Butter Pecan Cookies

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Toast the Pecans:**
– Begin by toasting your pecans to bring out their natural flavor. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chopped pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 7-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be sure to stir them halfway through to prevent burning. Once toasted, set the pecans aside to cool.

#### 2. **Prepare the Dough:**
– In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and light brown sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for creating a soft, tender cookie texture.
– Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, and beat until combined.

#### 3. **Combine the Dry Ingredients:**
– In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in dense cookies.

#### 4. **Incorporate the Pecans:**
– Once the dough is formed, fold in the toasted pecans and, if using, white chocolate chips. The pecans will add the perfect crunch and nutty flavor, while the chocolate chips give a subtle sweetness to complement the butter and brown sugar.

#### 5. **Chill the Dough (Optional, But Recommended):**
– For best results, cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step, but chilling the dough will give you better texture and flavor.

#### 6. **Shape the Cookies:**
– Once the dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you haven’t already. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
– Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough into rounded balls, placing them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball of dough slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.

#### 7. **Bake the Cookies:**
– Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers have set. Be careful not to overbake them, as the cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet after they’re removed from the oven. They should look slightly underbaked in the center, as they’ll firm up while cooling.

#### 8. **Cool and Serve:**
– Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them firm up and retain their soft texture.

#### 9. **Enjoy:**
– Serve your Butter Pecan Cookies with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or just enjoy them on their own. The sweet, nutty flavor and rich texture will have everyone reaching for more!

### Tips for Perfect Butter Pecan Cookies:
– **Toasting the Pecans:** Toasting the pecans really enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the cookies. Be sure not to skip this step, as it brings out the natural oils in the nuts, giving them a richer taste.
– **Chill the Dough:** Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, ensuring they stay thick and chewy. It also allows the flavors to develop more fully.
– **Don’t Overbake:** For the best texture, keep an eye on the cookies and pull them out when they’re just set. The centers should still be soft; they will firm up as they cool.
– **Add-Ins:** Feel free to customize your cookies by adding other mix-ins such as chopped chocolate, dried cranberries, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for added warmth.

### Why You’ll Love Butter Pecan Cookies:
These **Butter Pecan Cookies** offer a perfect balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and rich, buttery flavor. The toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch, while the butter and brown sugar create a soft, chewy cookie with just the right amount of sweetness. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon snack or served as a holiday treat, these cookies are guaranteed to become a favorite in your baking rotation.

Not only are these cookies easy to make, but they also showcase the comforting, nostalgic flavors of butter and pecans in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply craving a delicious homemade treat, these cookies are sure to impress.

—

**Butter Pecan Cookies** are the ideal treat for anyone who loves a rich, nutty, and satisfying cookie. With their soft, chewy texture and sweet, buttery flavor, they are a perfect indulgence for any occasion. Bake up a batch today and enjoy the warm, comforting goodness of homemade cookies with the perfect nutty twist!