Brown Butter Pecan Cookies

These Brown Butter Pecan Cookies are a perfect treat for anyone who loves the combination of rich, nutty, buttery flavors in a dessert. Think – caramel meets toffee meets pecan brittle. My sister’s recipe for these cookies combine the best of those flavors and are not only easy to make, but are also so delicious that you’ll want to bake them over and over again. The recipe is perfect for any occasion, but I think these cookies taste fantastic with vanilla ice cream sandwiched between them on a summer night (butter pecan ice cream sandwich, anyone?).

Brown Butter Breakdown

Before we get into the cookies, let’s talk a little bit about brown butter. This is one of my favorite flavors of all time, and it’s an easy way to elevate a variety of dishes.

Brown butter, also known as beurre noisette in French, has been around for centuries and is widely used in French cuisine. It is made by melting butter and cooking it over low to medium heat until the milk solids in the butter turn brown and emit a nutty aroma. This process results in butter with a rich, nutty, and caramelized flavor.

The origins of brown butter can be traced back to the 17th century when French chef François Pierre La Varenne first documented the process of making brown butter in his cookbook, “Le Cuisinier François.” In his book, he described the process of browning butter as a way to add flavor and richness to sauces, meats, and vegetables.

Brown butter became popular in French cuisine and was used in many classic French dishes, such as Sole Meunière, a classic French fish dish made with brown butter, lemon juice, and parsley. It was also used in pastries, such as madeleines and financiers, to add that craveable rich, nutty flavor.

Today, brown butter is used in many different cuisines and dishes around the world, from savory sauces to sweet treats like these Brown Butter Pecan Cookies. It has become a staple in many kitchens, and for a good reason – the flavor it adds to dishes is hard to beat.

Looking for other Brown Butter Recipes? Try These:

Brown Butter Pasta with Pecorino Romano, Mushrooms, and Toasted Walnuts

Blueberry-Pumpkin Scones with Brown Butter Maple Glaze

Bourbon Glazed Carrot Ravioli with Citrus Brown Butter Sauce

No-Churn Brown Butter Peach Crisp Ice Cream

Making the Brown Butter Pecan Cookies

The first step in making these cookies is browning the butter. This simple process adds a nutty flavor to the butter, which gives these cookies their signature richness. To brown the butter, simply melt one stick of butter in a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat until the foam subsides and a rich golden brown color is achieved. Once the butter is browned, pour it into a separate bowl and place it in the refrigerator to cool and solidify for about an hour.

While the brown butter is cooling, you can prepare the pecans. Toasting the pecans in butter brings out their natural flavor and adds a deep roasted flavor to these cookies. Simply chop the pecans into small pieces and toast them in a large skillet with 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until lightly browned and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.

It’s Dough Time

Once the butter has cooled and solidified, you can begin to make the cookie dough. Cream together the regular stick of butter, cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy, which should take 2-4 minutes. Gently stir in the eggs and vanilla extract, then mix until well combined. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in ½ cup increments, mixing after each addition until just barely combined. Finally, stir in the toasted pecans until combined.

It is important to chill the dough in the refrigerator before baking, at least one hour, so that the cookies hold their shape and don’t spread too much. Once chilled, scoop the dough into roughly shaped balls, 2-3 heaping tablespoons at a time, onto a baking sheet. Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the cookies for 9-10 minutes until golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool slightly before moving to a cooling rack.

These cookies are just plain good. They’re soft, chewy, and bursting with the flavors of brown butter and toasted pecans. You can serve them as an afternoon snack, a dessert, or even as a sweet treat to have with your morning coffee. They are also perfect for gifting to friends and family since they store well in an airtight container for up to a week.

Delicious All-Year Round

These brown butter pecan cookies are perfect for any season, making them a versatile dessert. During the summer, they make for a great base for ice cream sandwiches. Simply add a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies, and you have an indulgent summer treat. The nutty and caramelized flavor of the brown butter pairs well with the cold, creamy, and sweet flavors of ice cream, creating a perfect balance of flavors and texture.

As the temperatures start to drop, these cookies also make for a cozy and comforting treat during the fall. The warm and rich flavors of the brown butter and toasted pecans are reminiscent of the flavors of autumn, making these cookies a perfect addition to your fall baking lineup. They are also great for serving with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them a great snack for a crisp fall afternoon.

Overall, these brown butter pecan cookies are a versatile and delicious treat that can be enjoyed all year round. Whether you’re looking for a sweet summer treat or a cozy fall snack, these cookies are sure to satisfy your cravings. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch and enjoy the indulgent flavors of brown butter and toasted pecans.

I hope you love these Brown Butter Pecan Cookies as much as I do! If you make this recipe, leave a comment and let me know what you thought or feel free to ask a question! I’d also love to see what you made! Tag me in your food pics @fortheperfectbite or use #fortheperfectbite on Instagram.