Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug, then you’ve stumbled upon the right recipe! Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are not just any cookies; they are the perfect balance of chewy and crunchy, with toasted pecans adding a lovely nutty flavor. These cookies bring back memories of cozy kitchen moments, baking with loved ones. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you need a sweet pick-me-up or for family gatherings where everyone will clamor for seconds.

What truly sets this recipe apart is the rich brown sugar glaze that drizzles over each cookie, making them extra special. I can’t wait to share this beloved recipe with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple preparation: With just a few easy steps, you’ll have these cookies baking in no time.
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves cookies! These are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake them today, enjoy them tomorrow! They hold up beautifully.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of buttery goodness and toasted pecans creates an irresistible taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients that make these Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies so delightful. You might already have most of them 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to get creative based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add chocolate chips: Toss in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat.
• Use different nuts: If pecans aren’t your favorite, try walnuts or almonds for a different twist.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm spice note.
• Make it maple: Substitute maple syrup for some of the granulated sugar for a unique 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 for about 5–7 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn! Toasting enhances their flavor and gives your cookies that delightful crunch.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together your softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key as it incorporates air into the mixture, helping your cookies rise beautifully.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, add in one large egg and your vanilla extract. Mix until everything is just combined—this will add moisture and richness to your cookies.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout your cookie dough.

Step 5: Mix It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft ones.

Step 6: Fold in Pecans

Now it’s time to fold in those cooled toasted pecans. This adds texture and flavor! Make sure they are well-distributed throughout the dough for bites full of nuttiness.

Step 7: Scoop onto Baking Sheet

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounds of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave enough space between each cookie so they can spread while baking.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and centers are set. Your kitchen will start smelling heavenly!

Step 9: Cool Before Glazing

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up so they can hold their shape while cooling completely.

Step 10: Make the Glaze

For that luscious glaze, melt together butter and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in milk until smooth, then remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar until creamy.

Step 11: Drizzle Over Cookies

Once your cookies are completely cooled, drizzle that sweet glaze over each one using a spoon or piping bag. Let it set before serving or storing—if you can resist eating them all right away!

And there you have it—your very own batch of Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies! Enjoy every bite with friends or family; they’re bound to make everyone smile!

Pro Tips for Making Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

Baking these cookies can be a fun and rewarding experience, so here are some tips to ensure your Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Having your butter and egg at room temperature helps them mix more easily, leading to a smoother dough and better texture in the final cookies.

• Don’t skip toasting the pecans: Toasting enhances the nuttiness of the pecans, bringing out their natural flavor and adding a delightful crunch to every bite.

• Be careful not to overmix: Once you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.

• Let the cookies cool completely before glazing: This prevents the glaze from melting into the cookies. A cool cookie allows for that perfect drizzle that stays on top!

• Experiment with different nuts: While pecans are delicious, trying walnuts or even almonds can create a unique twist on this classic recipe. Just remember to toast them!

How to Serve Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

Presentation is key when serving these delightful cookies! Here are some ideas to make your Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies truly shine.

Garnishes

• Chopped pecans: Sprinkle a few extra chopped toasted pecans on top of the glaze for added texture and visual appeal.
• Cinnamon dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon over the glaze can enhance the warm flavors and add a beautiful touch.

Side Dishes

• Coffee or Tea: Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The warmth of the beverage complements the buttery richness of the cookies perfectly.
• Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience that balances sweetness with creaminess.
• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds a refreshing contrast. The natural acidity of fruits like berries or citrus cuts through the richness of the cookies.
• Milk: A classic pairing, serving these cookies with cold milk makes for a nostalgic treat that everyone will love, especially kids!

Enjoy baking and sharing these Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies with friends and family—they’re sure to be a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time, ensuring you always have a delightful treat on hand for any occasion.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For optimal freshness, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour.
• Transfer frozen cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, reheat in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds each.
• Alternatively, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Got questions? Here are some answers to common queries about Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies!

Can I use salted butter in Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies?

Yes, you can use salted butter! Just reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting.

How do I make Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies without eggs?

You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water as a replacement.

Can I add chocolate chips to my Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips would add a delightful twist. Just fold them into the dough along with the pecans.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies as much as I do! With their comforting flavors and delightful textures, they’re sure to bring warmth and joy to your kitchen. Whether for yourself or to share with friends and family, these cookies are bound to become a cherished favorite. Happy baking!