Directions
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until well combined.
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
Gently introduce the chopped pecans into the cookie dough, mixing until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Scoop the dough into equal portions and roll each portion into a ball. Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving sufficient space between each one for spreading.
Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to enhance the flavor and texture.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough is chilled, bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers remain soft.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the best results, consider toasting the pecans before adding them to the dough. This will enhance their flavor and provide a deeper nutty taste to your cookies.
Additionally, keeping the cookies in an airtight container will help maintain their freshness for several days. Enjoy your homemade butter pecan cookies!