National Pecan Cookie Day (September 21st)

Quick facts
When is it?	Every September 21st
Tagged as:	Baking Cookies Food & Drink Nuts
What's the hashtag?	#NationalPecanCookieDay
We first published this page on:	Dec 23rd, 2017
We last updated this page:	Feb 7th, 2025

There was something undeniably delicious about pecan pie, and it lacked only one thing to be perfect, portability. Thus, with the wisdom of the pastry chef, came pecan cookies.
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Pecan Pie is easily the best of pies. While some people might think that this is a point that is up for debate or something that can be questioned, for a lot of people, it’s not.

It’s a fact! Some people might even be offended by those who don’t think that the pecan pie is the best of all pies. But this isn’t Pecan Pie Day–it’s National Pecan Cookie Day!

So why are we talking about pecan pie on a page about National Pecan Cookie Day? Because Pecan Cookies are basically a pecan pie that are transformed into a portable form.

Which, obviously, makes these the best of all cookies anywhere. (Right behind the chocolate chip, of course. Come on, mean, we’re not heathens)

In any case, whether inspired by pecan pie or not, this day is meant to take time out to celebrate everything that is wonderful about the Pecan Cookie!

Enjoy National Pecan Cookie Day!

Enjoying this day is certainly no hardship! It’s all about making, eating or sharing the Pecan Cookie. Try out these fun and interesting ideas for celebrating this National Pecan Cookie Day:

It’s quite simple to celebrate National Pecan Cookie Day, and it all starts with buying or baking a fresh plate of cookies to take and share with friends, family, neighbors and co-workers.

If they’ve never had them before, they’ll be delighted and amazed with this new adventure. If they already know and love Pecan Cookies, this will inspire them to continue on in the friendship for years to come.

Get Creative with Pecan Cookies

Those who haven’t yet had a chance to make the basic pecan cookie should see the recipe below. For those who are ready to get a bit more imaginative in their cookie making adventures, try out these unique combinations of flavors to take pecan cookies to the next level:

Brown Butter Pecan Cookies. The browning of the butter is what makes this soft cookie’s flavor absolutely divine with its toasty, caramelized quality.
Lemon Pecan Shortbread Cookies. With just a few ingredients, these melt-in-your-mouth cookies can be eaten alone or enjoyed with butter pecan ice cream!
Lavender Pecan Cookie Crisps. Many people don’t realize that lavender is for more than just bees. It is delightful when enjoyed by humans too–and when paired with pecans, it’s just dreamy. What makes it crispy is a ‘secret’ ingredient: corn flakes.
Keto Chocolate Pecan Cookies. Don’t let being on a Keto Diet ruin the fun of National Pecan Cookie Day! This type of cookie can be made from almond flour, egg, brown sugar substitute, cinnamon, coconut oil, vanilla, chocolate and, of course, pecans!

Learn to Make Pecan Cookies at Home

Don’t know how to make the cookie this day is built around? No problem! Just read on to find a fairly simple recipe that will impress existing friends and, perhaps, win some new ones.

Anyone who has ever made cookies in the past will recognize the basics of the cookie recipe and find it fairly easy to whip up a batch of this delightful Pecan Cookie in most kitchens in no time.

Pecan Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

1 c Unsalted butter, Softened
2/3 c Dark Brown Sugar, Packed
1 Large Egg
2 c Flour
½ t salt
1 ½ c pecans, halved

Directions

Cream together the butter, egg, and brown sugar in a bowl until they are delightfully blended.
Add flour and salt while mixing until thoroughly blended, and then refrigerate for an hour.
While cooling the cookie batter, start preheating your oven to 375 F.
Once the cookie dough has finished cooling, make into 1 inch balls of dough, and place them on a cookie sheet 2 inches apart.
Take a glass and dip the bottom in flour, and use it to flatten the balls.
Once it’s down, press a pecan into the top of the dough.
Then bake for 10-12 minutes until they’re a light golden brown, let cool, and serve!

National Pecan Cookie Day recognizes the creation of one of the world’s most perfect cookies!

The biggest (and, perhaps, only) problem with the Pecan Cookie is that there aren’t enough people who know about them!

So it is for this reason that a special day was established–to ensure that the awareness of these delicious treats would increase, and that those who know about them already would feel inspired to celebrate them!

Historians believe that Europeans originally came across pecans in Mexico, as well as some of the southernmost states of what is now the United States, somewhere around the 16th century.

Because of their delicious flavor and functionality, these nuts were quickly adopted and spread when American colonists first laid eyes on them.

Pecans were first mentioned in print in 1773, and it is known that George Washington, the first president of the United States, planted pecan trees that were gifted to him by Thomas Jefferson, the third US president.

After a bit of time, pecan nuts became something of a staple of the American South, laying the foundation for that most important of pies, the pecan pie.

Along with being delicious to consume, pecan nuts also happen to be incredibly good for you. They serve as an excellent source of fiber, magnesium, and a healthy dose of protein, iron, and Vitamin B.

So not only are they fantastically delicious, they also act as a perfect addition to a healthy diet–and who can hate that?

National Pecan Cookie Day encourages anyone and everyone to create delicious (healthful?) cookies to share with friends and family.

National Pecan Cookie Day FAQs

What surprising role did pecans play in early medicine?

In the 18th and 19th centuries, pecans were believed to have medicinal properties.

Some folk remedies included using pecan oil to soothe sore throats or applying crushed pecans to wounds.

Native American healers also brewed pecan-infused teas for digestive issues. Though not scientifically proven, these early uses show pecans were more than just a snack.

Why were pecans once considered a luxury nut?

Before commercial pecan farming, wild pecans were hard to harvest, making them expensive and rare outside the South.

By the late 19th century, demand soared, and pecans were often served at high-end hotels and restaurants.

With improved grafting techniques in the early 20th century, they became more widely available and affordable.

How did pecan cookies become a global treat?

Pecan cookies originated in the U.S., but variations have spread worldwide.

In Mexico, pecans are used in polvorones (wedding cookies). In France, pecan-studded sable cookies became popular among pastry chefs.

Even in Japan, pecans are now featured in seasonal sweets, proving their universal appeal.

Did pecans really help fuel early astronauts?

Yes! Pecans were included in early space missions because they are lightweight, nutrient-dense, and don’t crumble easily in zero gravity.

NASA added them to astronaut meal packs as a source of healthy fats and energy. Even today, pecans are among the nuts sent to the International Space Station.

Why do some pecan trees produce more nuts than others?

Pecan trees have an odd cycle called “alternate bearing.” One year they produce a heavy crop, but the next year, they yield far fewer nuts.

This natural cycle helps the tree recover but can frustrate farmers. Scientists are still studying ways to make pecan production more consistent.

What is the connection between pecans and jazz culture?

In the 1920s and 1930s, pecan pralines and cookies were popular in New Orleans jazz clubs.

Street vendors often sold pecan-based treats to musicians and audiences alike. Some jazz clubs even named cocktails after pecans, blending Southern flavors with the music scene.

How did pecan cookies end up in military rations?

During World War II, pecan cookies were included in soldier rations due to their long shelf life.

The military needed portable, energy-dense foods that wouldn’t spoil quickly. Soldiers often received them as part of their care packages, making them a nostalgic treat for many veterans.

What superstitions surround pecan trees?

Some Southern folklore says that if a pecan tree drops a lot of nuts early, it means a harsh winter is coming.

Others believe planting a pecan tree in your yard brings prosperity. Farmers also used to say that if lightning strikes a pecan tree, it makes the nuts taste sweeter.

What’s the strangest pecan cookie flavor ever created?

Some experimental bakers have made bold choices with pecan cookies. Popular odd flavors include bacon-pecan, blue cheese-pecan, and even wasabi-pecan cookies.

While unusual, these flavors show just how versatile pecans can be in baking.

How did a pecan tree end up in the White House garden?

In 1840, a pecan tree was planted on the White House lawn, a gift from Thomas Jefferson’s estate.

Jefferson was fascinated by pecans and even grew them at Monticello. That tree remained for over 150 years, making it one of the longest-standing trees on the property.

Need some inspiration?

Check out these videos for some extra inspiration in getting involved!