STEP 1: PREHEAT THE OVEN

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that your cookies bake evenly and develop a lovely golden color.

STEP 2: TOAST THE PECANS

For maximum flavor, toast the chopped pecans. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Let them cool before adding to the dough.

STEP 3: CREAM BUTTER AND SUGARS

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process typically takes about 2-3 minutes.

STEP 4: ADD VANILLA

Add the vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and mix until well combined. The aroma of the vanilla will enhance the overall flavor of the cookies.

STEP 5: COMBINE DRY INGREDIENTS

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

STEP 6: FOLD IN TOASTED PECANS

Gently fold the toasted pecans into the cookie dough using a spatula. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough for consistent flavor in each cookie.

STEP 7: SCOOP AND SHAPE

Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion out the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

STEP 8: BAKE

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look a bit soft, but they will firm up as they cool.

STEP 9: COOL

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps them set properly.