The Best Gluten Free Butter Pecan Cookies

If you’re craving Gluten Free Butter Pecan Cookies with crisp edges, chewy centers, and warm, nutty flavor, this bakery-level cookie recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Toasted buttery pecans, rich caramel notes from browned butter, and the option of natural sweeteners like coconut sugar and blackstrap molasses make these delicious cookies an unbelievably flavorful and “healthier” treat.

Perfect for holidays, gatherings, cozy fall baking, or any time you want a gourmet treat, these cookies are just as impressive as the classic version — only made gluten-free! if you don’t have a gluten allergy or just prefer these cookies made with regular flour, you can simply replace the gluten free flour with all purpose flour.

Why You’ll Love These Gluten Free Butter Pecan Cookies

• Made with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend like Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 or King Arthur Measure for Measure
• Butter toasted chopped pecans add deep nutty richness
• Browned butter creates incredible caramel flavor
• Crisp edges and soft, chewy centers
• Sweetened naturally with coconut sugar and blackstrap molasses
• Easy for beginners and loved by a less adventuresome audience
• Customizable with chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, nut flour, or maple syrup

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Ingredients

Buttered Pecans

• 1 ¼ cups raw pecans, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Toast over medium heat for 4–5 minutes until golden and fragrant.

Cookie Dough

Dry Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour (Alternatively you can use All Purpose Flour if you don’t need the recipe gluten free)
• 1 tablespoon Arrowroot Powder or Cornstarch (omit if using All Purpose Flour)
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Wet Ingredients

• 2 sticks (8 oz) unsalted butter, browned
• 1 scant cup organic coconut sugar + 2 tsp blackstrap molasses
  – OR –
  1 scant cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup organic cane white sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs + 1 extra egg yolk, at room temperature

Decoration

• 16 pecan halves
• Optional sprinkle coconut sugar or flaky sea salt on top after baking

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How to Make Gluten Free Butter Pecan Cookies

1. Toast the Pecans

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, add chopped pecans, and cook 4–5 minutes until toasted. Set aside.

2. Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine gluten-free flour, Arrowroot (or cornstarch), salt, and baking soda. If your flour doesn’t contain xanthan gum, add ¼ teaspoon.

4. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together:

• Softened Butter
• Coconut sugar + Molasses (or brown sugar)
• Organic cane sugar

Mix until creamy and fluffy. Add:

• Vanilla extract
• Eggs + extra egg yolk (add 1 at a time)

Mix until just combined.

5. Combine the Dough

Fold the dry ingredients into the wet using a wooden spoon.
Stir in the toasted pecans.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill 2 hours.

6. Scoop & Bake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Line prepared baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. Scoop dough into cookie dough balls using a medium or tablespoon cookie scoop.
4. Press a pecan half on top of each ball.
5. Bake 10–12 minutes until the cookies look set but not overcooked. With gluten free flour you want to cook slightly less time to ensure the cookies stay moist and don’t get too crumbly.
6. Cool on the baking tray 15 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Store in an airtight container.

Health Benefits of the Ingredients In This Recipe Vs. Other Butter Pecan Cookie Recipes

Coconut Sugar

• Lower glycemic index compared to white or brown sugar
• Contains trace minerals (zinc, calcium, iron, potassium)
• Less processed, retaining natural nutrients
• Provides natural caramel flavor

Blackstrap Molasses

• High in iron, magnesium, calcium & vitamin B6
• Supports energy & blood health
• Works as a natural, nutrient-rich brown sugar alternative
• Adds moisture and bold flavor

Gluten-Free Flour (vs All-Purpose Flour)

• Easier on digestion for those with gluten sensitivity
• More fiber and minerals than refined white flour
• Better for maintaining balanced blood sugar

Arrowroot Powder

• Grain-free and gentle on digestion
• Rich in potassium, iron, and B vitamins
• Helps create a smooth, chewy texture
• Naturally gluten-free and ideal for structure

Pecans

• Packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
• High in antioxidants, vitamin E, and magnesium
• Provide fiber for blood sugar stability
• Add rich flavor and satisfying crunch

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes! Freeze cookie dough balls for easy future baking.

Can I add mix-ins?

Absolutely — chocolate chips, maple syrup, or extra nuts work great.

Can I use vegan butter?

Yes, substitute high-quality vegan butter for an excellent dairy-free version.

Can I make gluten free pecan cookies smaller?

Yes — use a teaspoon cookie scoop and reduce the bake time by 2–3 minutes.

Final Thoughts

These Gluten Free Butter Pecan Cookies bring together the cozy flavors of toasted pecans, caramelized browned butter, and naturally sweetened dough for a treat that’s rich, irresistible, and satisfying. Whether you follow a gluten-free diet or simply love gourmet homemade cookies, this recipe guarantees soft, chewy, nutty cookies every time.

If you love this recipe, check out some of my other gluten free Christmas dessert recipes:
Gluten Free Sour Cream Cut Out Cookies
Invisible Apple Cake (Gluten Free)