Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that warms the heart and fills the kitchen with a heavenly aroma, then you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe: Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies! These cookies are a true labor of love, merging the rich flavor of toasted pecans with creamy butter and a luscious glaze. They are my go-to for busy weeknights when I want to whip up something special or for family gatherings where everyone deserves a sweet surprise.

What makes these cookies extra special is their balance of soft and crunchy textures, making each bite simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving them at a cozy coffee date or packaging them up as gifts during the holidays, they are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps, even novice bakers can create these delicious cookies.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves the buttery flavor and crunchy pecans—perfect for kids and adults alike!
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake a batch ahead of time and freeze them for later enjoyment.
• Deliciously versatile: These cookies can be enjoyed any time of year, fitting seamlessly into any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies is a breeze! These simple, wholesome ingredients come together beautifully to create your new favorite cookie. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

One of the best things about Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies is how flexible this recipe can be! Feel free to get creative and adapt it to suit your taste or what you have on hand:

• Add chocolate chips: Toss in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for an extra decadent treat.
• Mix in dried fruit: Try adding some dried cranberries or cherries for a fruity twist.
• Experiment with nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Make it spiced: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for an autumn-inspired flavor.

How to Make Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread your chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5–7 minutes. This step is crucial because toasting enhances their flavor and brings out their natural oils. Once golden and fragrant, let them cool while you prepare the rest of the dough.

Step 2: Cream Together Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine your softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream these ingredients together until light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This process incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that perfect soft texture.

Step 3: Mix in Egg and Vanilla

Add in one large egg and your vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix until everything is well combined. The egg helps bind the ingredients together while also adding moisture, ensuring your cookies stay chewy.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. By sifting these dry ingredients separately first, you ensure even distribution throughout your dough. This helps avoid any clumps in your final cookie mix.

Step 5: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want those lovely pockets of air intact! Finally, gently fold in those cooled toasted pecans—this adds that delightful crunch we all love.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet spaced apart (they will spread). Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden but centers are still set.

Step 7: Cool on Wire Rack

Once out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Allowing them to cool slightly on the sheet helps maintain their structure before moving them.

Step 8: Prepare Your Glaze

In a saucepan over low heat, melt together your unsalted butter with brown sugar until smooth. Stir in milk until well blended. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar until it reaches that dreamy glaze consistency.

Step 9: Drizzle Over Cookies

Once your cookies have fully cooled down, drizzle that rich glaze generously over each one using a spoon or piping bag. Let it set before you dive into enjoying these delicious creations!

With every bite of these Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies, you’ll experience pure bliss—a cozy reminder of why they hold such a special place in my heart!

Pro Tips for Making Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

Baking these delightful cookies is a breeze, and with a few simple tips, you can elevate them to perfection!

• Use room temperature butter: Softened butter blends more easily with the sugars, creating a light and fluffy texture that’s essential for delicious cookies.

• Toast your pecans: Toasting enhances their flavor and adds a warm nuttiness that complements the sweetness of the cookies. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined helps maintain a tender texture. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

• Chill the dough if needed: If your dough feels too soft or sticky, refrigerating it for about 30 minutes can make it easier to scoop and shape, resulting in better cookie structure.

• Let cookies cool before glazing: Allowing the cookies to cool completely prevents the glaze from melting off and helps it set nicely on top.

How to Serve Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

These Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies not only taste amazing but also look delightful on any table. Here are some creative serving suggestions to impress your family and friends!

Garnishes

• Chopped pecans: Sprinkling additional toasted pecans on top of the glaze adds a great crunch and visual appeal.
• A dusting of cinnamon: A light sprinkle of cinnamon over the glaze provides a warm, inviting aroma that enhances the overall flavor.

Side Dishes

• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea perfectly balances the sweetness of these cookies, making for an ideal afternoon snack or dessert.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing side of mixed fruit adds brightness and acidity that contrasts beautifully with the rich, buttery cookies.
• Vanilla non-dairy ice cream: For a special treat, serve these cookies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla non-dairy ice cream for a delicious cookie sandwich experience.
• Milk alternative: A cold glass of almond milk or oat milk complements these cookies well, ensuring every bite is as satisfying as possible.

Now that you have all these tips and serving ideas, it’s time to whip up a batch of Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies! Enjoy sharing them with loved ones or savoring each one yourself. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are an excellent choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy them fresh at your convenience. These cookies store well and can be made ahead of time for gatherings or as a sweet treat throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness.
• For best quality, consume within 5 days.
• If you live in a humid climate, consider refrigerating them to prevent them from becoming too soft.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the cookies cool completely before placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• When ready to enjoy, thaw cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• For a warm cookie experience, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies that might help you out!

Can I make Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies without nuts?

Yes! You can substitute the pecans with other ingredients like chocolate chips or dried fruit if you prefer a nut-free version.

How long do Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies last?

These cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If frozen, they can last for up to 3 months.

What is the best way to store Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer shelf life, consider freezing them after they’ve cooled completely.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies! They combine delightful flavors and textures that not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also bring warmth and comfort to any occasion. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies are sure to brighten anyone’s day. Enjoy every bite and happy baking!