place cooled pecan sugar cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep them in the refrigerator for maximum freshness up to 10 days.
• Room Temperature Storage: Leave unrefrigerated cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 3 days. Ensure the container is in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to maintain their crisp texture.
• Freezing Option: Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to preserve their delicate flavor and texture.

What to Pair with Pecan Sugar Cookies

• Pair with Warm Spiced Chai: Complement the pecan and cinnamon notes of the cookies with a creamy, spicy chai tea that echoes the warm flavors and provides a cozy drinking experience.
• Match with Caramel Macchiato: The brown butter icing's richness pairs beautifully with a smooth caramel macchiato, enhancing the nutty and sweet undertones of the cookies.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Create a delightful dessert by serving these cookies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, which will highlight the cookie's toasted pecan and brown butter elements.
• Combine with Aged Bourbon: For an adult treat, enjoy these sophisticated cookies with a small glass of smooth, slightly woody aged bourbon that amplifies the pecan and brown butter complexity.

New Flavors to Try with Your Pecan Sugar Cookies

• Nutty Chocolate Chip Pecan: Replace half the pecans with dark chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent flavor profile that balances sweetness and nuttiness.
• Maple Pecan Spice: Swap brown sugar with maple syrup and add extra ground nutmeg and ginger to enhance the warm, autumnal notes of the cookie.
• Gluten-Free Almond Pecan: Substitute wheat flour with almond flour and add a touch of almond extract to create a lighter, more delicate cookie suitable for those avoiding gluten.
• Salted Caramel Pecan: Drizzle caramel sauce over the brown butter icing and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top to create a decadent sweet-salty combination that elevates the traditional sugar cookie.

Pecan Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Pecan sugar cookies blend Southern charm with sweet sophistication. Buttery, nutty rounds deliver delicate crunch and melt-in-mouth pleasure for cookie enthusiasts seeking classic comfort with elegant nuance.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

Pecans:

• 1 ¼ cups (150g) pecan halves
• 2 ¼ cups (281g) all-purpose flour

Cookie Base:

• ¾ cup (12 tablespoons; 170g) unsalted butter
• ¾ cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Spices and Leavening:

• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Brown Butter Icing:

• 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups (180g) confectioners’ sugar
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) milk
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Optional: pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pecans by spreading them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roasting in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 8-10 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
2. Allow pecans to cool completely, then finely chop. Measure out for the cookie dough, reserving the remaining pecans for garnishing.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until thoroughly combined.
4. Using an electric mixer, cream softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes on high speed.
5. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, beating until completely integrated and smooth.
6. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Gently fold in the toasted chopped pecans.
7. If the dough appears too soft, add an additional tablespoon of flour to achieve the right consistency.
8. Divide the dough into two equal portions and roll each between sheets of parchment paper to 1/4-inch thickness.
9. Stack the rolled dough sheets, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to firm up.
10. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
11. Remove chilled dough and cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters, re-rolling scraps as needed.
12. Arrange cookies on prepared baking sheets, spacing them 3 inches apart.
13. Bake for 12-13 minutes until edges are lightly golden brown.
14. Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
15. For brown butter icing, melt butter in a light-colored skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma (5-8 minutes).
16. Remove browned butter from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
17. Whisk confectioners’ sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into the browned butter until smooth.
18. Dip cooled cookie tops into the icing or wait 10-15 minutes for the icing to thicken slightly before spreading with a knife.
19. Sprinkle remaining chopped pecans over the iced cookies as a garnish.
20. Allow icing to set completely at room temperature for several hours before storing or serving.
21. Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 10 days.

Notes

• Toast pecans carefully to enhance their rich, nutty flavor without burning, which brings depth to the cookie’s taste.
• Refrigerating the dough helps prevent spreading and creates cleaner, more defined cookie shapes during baking.
• Brown butter icing adds a luxurious caramel-like complexity that elevates these simple sugar cookies to a gourmet treat.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent cookie texture.
• Allow icing to set completely before stacking to maintain the cookies’ delicate decorative appearance.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 35 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg