Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that feels like a warm hug, you’ve come to the right place! Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are my go-to treat when I want to share something special with family and friends. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie with the delightful crunch of toasted pecans, all topped with a sweet glaze that melts in your mouth. It’s hard to resist reaching for just one more!

These cookies are perfect for so many occasions. Whether you’re having a busy week and need a quick pick-me-up, hosting a cozy family gathering, or preparing for the holidays, these Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies will always fit right in. They truly encapsulate the spirit of home baking—simple yet so rewarding!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Just mix, scoop, and bake! This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for any skill level.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cookies! These treats are sure to bring smiles to kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 24 cookies in one batch, they make great gifts or snacks for gatherings.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of butter, brown sugar, and pecans creates a decadent taste that’s hard to beat.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh when needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather what we 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations you can try to switch things up:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor.
• Switch Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts or almonds work beautifully as substitutes!
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a cozy touch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.

How to Make Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Toast Pecans

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and toast your pecans on a baking sheet for about 5–7 minutes. This step is crucial because roasting brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor. Once they’re golden and aromatic, set them aside to cool.

Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into your mixture, giving your cookies that soft texture we all love!

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. The egg adds moisture while helping bind everything together.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients before adding them ensures even distribution throughout your cookie dough.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies. We want them soft and chewy!

Step 6: Fold in Pecans

Now it’s time to fold in those cooled pecans gently. Their crunch will add such wonderful texture and flavor!

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet

Scoop dollops of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave some space between each one as they will spread while baking.

Step 8: Bake Your Cookies

Pop them in the oven for about 10–12 minutes until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly underbaked—that’s when they’ll be perfectly soft.

Step 9: Cool Before Glazing

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for around five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up just enough so they don’t crumble while glazing.

Step 10: Prepare the Glaze

For that irresistible glaze, melt together butter and brown sugar in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in milk until well combined; then remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.

Step 11: Drizzle Over Cookies

Once your cookies have cooled completely, drizzle that delicious glaze over each one. Allow it to set before storing or serving—if you can wait that long!

Enjoy every bite of these delightful Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies! They truly embody comfort baking at its finest.

Pro Tips for Making Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

Baking these Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with softened butter and room temperature egg helps create a smooth dough that mixes evenly and results in a better texture.

• Don’t skip toasting the pecans: Toasting enhances the nutty flavor and adds depth to your cookies. It brings out the natural oils in the nuts, making them taste even more delicious.

• Chill your dough if needed: If you find your dough is too sticky, chilling it for about 30 minutes can make it easier to scoop and shape, resulting in beautifully formed cookies.

• Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary, so check your cookies a minute or two early. You want them to be golden around the edges but still soft in the center for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience.

• Let them cool before glazing: Allowing the cookies to cool completely will prevent the glaze from melting into them. This way, you’ll get that delightful drizzle on top for added sweetness!

How to Serve Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

These Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some fun ideas on how to present this delightful treat for any occasion.

Garnishes

• Chopped toasted pecans: Sprinkle additional chopped toasted pecans on top of the glaze for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Drizzle of chocolate: A light drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate over the glaze can add a touch of sweetness and elegance.

Side Dishes

• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea pairs wonderfully with these cookies, enhancing their buttery flavors while providing a comforting drink.
• Vanilla ice cream: For those who love indulgence, serving these cookies alongside a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
• Fruit salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and acidity, balancing out the rich flavors of the cookies while providing a healthy option.
• Nutty granola: Serve with a side of nutty granola for some crunch; it complements the cookie’s textures while making for an excellent breakfast treat if enjoyed in the morning!

Now you’re all set to make these Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies shine at your next gathering or cozy night in! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy their deliciousness any time you want. Whether you’re planning a gathering or just want a sweet treat ready at home, these cookies can be made ahead and stored easily.

Storing Leftovers

• Place cooled cookies in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Arrange cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies:

Can I make Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies without nuts?

Absolutely! You can simply omit the pecans or replace them with another favorite nut or chocolate chips if preferred.

How do I store Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies?

To store your Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Why are my Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies spreading too much?

If your cookies are spreading too much, try chilling the dough before baking. This helps solidify the butter and can prevent excessive spreading during baking.

Can I use margarine instead of butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute margarine for unsalted butter if necessary. Just ensure it is softened and suitable for baking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies! They bring together comforting flavors that are sure to warm your heart and home. Enjoy sharing them with loved ones or savoring them while relaxing with a cup of tea. Happy baking!