Butter Pecan Cookies Brown Butter (Printable)

Nutty butter pecan cookies with toasted nuts, browned butter, and a sprinkle of sea salt.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Brown Butter

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter

→ Cookies

02 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
03 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 1 cup packed light brown sugar
06 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
07 - 2 large eggs, at room temperature
08 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
09 - 1 1/2 cups pecan halves, toasted and coarsely chopped

→ Finishing

10 - Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

# How-To:

01 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking, swirling often, until the butter foams, turns golden brown, and has a nutty aroma, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Pour into a large mixing bowl and cool for 10 minutes.
02 - While the butter cools, preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread pecan halves on a baking sheet and toast for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring halfway through. Cool completely, then chop coarsely.
03 - To the cooled brown butter, add brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and fine sea salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in toasted pecans.
05 - Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop dough, approximately 2 tablespoons per cookie, onto the sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Sprinkle each with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
06 - Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until edges are golden and centers look just set. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Intensely flavorful brown butter adds a rich, nutty depth.
  • Crunchy toasted pecans complement the soft, chewy cookie texture.
  • Flaky sea salt provides a perfect sweet-salty balance.
  • Simple ingredients and easy steps make it approachable for all skill levels.
  • Yield of 24 cookies perfect for sharing or gifting.
02 -
  • Swirl the butter constantly while browning to prevent burning and ensure even caramelization.
  • Toast pecans gently to enhance flavor but avoid over-roasting which can turn them bitter.
  • Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and texture of the dough.
  • Handle the dough lightly once flour is added to keep cookies tender.
  • Sprinkle flaky sea salt just before baking to retain its delicate texture and flavor.
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