Butter Pecan Cake Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of butter pecan cake mix with the crunch of toasted pecans and the sweetness of milk chocolate toffee bits.
These Butter Pecan Cake Cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients, yet they taste like you’ve spent hours perfecting them.
The first bite reveals a soft, chewy texture with a buttery richness that’s perfectly complemented by the subtle crunch of pecans.
The toffee bits add a touch of caramelized sweetness, making each cookie irresistible. In my experience, these cookies are a hit at any gathering—whether it’s a holiday party or a casual get-together.
They’re quick to prepare, satisfying to eat, and always leave people asking for the Butter Pecan Cake Cookies!
Why You’ll Love Butter Pecan Cake Cookies?
You’ll love Butter Pecan Cake Cookies because they are incredibly easy to make yet irresistibly delicious!
The rich, buttery flavor of the cake mix combines perfectly with crunchy pecans and sweet toffee bits, creating a cookie that’s soft, chewy, and packed with flavor.
With minimal ingredients and little preparation time, these cookies are a quick and satisfying treat for any occasion.
The simple Butter Pecan Cake Cookies allows for endless customization, so you can adjust the flavors to suit your tastes!
How To Prepare Butter Pecan Cake Cookies?
Recipe Overview:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 22–25 minutes
- Course: Dessert
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: Approximately 150 calories per cookie (based on 24 cookies)
- Yield: 24 cookies
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Cookie sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Spoon or cookie scoop
- Cooling rack (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) butter pecan cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 25 pecans (roughly chopped)
- 1 cup milk chocolate English toffee bits
How to Make Butter Pecan Cake Cookies
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, if desired.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, 2 eggs, and 1/2 cup of canola oil. Stir the ingredients together until a thick cookie dough forms.
3. Gently fold in the powdered sugar, chopped pecans, and milk chocolate English toffee bits. Make sure all the ingredients are well incorporated into the dough.
4.Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) onto the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden and the centers are set. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
6. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely before serving.
Special Notes
1. Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before you start. This will ensure that it mixes more easily with the sugar, giving you a light and fluffy dough.
2. Toasting Pecans for Extra Flavor: While adding raw pecans works fine, toasting them brings out their natural oils and intensifies their flavor. Simply place chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant. Be sure to stir them occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Chill the Dough for Better Texture: If you want cookies with a chewier texture, consider chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will allow the flour to fully hydrate and help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
4. Use Cake Mix for a Soft, Cake-Like Texture: The secret to the soft, cake-like consistency of these cookies lies in the butter pecan cake mix. It gives them a tender crumb and that signature butter-pecan flavor with minimal effort.
5. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies in the final few minutes of baking. They should have golden edges and a slightly soft center. Overbaking can lead to cookies that are too crispy, so remove them from the oven as soon as they look set.
Serving Suggestions
Butter pecan cake cookies are delicious on their own, but you can also pair them with a variety of beverages for an enhanced treat. Here are a few serving ideas:
➤ Coffee or Espresso: The buttery flavor of these cookies pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a rich espresso.
➤ Milk: A classic pairing, milk balances out the sweetness and complements the richness of the cookies.
➤ Ice Cream Sandwiches: For an extra indulgent dessert, sandwich a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream between two butter pecan cake cookies.
➤ Holiday Platters: These cookies are perfect for holiday cookie trays, alongside other festive treats like sugar cookies and gingerbread.
Health Benefits
Though butter pecan cake cookies are indulgent, there are a few health benefits that make them a better choice compared to other cookies:
➤ Pecans are heart-healthy: Packed with healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants, pecans contribute to heart health. They also help regulate cholesterol levels.
➤ Rich in vitamins and minerals: The nuts in these cookies provide essential vitamins such as vitamin E, which supports healthy skin and immune function, and B vitamins for energy.
➤ Good source of protein: While not a significant source, the pecans and egg in the cookies contribute a small amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
Variations To Customize Your Butter Pecan Cake Cookies
➣ Chocolate Chip Butter Pecan Cookies: Add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in place of the toffee bits for a classic twist.
➣ Caramel Butter Pecan Cookies: Stir in 1/2 cup of caramel chips or drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled cookies for added sweetness.
➣ Cinnamon Butter Pecan Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
➣ Maple Butter Pecan Cookies: Replace the canola oil with 1/4 cup of maple syrup for a subtle maple flavor that complements the pecans.
➣ Coconut Butter Pecan Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical
Storage & Make-Ahead
These Butter Pecan Cake Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.
Simply place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. To make ahead, prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.
Alternatively, you can freeze the dough in cookie-sized portions and bake them directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes, you can substitute the butter pecan cake mix with other flavors like vanilla, caramel, or yellow cake mix, but it will alter the flavor of the cookies.
Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes, you can replace the eggs with egg substitutes like 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of yogurt per egg.
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! You can swap the pecans with walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts for a different nutty flavor.
How can I make these cookies chewier?
To make the cookies chewier, slightly underbake them by 1-2 minutes, and make sure to cool them on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring them.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Portion it into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then store the frozen dough in an airtight container or bag for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer!
Conclusion
Butter Pecan Cake Cookies are a perfect balance of ease and indulgence. With their rich buttery flavor, crunchy pecans, and sweet toffee bits, they offer a comforting, delightful treat that’s sure to please everyone.
Looking for a quick dessert for a special occasion or just a simple, delicious snack, these cookies deliver on both taste and convenience.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—it’s easy to tweak with different add-ins or variations to suit your preferences.
Regardless of how you make them, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire, leaving everyone asking for more.
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Butter Pecan Cake Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Cookie sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Spoon or cookie scoop
- Cooling rack (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 box 15.25 oz butter pecan cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 25 pecans roughly chopped
- 1 cup milk chocolate English toffee bits
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, if desired.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, 2 eggs, and 1/2 cup of canola oil. Stir the ingredients together until a thick cookie dough forms.
- Gently fold in the powdered sugar, chopped pecans, and milk chocolate English toffee bits. Make sure all the ingredients are well incorporated into the dough.
- 4.Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) onto the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden and the centers are set. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely before serving.