This Thursday, September 21 is National Pecan Cookie Day, which is the perfect excuse for making this delicious Butter Pecan Cookie recipe courtesy of Taste of Home.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Add 1 3/4 cups chopped pecans and 1 tablespoon butter to a baking pan. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes until pecans are toasted and browned, stirring frequently. Set aside to cool.

In a large bowl, cream 1 cup packed brown sugar and 1 cup softened butter until light and fluffy, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Beat in 1 egg yolk and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Add 2 cups self-rising flour and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll balls in the toasted pecans. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Top each cookie with a pecan half. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown.