Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings joy with every bite, let me introduce you to my beloved Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies. These cookies are a perfect blend of buttery goodness and the nutty crunch of toasted pecans. They fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma as they bake, making them ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy afternoon with a cup of tea or needing something sweet to share at your next gathering, these cookies will surely impress.

What makes these Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies truly special is the rich brown sugar glaze that adds an extra layer of sweetness. Each bite melts in your mouth, leaving you craving more. Trust me; once you try them, they’ll be a go-to recipe in your baking repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch in no time!
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves cookies, and these are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake them ahead of time and store for quick snacks or surprise guests.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of butter and toasted pecans creates an irresistible taste that will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to baking success! For these Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies, you’ll need some simple and wholesome pantry staples that come together beautifully. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

• 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 parts about baking is making recipes your own! These Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are wonderfully flexible. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add chocolate chips: For an extra treat, mix in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for a delicious contrast.
• Try different nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes!
• Flavor it up: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm spice twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for those with dietary restrictions.

How to Make Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the pecans on a baking sheet. Toast them for about 5–7 minutes until they’re fragrant and lightly browned. Toasting enhances their nutty flavor and adds depth to our cookies.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

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

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, add one large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix until everything is well combined. The vanilla adds warmth and complements the rich flavors beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout your batter for uniform rising.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be careful here!

Step 6: Fold in Pecans

Fold in those cooled toasted pecans until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. Their crunch will create delightful texture contrasts in each cookie.

Step 7: Scoop onto Baking Sheet

Scoop generous portions of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Keep some space between each scoop so they can spread while baking.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes or until edges turn golden brown but centers look slightly soft. They’ll continue cooking after being pulled from the oven.

Step 9: Cool on Rack

Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps maintain their shape while still being warm enough for that delicious glaze!

Step 10: Prepare Glaze

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

Step 11: Drizzle and Enjoy!

Finally, drizzle that luscious glaze over your cooled cookies using a spoon or fork. Let them set before serving—if they last long enough! Enjoy every buttery bite!

Pro Tips for Making Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

Baking can be a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll ensure your Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room-temperature butter: This helps in achieving that light and fluffy texture when creaming with sugars, leading to a better overall consistency in your cookies.

• Toast the pecans: Toasting not only enhances the nutty flavor but also adds depth to your cookies. It brings out the oils in the nuts, making them even more delicious.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Once you add your dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies rather than the soft and chewy ones you desire.

• Let them cool properly: Allowing your cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them ensures they set correctly and maintain their shape.

• Experiment with the glaze: If you want to switch things up, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to your glaze 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 just delicious; they can be presented beautifully for any occasion! Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

Garnishes

• Chopped pecans: Sprinkle some additional toasted pecans on top of the glaze for added texture and visual appeal.
• Shredded coconut: A light dusting of unsweetened shredded coconut can add a tropical twist and enhance the flavor profile of your cookies.

Side Dishes

• Coffee: A warm cup of coffee pairs perfectly with these sweet cookies, balancing out their richness and enhancing their buttery flavors.

• Herbal tea: For a lighter option, serve with herbal tea. The floral notes will complement the pecan flavor beautifully.

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side creates a delightful contrast between warm cookies and cold creaminess.

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers a burst of freshness that balances the sweetness of the cookies and rounds out your dessert table.

Enjoy sharing these delectable Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies with friends and family! They’re sure to become a beloved recipe in your home.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy them fresh throughout the week or save some for later. Here’s how to keep them deliciously fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They can stay fresh for up to one week.
• For added freshness, layer cookies with parchment paper.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour.
• Once frozen, transfer cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• You can also microwave them for about 10-15 seconds if you’re in a hurry!

FAQs

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

Can I use different nuts for Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies?

Absolutely! While pecans add a lovely flavor, you can substitute with walnuts or almonds based on your preference.

How should I store Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies?

Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag.

Can I make these Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. The results will still be delicious!

What if I don’t have unsalted butter?

You can use salted butter as a substitute; just omit any additional salt from the recipe to balance the flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these delightful Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies! They embody warmth and comfort, making them perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring all by yourself. Enjoy the process of creating these sweet treats, and don’t hesitate to make them your own by adding special touches. Happy baking!