Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup buttered pecan halves (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure an easy cleanup.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for the cookie’s texture, so take your time!
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the cookies.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Incorporate the Pecans: Fold in the chopped pecans, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The pecans add that irresistible nutty crunch.
- Form the Cookies: Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. If you want to add an extra touch, press a buttered pecan half into the center of each cookie.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Soft Butter: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This ensures the cookies will have the perfect soft and chewy texture.
- Pecan Topping: The optional buttered pecan halves are a great way to make these cookies look extra special. They also add a little more crunch and flavor!
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies might look slightly undercooked in the center when you pull them out, but don’t worry! They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Storage: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg