Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful cookie that brings warmth and joy to any occasion, look no further than these Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, buttery cookie topped with a sweet glaze that melts in your mouth. This recipe has been a family favorite for years, and it never fails to impress guests at gatherings or simply brighten up a busy weeknight. Whether you’re making them for the holidays or just because, these cookies are sure to become a cherished treat in your home.

I love how versatile these cookies are; they fit perfectly into any moment when you need a little sweetness in your life. Plus, they make great gifts when packaged up in a lovely tin. You’ll find that once you share them with friends and family, they’ll be asking for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the buttery flavor and crunchy pecans.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night in or festive gatherings, these cookies fit right in.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dough in advance and bake them fresh when needed!
• Deliciously Irresistible: The combination of toasted pecans and sweet glaze makes every bite delightful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather the ingredients! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome items that you likely have on hand. Each one plays an important role in creating those rich flavors we all love.

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! Feel free to get creative with your own spin on these cookies.

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some dark chocolate chips for an extra sweet twist.
• Include Spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth to the flavor.
• Try Different Nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer something different.
• Make Them Mini: Form smaller cookie balls for bite-sized treats that are perfect for sharing.

How to Make Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Toast

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you toast the pecans on a baking sheet. Toasting them enhances their flavor and gives an extra crunch to each bite. Keep an eye on them as they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt quickly!

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, which helps create a light texture in your cookies.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, add the egg along with the vanilla extract into the creamed mixture. Mix until everything is well combined. The egg acts as a binding agent, ensuring your cookies hold together beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of all dry components before mixing them into your wet ingredients.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture into your wet mixture. It’s important not to overmix here; combine until just incorporated to keep those cookies tender.

Step 6: Fold in Pecans

Now comes the best part—folding in those cooled, toasted pecans! They add not only flavor but also delightful texture to your cookies.

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet

Scoop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure there’s enough space between each scoop so they can spread out while baking!

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Bake for about 10–12 minutes until the edges are golden brown but centers are still set. This timing is key for achieving that perfect balance between chewy centers and crunchy edges.

Step 9: Cool Before Glazing

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up without breaking apart.

Step 10: Prepare the Glaze

For that irresistible glaze, melt butter with brown sugar in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in milk before removing from heat—then whisk in powdered sugar until smooth. It should be glossy!

Step 11: Drizzle Over Cookies

Finally, drizzle that delicious glaze over cooled cookies using a spoon or fork. Let it set before serving or storing; this step adds an extra layer of sweetness that’s hard to resist!

Enjoy making these Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies! They’re sure to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

Baking these Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies can be a delightful experience, and with just a few tips, you can elevate them to perfection!

• Use room temperature butter: This ensures that the butter creams well with the sugars, resulting in a light and fluffy dough that leads to perfectly textured cookies.

• Don’t skip toasting the pecans: Toasting enhances the nutty flavor and adds crunch to your cookies. A little extra time spent on this step makes a big difference!

• Chill the dough if needed: If your dough feels too soft or sticky, chill it for 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain the cookie shape and gives you a thicker result.

• Watch the baking time closely: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and remove them when the edges are golden. They will continue firming up as they cool on the baking sheet.

• Experiment with different glazes: Feel free to try out variations for the glaze by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor that complements the pecans beautifully!

How to Serve Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

These cookies not only taste amazing but also look wonderful when served right! Here are some creative ideas to present your delicious treats.

Garnishes

• Chopped pecans: Sprinkle additional toasted pecans on top of the glaze for added texture and flavor.
• Sprinkles: For a festive touch, add colorful sprinkles over the glaze to brighten up your cookie presentation.

Side Dishes

• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea pairs perfectly with these cookies, enhancing their buttery goodness while providing a cozy atmosphere.
• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the rich flavors of the cookies, creating an indulgent dessert experience.
• Fresh fruit platter: Serve with a variety of fresh fruits such as berries or sliced apples to balance out the richness of the cookies with refreshing flavors.
• Milk: A classic pairing! Whether it’s dairy or plant-based milk, it complements the sweetness of these cookies wonderfully.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies will surely shine at any gathering or simply bring warmth to your home! Enjoy this delightful treat with loved ones and create lasting memories around every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy them fresh for days or even weeks. With a few simple storage tips, you can keep these delightful treats ready to satisfy your sweet tooth anytime.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• For longer freshness, layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.
• Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating

• To enjoy a warm cookie, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for 5–7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a quick treat.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies.

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

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of pecans or have allergies, feel free to substitute with walnuts or almonds. Just be sure to toast them similarly for that extra flavor boost.

How long do Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies can last up to one week. If you decide to freeze them, they will stay fresh for up to three months!

Can I make Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can replace the egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan alternative.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies as much as I do! Their delightful blend of flavors and textures makes them truly special—perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying during cozy moments at home. So go ahead, whip up a batch and treat yourself! Happy baking!