Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that feels like a warm hug, you’ve come to the right place! These Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are more than just cookies; they’re a celebration of cozy flavors and delightful textures. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie with the crunch of toasted pecans, all drizzled with a rich brown sugar glaze. This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my home, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

The best part? These cookies are incredibly versatile. Whether you’re whipping them up for an afternoon snack or preparing for a festive occasion, they always bring smiles to faces. Trust me, once you make these Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies, they’ll be your go-to recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, even novice bakers can create these delicious cookies with confidence.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the combination of buttery sweetness and crunchy pecans—perfect for kids and adults alike!
• Make Ahead: The dough can be prepared in advance, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.
• Irresistibly Tasty: The melt-in-your-mouth glaze adds an extra layer of flavor that makes these cookies truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients to make these delightful Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies! You might already have many of these staples in your pantry.

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

What I love about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your own twist on these cookies.

• Add Chocolate Chips: For a chocolatey surprise, toss in some semi-sweet chocolate chips. They pair wonderfully with the buttery flavor.
• Use Other Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, try walnuts or almonds instead. Each nut brings its unique flavor and texture!
• Cinnamon Spice: Sprinkle in some ground cinnamon for a warm spice note that complements the sweetness beautifully.
• Change Up the Glaze: Instead of brown sugar glaze, mix up a simple vanilla icing by substituting powdered sugar and milk for a different take.

How to Make Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Toast

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) first thing! While it’s heating up, toast those pecans on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes until they’re fragrant but not burnt. This step enhances their natural flavor and gives your cookies an extra crunch!

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar. Cream them together until light and fluffy—this process helps incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in tender cookies.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Once your butter mixture is fluffy, it’s time to mix in one large egg and that delightful vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined; this adds moisture as well as delicious flavor to our cookies.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing dry ingredients separately ensures an even distribution throughout the dough—nobody wants a mouthful of baking soda!

Step 5: Mix It All Together

Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be careful here!

Step 6: Fold in Pecans

Now comes my favorite part! Gently fold in those cooled toasted pecans into the dough. They add such amazing crunch and flavor that you’ll want every bite packed with them.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave some space between each cookie as they’ll spread while baking! Pop them into your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes until their edges are golden brown.

Step 8: Cool Down

Let your freshly baked cookies cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step allows them to firm up just enough so they don’t crumble apart when moved.

Step 9: Prepare the Glaze

While those cookies cool completely, let’s whip up that delicious glaze! In a saucepan over medium heat, melt together butter and brown sugar until bubbly. Stir in milk then remove from heat; whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.

Step 10: Drizzle Away!

Once your cookies have cooled down completely, drizzle that luscious glaze over each one. Let them set before serving or storing—though I doubt they’ll last long once everyone gets a whiff of that buttery aroma! Enjoy your homemade Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies!

Pro Tips for Making Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

Baking these Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies can be a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing your butter and eggs to reach room temperature helps create a smooth batter, leading to cookies that are soft and evenly baked.

• Don’t skip toasting the pecans: Toasting enhances the flavor of the pecans, adding a deeper, nuttier taste that elevates the cookies from good to great.

• Measure flour accurately: Spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly. This prevents excess flour that can make cookies dry and crumbly.

• Chill the dough if necessary: If your dough feels too soft or sticky, chilling it in the fridge for about 30 minutes can make it easier to scoop and shape, resulting in better-textured cookies.

• Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary, so check your cookies a minute or two before the suggested baking time to prevent over-baking. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center.

How to Serve Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

These Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies not only taste heavenly but also present beautifully. Here are some fun ideas on how to serve them!

Garnishes

• Chopped Pecans: Sprinkle some extra toasted pecans on top of the glaze for added texture and visual appeal.
• Drizzle of Caramel Sauce: A light drizzle of caramel sauce can enhance both flavor and presentation, making these cookies look even more indulgent.

Side Dishes

• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea complements these sweet cookies perfectly, balancing their richness while providing a cozy beverage option.
• Milk: Classic milk pairs wonderfully with cookies, bringing out their buttery flavors and creating a nostalgic snack experience.
• Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit salad adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies. The acidity of fruits like berries or citrus helps cleanse the palate.
• Ice Cream: Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an extra special treat that takes dessert to the next level!

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies will surely impress family and friends alike! Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch in advance and enjoy them throughout the week or even share them with friends and family. Follow these guidelines to keep your cookies fresh and delightful.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, place a piece of bread in the container; it helps keep the cookies soft.

Freezing

• Freeze baked and cooled cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy your cookies warm, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the frozen or refrigerated cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5 minutes until soft.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies.

Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar for Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies?

Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar for brown sugar, but the flavor will be less rich. Brown sugar adds moisture and depth that enhances the cookie’s taste.

How do I store leftover Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies?

Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage!

What if I don’t have pecans?

If you don’t have pecans on hand, feel free to replace them with walnuts or any nut of your choice. Just ensure they are chopped and toasted for the best flavor!

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute, which should work just fine in this recipe.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to whip up these Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies! They’re not just treats; they’re little bites of comfort that bring warmth and joy into any day. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or share them with loved ones, each cookie is sure to put a smile on your face. Happy baking!