Description
A sophisticated and deeply flavorful treat that elevates the classic cookie. By toasting pecans in butter and browning the butter for the dough, this recipe creates a rich, nutty experience with crisp golden edges, chewy centers, and a perfect balance of salty-sweet warmth.
Ingredients
Buttered Pecans
- 1 1/4 cups pecans (finely chopped), 3 tbsp unsalted butter
Cookie Dough
- 2 sticks unsalted butter (browned), 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1 cup dark brown sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk, 1 tbsp vanilla
- 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tsp baking soda, 3/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 16 pecan halves (for decoration)
Instructions
Pecans: Toast chopped pecans in 3 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat (4–5 mins) until fragrant. Set aside.
Brown the Butter: Melt 2 sticks of butter until it turns deep amber and smells nutty. Transfer immediately to a bowl.
Base: Whisk sugars into hot butter. Add vanilla, then beat in eggs and yolk one at a time. Whisk dry ingredients in a separate bowl and fold into wet mixture with buttered pecans.
Chill & Bake: Refrigerate dough for 4 hours. Preheat oven to 375°F. Scoop 3-tbsp balls, press a pecan half on top, and bake for 10–11 mins. Sprinkle with sugar while warm.
Notes
The ‘Don’t Walk Away’ Rule: Butter burns quickly once browned. Remove from heat the moment you see amber flecks and smell toasted nuts.
Chilling is Key: Because the butter is melted, the dough is soft. Chilling for 4 hours is essential to ensure cookies are thick and chewy rather than thin puddles.
The Extra Yolk: Providing a fudgy richness, the extra yolk balances the intense, toasted notes of the pecans and browned butter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Cookies
- Method: Browning / Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 19
- Sodium: 210
- Fat: 21
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 65
Keywords: browned butter pecan cookies, toasted pecan cookies, gourmet butter pecan, chewy nut cookies, browned butter recipes