Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that combines the rich flavors of butter and pecans with a sweet glaze, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe: Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies. These delightful treats are not only delicious, but they also bring a warm, comforting vibe that makes them ideal for sharing with friends and family. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive gathering, these cookies fit right in. The buttery aroma wafting from your oven will have everyone asking for seconds!

What makes these cookies truly special is their delightful texture—soft in the center with just the right amount of crunch from the toasted pecans. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up! Once you try them, I guarantee they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With simple steps and ingredients, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time.
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves cookies! Kids and adults alike will enjoy these tasty treats.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can bake these cookies ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment.
• Irresistible flavor: The combination of buttery goodness and pecans creates an unforgettable taste experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies is a breeze! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome items that are likely already in your pantry. Let’s take a look at what you 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, allowing you to get creative based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations you might consider:

• Add chocolate chips: Mix in a half-cup of chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Use walnuts instead: Swap out pecans for walnuts if that’s what you have available; they work just as well!
• Try different extracts: Use almond or hazelnut extract instead of vanilla for a unique twist on flavor.
• Incorporate spices: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth to your cookies.

How to Make Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures even baking. While the oven heats up, toast your pecans on a baking sheet for about 5–7 minutes until fragrant. This enhances their flavor and adds that lovely crunch!

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, making your cookies tender and soft.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. The egg helps bind everything together while adding moisture.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution of leavening agents throughout your dough.

Step 5: Mix It All Together

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies!

Step 6: Fold in Pecans

Gently fold in those cool toasted pecans. They add an irresistible crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich buttery dough.

Step 7: Scoop onto Baking Sheet

Scoop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet using about two tablespoons per cookie. This way, they’ll spread evenly while baking.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

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

Step 9: Cool Your Cookies

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to firm up without losing any softness.

Step 10: Prepare the Glaze

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

Step 11: Drizzle Over Cookies

Once cooled completely, drizzle this luscious glaze over your cookies using a spoon or piping bag. Let it set before diving in!

Enjoy every bite of your homemade Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies—trust me; they won’t last long!

Pro Tips for Making Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

Baking these Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies can be a breeze with a few handy tips to guide you along the way!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow your butter and egg to sit at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures your cookies have a lovely, soft texture.

• Don’t skip toasting the pecans: Toasting enhances the flavor of the pecans, bringing out their natural oils and creating a richer taste that pairs beautifully with the buttery cookies.

• Measure flour accurately: Spoon your flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents you from adding too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.

• Cool before glazing: Allow your cookies to cool completely before drizzling on the glaze. This ensures the glaze doesn’t melt into the cookies and helps it set nicely for that perfect finish.

• Store properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This helps retain their freshness and flavors longer.

How to Serve Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

These delightful cookies not only taste great but also look impressive when served right! Here are some fun ideas for presenting them at any gathering or simply enjoying at home.

Garnishes

• Chopped toasted pecans: Sprinkle some extra chopped toasted pecans on top of the glaze for added crunch and visual appeal.
• Cinnamon dusting: A light dusting of ground cinnamon can add an aromatic touch that complements the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside these cookies creates a delectable contrast in textures and temperatures.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad brightens up your dessert table, providing a light balance to the rich flavors of the cookies.
• Coffee or tea: Pairing these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea makes for a cozy afternoon treat, enhancing their buttery goodness.
• Milk: A classic pairing! The creamy richness of cold milk perfectly complements the nutty sweetness of these cookies, making them even more indulgent.

With these pro tips and serving suggestions, you’re set to enjoy (or impress) with your Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch in advance and enjoy them throughout the week or save them for special occasions. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your cookies.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the cookies cool fully.
• Layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure to label the container with the date.

Reheating

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

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delicious treats!

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

Absolutely! While pecans add a rich flavor, you can substitute with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just ensure they’re toasted for the best taste.

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

To achieve a smooth glaze, make sure to whisk the powdered sugar thoroughly into the melted butter and milk mixture until there are no lumps. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk; if it’s too thin, simply add more powdered sugar.

Can I make Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add some if it doesn’t!

How do I prevent my Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Ensure your butter is softened but not melted when creaming with sugars. Chilling your dough for about 30 minutes before baking can also help maintain their shape.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings warmth and joy to your kitchen as it does to mine! Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are not just delightful treats; they embody the essence of comfort and togetherness. Enjoy making these scrumptious cookies, sharing them with loved ones, or simply savoring them yourself. Happy baking!