Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.1 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- Beat in the vanilla extract and salt until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is thoroughly incorporated.1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough at this stage.2 cups all-purpose flour
- Add the toasted, chopped pecans to the dough and gently fold them in using a spatula or wooden spoon until evenly distributed. You want to ensure the pecans are mixed in without overworking the dough.1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, toasted
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can gently flatten the tops slightly with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass if you prefer a flatter cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown and the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to set up as they cool.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up properly without breaking.
Notes
To keep your Melt-In-Your-Mouth Pecan Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay wonderfully tender for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the cookies are completely cooled before storing to prevent any condensation from making them soggy. If you have a larger batch and want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, you can enjoy them straight from the freezer, or gently warm them in a low oven (around 250°F or 120°C) for a few minutes to recapture that just-baked warmth and soft texture.
