Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these butter pecan cake mix cookies! They’re a delightful blend of rich, buttery flavor and the delightful crunch of pecans, all wrapped up in the simplicity of a cake mix. Seriously, you won’t believe how easy they are to whip up! Just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a gathering or just satisfying a sweet tooth. The best part? They bake up soft and chewy, with that irresistible nutty aroma wafting through your kitchen. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a go-to recipe in your baking repertoire!
Ingredients List
- 1 box (15.25 oz) butter pecan cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Prepare Butter Pecan Cake Mix Cookies
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) is crucial! This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that delightful golden edge. While the oven is warming up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when you can just peel off that parchment and toss it in the bin!
Mixing the Dough
Now, let’s get to the fun part—mixing! In a large bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Give it a good whisk for about 30 seconds until everything is well blended. Then, gently fold in the butter pecan cake mix. It’s important not to overmix here; just stir until you see no dry spots. This keeps the cookies tender and chewy! Finally, toss in those chopped pecans and fold them in carefully so they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Shaping Cookies
Next up, let’s shape your cookies! Using a tablespoon, scoop out the dough and roll it into balls. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter for each cookie, as this will ensure they bake consistently. If you want uniform cookies, you can use a cookie scoop! Place these little dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each, as they will spread out while baking.
Baking Instructions
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden, but the centers should still look soft. This is key for that chewy texture! Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time helps them set perfectly, so don’t skip it!
Tips for Success
To really elevate your butter pecan cake mix cookies, here are some tried-and-true tips that I swear by! First, consider using brown butter instead of regular melted butter for a deeper, nuttier flavor. Just melt your butter in a saucepan until it turns a lovely golden brown—trust me, it makes a world of difference!
Next, don’t skip the chilling step if you want thicker cookies. Just pop your dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking; it will help them hold their shape. Also, if you want a little extra sweetness and a gorgeous finish, drizzle your cookies with caramel sauce as soon as they come out of the oven. And remember, every oven is different, so keep an eye on them during that last minute of baking to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Variations
One of the best parts about these butter pecan cake mix cookies is how easy it is to customize them to your taste! For a chocolatey twist, try adding a cup of chocolate chips or even white chocolate chips for a delightful contrast with the nutty flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the pecans for other nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts—each will bring its unique flavor and crunch!
You can also experiment with mix-ins like dried cranberries or coconut flakes for a bit of fruity sweetness or tropical flair. Want a spiced version? Just add a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make these cookies your own!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided for these butter pecan cake mix cookies can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose to use. While I strive to offer accurate estimates, precise values are not guaranteed. Always check the labels of your ingredients for the most accurate information tailored to your baking adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.
- Rich, buttery flavor combined with the delightful crunch of pecans.
- Perfectly chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Versatile recipe that allows for endless customization.
- Great for any occasion—friends, family, or just a sweet treat for yourself!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! While butter pecan cake mix gives these cookies their unique flavor, you can easily swap it for other cake mixes like vanilla, chocolate, or even spice cake. Just keep in mind that the taste and texture will vary slightly, but that’s part of the fun of experimenting in the kitchen!
How do I store the cookies?
To keep your butter pecan cake mix cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to maintain their softness, consider adding a slice of bread to the container—it really works wonders!
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough! Just scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them directly into the oven—no need to thaw! Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
These butter pecan cake mix cookies are delightful on their own, but why not elevate your treat experience? Pair them with a steaming cup of coffee or a rich hot chocolate to complement the buttery flavors. For a fun twist, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream—imagine that warm cookie melting into the cold creaminess! You could even stack a few on a dessert platter with fresh fruit for a lovely presentation. Enjoy your delicious creations in style!
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out this sweet potato pie recipe or these butter pecan cookies!
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Butter Pecan Cake Mix Cookies: 5 Easy Steps to Delight
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious butter pecan cake mix cookies that combine the rich flavor of butter pecan with the ease of cake mix.
Ingredients
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Add the butter pecan cake mix and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of melted butter.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for added sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: butter pecan, cake mix, cookies, dessert
