Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that feels like a warm hug, then you’ve stumbled upon the right recipe! Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are a true gem in my baking collection. They bring together the rich flavor of toasted pecans and buttery goodness, all topped with a sweet glaze that takes them to the next level. Every bite is an indulgence worth savoring.

These cookies are perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even as a special treat to share with friends. The combination of textures – soft and chewy with just the right amount of crunch – makes these cookies irresistible. Plus, the simple ingredients mean you can whip them up anytime the craving strikes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy preparation: With straightforward steps, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time!
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves cookies, especially when they’re packed with nuts and frosted to perfection.
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake a batch and store them for later; they stay delicious for days!
• Delicious flavor: The combination of butter, brown sugar, and pecans creates a comforting taste that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delightful Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. Gather these goodies and let’s get baking!

For the Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, toasted

For the Glaze

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp milk or cream
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible, making it easy to customize based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to try!

• Add chocolate chips: Mix in some semisweet or dark chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor.
• Use different nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a cozy twist.
• Make them smaller: Roll smaller balls of dough for bite-sized treats that are perfect for sharing.

How to Make Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Toast Pecans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast them for about 5–7 minutes. This step is key because toasting enhances their flavor, making your cookies even more delicious!

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large bowl, combine your softened butter with both sugars—brown and granulated. Beat them together until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, creating those lovely soft cookie textures we all adore.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, crack in one large egg along with your vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. The egg helps bind your ingredients together while adding moisture.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent throughout your dough.

Step 5: Mix Everything Together

Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your cookies tender.

Step 6: Fold in Toasted Pecans

Gently fold in those cooled toasted pecans. Their crunch will add great texture to each cookie!

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dollops of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave some space between each one since they will spread while baking.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Pop them in the oven for about 10–12 minutes until their edges turn golden brown but centers remain slightly soft. This will ensure they stay chewy!

Step 9: Cool on Wire Rack

After baking, let them cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Allowing them to cool properly helps maintain their structure.

Step 10: Prepare the Glaze

For that sweet finish, melt together some unsalted butter and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, stir in milk before removing from heat. Gradually whisk in powdered sugar until smooth—this glaze is what makes these cookies truly special!

Step 11: Drizzle Over Cookies

Once your cookies have cooled completely, drizzle that luscious glaze over each one using a spoon or piping bag. Let it set before storing or serving so everyone can enjoy that beautiful shine!

And there you have it! Your Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are not only beautiful but absolutely delicious too! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

Baking can be a delightful journey, and with these tips, you’ll be sure to create the most scrumptious Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies!

• Use room temperature butter: This helps in creaming the butter and sugars together more easily, creating a light and airy texture that’s essential for soft cookies.

• Toast pecans for enhanced flavor: Toasting your pecans not only brings out their natural oils but also adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the buttery goodness of the cookies.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined prevents the cookies from becoming tough. You want them to be soft and melt-in-your-mouth delicious!

• Cool on a wire rack: Transferring your cookies to a wire rack allows air to circulate around them, ensuring they stay soft without becoming soggy from residual steam.

• Let the glaze set: Allowing the glaze to set on your cookies before serving helps it firm up, making for a beautiful presentation and preventing it from being too sticky.

How to Serve Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

These Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are not only a treat for yourself but also perfect for sharing! Here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully at home or during gatherings.

Garnishes

• Chopped pecans: Sprinkling additional chopped toasted pecans on top of your glaze adds texture and visual appeal.
• Drizzle of caramel sauce: A light drizzle of caramel sauce over the top gives an extra layer of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the flavors in the cookie.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit platter: A selection of seasonal fruits, such as apples or pears, adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.
• Vanilla almond milk: The creamy, nutty flavor of vanilla almond milk makes it an excellent beverage pairing that enhances the cookie experience.
• Herbal tea: A warm cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or peppermint, complements these cookies perfectly while providing a soothing finish to your snack time.
• Ice cream: Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that everyone will love.

Now you’re all set to bake and serve these delicious Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies! Enjoy their delightful taste with loved ones and make sweet memories along the way.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat anytime without the hassle of making them fresh each time. Whether you’re preparing for a busy week or want to have some delicious cookies on hand for guests, here’s how to keep them fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.
• Avoid refrigerating, as it can dry out the cookies.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours.
• Transfer frozen cookies to a zip-top bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best results, label the bag with the date and contents.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Arrange cookies on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
• Alternatively, microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a quick treat.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that may come up while making your Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies.

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans in Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies?

Absolutely! While pecans add a wonderful flavor, you can substitute them with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just make sure they’re chopped and toasted for the best taste!

How do I know when my Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are done baking?

Your cookies are ready when the edges turn golden brown and the centers look set. They will continue to firm up as they cool, resulting in perfectly soft yet crispy treats.

Can I make Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies vegan?

Yes! Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water), and use plant-based butter in place of regular butter. Enjoy these delightful cookies in a vegan-friendly version!

What is the best way to frost my Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies?

For easy frosting, use a spoon or small spatula to drizzle the brown sugar glaze over cooled cookies. You can also dip the tops directly into the glaze for an extra sweet touch!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies as much as I do! Their rich flavors and comforting textures make them an excellent choice for any occasion. Whether enjoyed alongside coffee in the morning or shared with friends at gatherings, these cookies are sure to spread joy. Happy baking, and I can’t wait for you to try this special recipe!