Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that brings warmth and joy to any occasion, you’ve come to the right place! Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are a special treat that combines the nutty goodness of toasted pecans with creamy butter and a delightful brown sugar glaze. These cookies have a unique blend of soft and crunchy textures, making them perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. They fill your home with an irresistible aroma, creating the kind of cozy atmosphere that makes everyone feel welcome.

What I love most about these cookies is their versatility. They serve wonderfully as a sweet breakfast treat or as an easy dessert to impress your friends. No matter when you decide to bake them, Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies will surely bring smiles all around!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, anyone can whip up these delicious cookies.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the rich flavors and delightful texture.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch in advance and enjoy them throughout the week!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of butter and toasted pecans creates an unforgettable taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual snack at home, these cookies fit right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have on hand. It’s all about bringing out those lovely flavors without any fuss!

• 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)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for glaze)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar (for glaze)
• 2 tbsp milk or cream (for glaze)
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and adapt it to your taste or what you have on hand.

• Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra indulgent treat, mix in some chocolate chips along with the pecans.
• Use Different Nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds for a new twist on flavor.
• Try Different Glazes: Experiment with flavored extracts like almond or maple in your glaze for added depth.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to enjoy these cookies without worry.

How to Make Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.

Step 2: Toast the Pecans

Spread your chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5–7 minutes. Keep an eye on them! Toasting enhances their flavor, giving your cookies an extra nutty richness.

Step 3: Cream Together Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, resulting in tender cookies.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in one large egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined; this adds moisture and enhances the flavor profile of your cookies.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps distribute the baking soda more evenly throughout the dough.

Step 6: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies!

Step 7: Fold in Pecans

Once your dough is ready, fold in those cooled toasted pecans. This step adds texture and flavor that makes these cookies truly special.

Step 8: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave some space between each cookie so they have room to spread while baking.

Step 9: Bake Until Golden

Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes. You want those edges to be golden while ensuring the centers are set but still soft.

Step 10: Cool Before Glazing

After baking, let your cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to firm up just enough so they don’t crumble when moved.

Step 11: Prepare the Glaze

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt together butter and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in milk before removing from heat, then whisk in powdered sugar until silky.

Step 12: Drizzle Glaze Over Cookies

Once your cookies are completely cool, drizzle that delectable glaze over each one. Allow it to set before serving (if you can resist!).

And there you have it—your very own batch of Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies! I hope they bring as much joy to your kitchen as they do to mine!

Pro Tips for Making Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

Baking these cookies is a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can elevate them even further!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter and egg are at room temperature allows for better incorporation, resulting in a light and fluffy cookie texture.

• Don’t skip toasting the pecans: Toasting enhances the flavor of the pecans, adding a rich, nutty depth to your cookies that brings out their deliciousness.

• Chill the dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking helps prevent spreading and creates thicker, chewier cookies.

• Check for doneness carefully: The cookies should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.

• Experiment with flavors: Don’t hesitate to mix in a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for an extra layer of flavor that complements the pecans beautifully.

How to Serve Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

These Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving! Here are some fun ideas to present and enjoy them.

Garnishes

• Chopped pecans: Sprinkle some extra chopped toasted pecans on top of the glaze for added texture and flavor.
• Sea salt flakes: A light sprinkle of sea salt over the glaze can enhance sweetness and create a delightful contrast.
• Caramel drizzle: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle some dairy-free caramel sauce over the glazed cookies before serving.

Side Dishes

• Coffee: A warm cup of coffee pairs beautifully with these sweet cookies, balancing their richness with a robust flavor.

• Herbal tea: Consider serving them alongside a fragrant herbal tea like chamomile or peppermint for a cozy afternoon snack.

• Fruit platter: Fresh fruits like sliced apples or berries provide a refreshing balance to the buttery richness of the cookies.

• Ice cream: A scoop of non-dairy vanilla ice cream makes for an indulgent dessert when served alongside these cookies, creating a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies will shine at any gathering or cozy night in. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can bake a batch in advance and enjoy them throughout the week or save some for later. Here are some tips on how to store and preserve their delightful flavor.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them, where they can last for up to a week.

Freezing

• Prepare cookies as directed but do not glaze them before freezing.
• Once cooled, place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and add the glaze before serving.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Heat for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.
• Drizzle with glaze after reheating for that fresh-baked touch!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies that might help you out!

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! While this recipe highlights the wonderful flavor of toasted pecans, you can substitute them with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just make sure to toast them for that extra crunch!

How do I achieve the perfect glaze for my Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies?

To ensure a smooth glaze, mix the melted butter and brown sugar thoroughly before adding milk and powdered sugar. Whisk well until there are no lumps; this will give you that beautiful finish over your cookies.

Can I make Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies vegan?

Yes! You can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and use plant-based butter as an alternative. The taste will still be delightful!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies as much as I do! They bring warmth and joy to any occasion with their delightful flavors and textures. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them at home, these cookies are sure to brighten your day. Happy baking, and don’t forget to let me know how yours turn out!