Butter Pecan Cookies Caramel (Printable)

Rich buttery cookies with toasted pecans and a luscious caramel swirl for a decadent treat.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Cookies

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
03 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
06 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1 1/2 cups pecan halves, roughly chopped and toasted

→ For the Caramel Swirl

10 - 1/2 cup caramel sauce, room temperature

# Step-by-Step:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 6 to 8 minutes until fragrant. Transfer to a plate and let cool completely.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and mix until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
05 - In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.
06 - Gently fold the toasted pecans into the cookie dough until evenly distributed throughout.
07 - Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each portion approximately 2 inches apart.
08 - Using a small spoon or piping bag, drizzle approximately 1/2 teaspoon of caramel sauce over each dough mound. Use a toothpick or knife tip to gently swirl the caramel into the dough, creating a marbled effect.
09 - Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the centers appear just set.
10 - Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Perfect balance of buttery richness and caramel sweetness
  • Toasted pecans add incredible depth and crunch
  • Easy to make with simple, accessible ingredients
  • Beautiful caramel swirl makes them visually stunning
  • Ready in just 32 minutes from start to finish
02 -
  • Toast pecans until fragrant but not dark to avoid bitterness
  • Use room temperature caramel sauce for easier swirling
  • Don't skip the cooling time on the baking sheet—it prevents breaking
  • Space cookies 2 inches apart to allow for spreading
  • Store in an airtight container with parchment between layers
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