Butter Pecan Cookies – Rich, Buttery & Perfectly Low-Carb!

Looking for a soft, buttery, and nutty cookie that’s bursting with warm pecan flavor—without refined sugar or unnecessary carbs? These Butter Pecan Cookies are exactly what you need. With their tender crumb, golden-brown edges, and rich nutty center, these low-carb cookies deliver all the cozy nostalgia of classic holiday baking—while keeping it keto-friendly.

Perfect for holiday treats , tea-time snacks , or when you’re craving something sweet but staying in ketosis, this easy-to-make recipe uses simple ingredients like almond flour, erythritol, and real butter to bring bold flavor into your kitchen. Whether you’re following a ketogenic diet , doing gluten-free baking , or simply love the deep, caramel-like richness of pecans, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your weekly rotation.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make these perfect butter pecan cookies from scratch , explore ingredient substitutions, offer serving ideas, and answer your most common questions. Let’s get started!

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Why You’ll Love These Butter Pecan Cookies

These aren’t just any old shortbread—they’re a creamy, crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth delight made with real ingredients that bring bold flavor and satisfying texture together beautifully.

Here’s why they stand out:

• 🥜 Rich pecan flavor : Made with both crushed and whole pecans for depth.
• 🧈 Buttery base : Adds natural richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 🚫 No added sugar needed : Sweetened naturally with erythritol or monk fruit.
• 🍪 Easy to make : Just mix, shape, and bake—no mixer required!
• ⏱️ Ready in under 30 minutes
• 🧁 Great for gifting or storing
• 🧼 Minimal cleanup : One bowl and a tray = easy prep!

Whether you’re making them for yourself, your family, or guests at a dinner party, these butter pecan cookies will quickly become a go-to dessert for any occasion.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1/2 cup powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional, for extra nuttiness)
• 1/2 cup melted butter or coconut oil
• 1 egg yolk (for richer texture) or 1 large egg

For the Topping:

• 8–10 pecan halves (for garnish)
• Optional: Powdered sweetener for dusting
• Optional drizzle: Sugar-free caramel or chocolate sauce

Tip: Toast the pecans lightly before using for deeper flavor!

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat for easy cleanup.

Tip: Use a silicone baking mat for even browning and crispier edges.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:

• Almond flour
• Coconut flour
• Powdered sweetener
• Vanilla and almond extract (if using)

Mix well until evenly incorporated.

Pro Tip: Coconut flour is highly absorbent—measure carefully!

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Stir in:

• Melted butter or oil
• Egg yolk or whole egg

Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

Optional: Fold in finely chopped toasted pecans for extra crunch inside the cookie.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough into balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand or fork.

Press one pecan half onto the top of each cookie before baking.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 12–14 minutes , or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.

Let cool completely before adding any glaze or drizzle.

Step 6: Make the Drizzle (Optional)

Melt sugar-free caramel or dark chocolate chips with a bit of coconut oil or cream.

Drizzle over cooled cookies for extra richness.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve warm or chilled with a glass of unsweetened almond milk, black coffee, or herbal tea.

Enjoy every soft, nutty bite of your Butter Pecan Cookies !

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Nutritional Information (Per Cookie – Makes 12 Servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~160 kcal
Total Fat	~14 g
Saturated Fat	~5 g
Cholesterol	~30 mg
Sodium	~40 mg
Total Carbs	~5 g
Dietary Fiber	~2 g
Net Carbs	~3 g
Protein	~4 g

Note: Values may vary based on exact measurements and optional add-ins.

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Tips for the Best Butter Pecan Cookies

1. Use room temperature butter – Ensures smooth blending without lumps.
2. Toast the pecans first – Brings out natural oils and enhances flavor.
3. Don’t overbake – These cookies firm up as they cool; remove while still slightly soft in the center.
4. Chill the dough if too soft – Helps maintain shape during baking.
5. Store properly after cooling – Keeps best in an airtight container in the fridge.

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Variations & Customizations

Want to switch things up? Try these tasty variations:

Chocolate Butter Pecan

Add 1–2 tbsp cocoa powder to the dough for a mocha twist.

Maple Pecan Version

Replace vanilla with maple extract and drizzle with sugar-free maple syrup.

Spiced Pecan

Mix in cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice for fall flavor.

No-Bake Option

Chill the mixture in the freezer and roll into raw bites for a no-bake snack.

Vegan Option

Use flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), vegan butter, and maple-sweetened glaze.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are these truly keto-friendly?

Yes! With only ~3g net carbs per cookie , it fits perfectly within a ketogenic lifestyle.

Can I use other nuts?

Yes! Walnuts, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts work well as substitutes or additions.

How do I store leftover cookies?

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days . Freeze for longer storage.

What kind of sweetener works best?

Erythritol or monk fruit give the best texture and sweetness. Allulose also works well and offers a more traditional mouthfeel.

Can I make them nut-free?

Try sunflower seed flour or lupin flour instead of almond flour for a nut-free version.

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Why This Recipe Works So Well

These Butter Pecan Cookies work because of their perfect balance of textures and bold flavors:

• The almond flour gives structure and depth , mimicking wheat-based cookies.
• The pecans add natural richness and crunch , enhancing the overall experience.
• And the powdered sweetener blends in seamlessly , giving a classic sugary finish.

It’s the kind of treat that makes eating low-carb feel indulgent—because it tastes so good.

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Serving Suggestions

Looking for creative ways to serve your butter pecan cookies beyond just a plate? Here are some ideas:

In Gift Boxes

Wrap in clear cellophane bags with ribbon for thoughtful homemade gifts.

On Dessert Boards

Arrange with keto brownie bites, cheese cubes, and dark chocolate chunks.

With Coffee or Tea

Pair with espresso, black coffee, or matcha latte for a cozy afternoon snack.

As Ice Cream Sandwichs

Sandwich between two scoops of vanilla keto ice cream for frozen fun.

Over Greek Yogurt

Crush one and sprinkle over full-fat yogurt for a parfait-style dessert.

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Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

Let’s take a quick look at the health benefits of what makes this dish special:

Pecans

Packed with healthy fats, antioxidants, and minerals—great for heart health and brain function.

Almond Flour

High in vitamin E and magnesium—supports skin glow and satiety.

Butter

Contains fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K—important for hormone production and digestion.

Even though these are cookies, they’re packed with nutrients that make them more than just a treat—it’s a smart addition to your balanced low-carb lifestyle when enjoyed mindfully.

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Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Treat for Pecan Lovers

These Butter Pecan Cookies prove that going low-carb doesn’t mean missing out on rich, buttery baked goods. With their soft texture, caramel-like pecan finish, and hint of vanilla, they’re the kind of treat that turns a simple cookie into something magical.

Whether you’re new to keto, looking for a portable breakfast idea, or want to impress with homemade flair, these cookies deserve a spot in your kitchen. They’re easy to make, customizable, and loved by kids and adults alike.

So go ahead—whip up a batch, share them with friends, or savor them solo. Either way, you’re treating yourself to something truly special.

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