Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that combines rich flavors with a delightful crunch, then Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are just what you need. These cookies remind me of cozy afternoons spent in the kitchen, where the aroma of butter and toasted pecans fills the air. They’re not just for special occasions; they make the perfect treat for busy weeknights or family gatherings, too! With their soft centers and sweet glaze, these cookies always bring smiles to faces.

What makes these cookies extra special is how easy they are to whip up. They’re a fantastic way to add a little sweetness to your day or to share with friends. Once you take your first bite, I promise you’ll want them on repeat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: You don’t need any fancy skills in the kitchen! Just follow the simple steps and enjoy the process.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves cookies, and these will quickly become a favorite among kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake them fresh when company arrives!
• Irresistibly delicious: The combination of buttery goodness and pecan crunch makes for an unforgettable flavor experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies is a breeze! You likely have most of these simple, wholesome items in your pantry already. 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 this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily swap out ingredients or add new flavors to make it your own. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add chocolate chips: For an extra indulgent treat, toss in some chocolate chips along with the pecans.
• Try different nuts: If pecans aren’t your favorite, walnuts or almonds also work beautifully in this recipe.
• Experiment with spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a delightful warmth to the cookies.
• Use flavored extracts: Consider swapping vanilla extract for almond extract for a unique twist.

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 until they’re fragrant. This step enhances their flavor and adds a lovely crunch to your cookies. Let them cool before adding them into the cookie dough.

Step 2: Cream Together Butters and Sugars

In a large bowl, combine your softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat them together until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that perfect soft texture.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, add in your egg and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. The egg helps bind all the ingredients together while adding moisture.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout your dough—crucial for getting those cookies to rise just right!

Step 5: Mix It All Together

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing; this keeps your cookies tender.

Step 6: Fold in Pecans

Now it’s time to fold in those cooled toasted pecans! This adds texture and flavor. Be gentle so you don’t break up those lovely chunks.

Step 7: Scoop onto Baking Sheet

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Give each cookie enough space as they will spread slightly while baking.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes until edges are golden brown but centers remain soft. Keep an eye on them; every oven is different!

Step 9: Cool Before Glazing

Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling allows them to firm up nicely!

Step 10: Prepare the Glaze

For that delectable glaze, melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in milk until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar until there are no lumps left.

Step 11: Drizzle Over Cookies

Finally, drizzle that luscious glaze over cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag! Let it set before serving or storing—if they last that long!

And there you have it! Your very own batch of Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies ready to be devoured! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and these tips will help you create the perfect batch of Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies!

• Use room temperature butter: This ensures that your butter creams well with the sugars, resulting in a light and fluffy texture that’s essential for perfect cookies.

• Toast your pecans: Toasting brings out the rich, nutty flavor of the pecans, adding depth to your cookies. Just a few minutes in the oven can make a world of difference!

• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep that soft and tender texture.

• Chill the dough if needed: If your dough feels too soft or sticky, chilling it for about 30 minutes helps it firm up, making it easier to scoop and shape.

• Keep an eye on baking time: Every oven is different! Start checking your cookies a minute or two before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking.

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 for presenting them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chopped toasted pecans: Sprinkle finely chopped toasted pecans on top of the glaze for an extra crunch and visual appeal.

• Cinnamon dust: A light dusting of ground cinnamon adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile of your cookies.

Side Dishes

• Coffee: A warm cup of coffee pairs perfectly with these cookies, balancing their sweetness and enhancing the nutty flavors.

• Hot tea: Choose a fragrant herbal or black tea; its warmth complements the comforting nature of the cookies while providing a soothing experience.

• Vanilla ice cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that creates a delightful contrast between warm and cold.

• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers a light, zesty counterpoint to the rich flavors of the cookies, making for a well-rounded snack.

Enjoy baking and serving these delightful Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies! They’re sure to bring smiles to everyone who tastes them.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy them fresh throughout the week or share them with friends and family. Follow these tips for storing and preserving their deliciousness!

Storing Leftovers

• Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, store in the refrigerator; they’ll last up to 7 days.
• If you want to keep them even longer, consider freezing.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months; label with the date for reference.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw cookies overnight in the refrigerator.
• To warm, place cookies on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
• Enjoy the freshly baked taste of your Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies!

FAQs

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

Can I make Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water), or use unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg).

How do I store Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies after baking?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze them as outlined above.

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just make sure to toast them for extra flavor!

Final Thoughts

These Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a delightful experience that brings warmth and comfort into any occasion. I hope you enjoy making these scrumptious cookies as much as I do! They’re perfect for sharing or indulging in all by yourself. Happy baking!