Get ready to fall in love with a classic treat elevated to cookie perfection! This Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe is an absolute dream for anyone who adores rich, buttery cookies loaded with crunchy toasted pecans and finished with a luscious vanilla glaze. Each cookie boasts a tender crumb wrapped in a buttery embrace, while the frosting adds just the right touch of sweetness and creaminess. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies promise to deliver smiles and satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies lies in a simple yet thoughtfully chosen set of ingredients. Each component plays a key role: the butter brings richness, the sugars balance sweetness and texture, the pecans add crunch and depth, and the frosting ties everything together with silky smooth flavor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Ensures a tender and flavorful cookie base while allowing for easy creaming with sugar.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds crisp sweetness and helps create a delightfully crisp edge on the cookies.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Contributes moisture and a warm, caramel undertone that pairs perfectly with pecans.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the dough, helping everything hold together beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with a sweet, aromatic flavor that elevates the cookie experience.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the perfect chewy-yet-soft cookie texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Gives the cookies a gentle lift and lightness without making them cakey.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the butter’s richness.
- 1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped and toasted: Adds irresistible crunch and a nutty flavor that’s essential to this recipe.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Forms the base of the luscious frosting for that perfect sweet finish.
- 3 tablespoons milk: Helps achieve a smooth and spreadable frosting consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a burst of vanilla flavor to the frosting for extra depth.
How to Make Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Begin by beating the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial because it aerates the dough, contributing to the cookies’ tender texture and slightly crisp edges.
Step 2: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures an even, smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract, which will provide that warm, inviting aroma we all adore in cookies.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well blended. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together. Over-mixing here can lead to tougher cookies, so keep it gentle.
Step 4: Fold in Toasted Pecans
Gently fold in the chopped, toasted pecans by hand. Toasting the pecans beforehand is a game-changer, intensifying their nutty flavor and adding an irresistible crunch that brings this cookie to life.
Step 5: Scoop the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop the dough into rounded 2-tablespoon portions and place them on the sheets about 2 inches apart to leave space for spreading.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them: the edges should turn a beautiful golden brown while the centers just set. Once baked, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
Step 7: Prepare the Frosting
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. This simple glaze is the crowning glory, adding extra sweetness and a silky finish that complements the nutty cookies perfectly.
Step 8: Frost the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting over each one. For an added touch of elegance and texture, sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top. Allow the frosting to set before serving or storing your cookies.
How to Serve Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the visual appeal and flavor by garnishing your cookies with extra toasted pecan halves or a light dusting of powdered sugar. These small touches add sophistication and highlight the nutty elements that make these cookies a standout treat.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm mug of coffee, creamy hot chocolate, or a cup of spiced chai tea. The rich and buttery flavors of the Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe work beautifully alongside warm beverages, perfect for cozy gatherings or afternoon treats.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress guests by arranging the cookies on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh fruit or a cheese platter. You can also stack them in a decorative tin or gift box as a charming homemade gift. Serving them slightly chilled offers a delightful change in texture that everyone will enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Keeping them in a single layer, or separating layers with parchment paper, helps avoid smushing the frosting.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag or container once firm. The frosting can be prepared fresh before serving or frozen separately in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies warm, gently reheat them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can soften the frosting too much and change the texture of the cookie. Warm cookies bring out their buttery aroma and highlight the toasted pecans.
FAQs
Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts make great alternatives, though each will add its own unique flavor and texture. Toast the nuts beforehand to maximize their crunch and aroma.
Is it necessary to toast the pecans?
While you could use raw pecans, toasting intensifies their nutty flavor and crisps them up, adding essential texture and a deeper taste that really brings this Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe to life.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that measures like wheat flour, you can create delicious gluten-free Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies without sacrificing flavor or texture.
How thick should I spread the frosting?
A thin to medium layer works best—enough to taste the sweetness and vanilla without overpowering the nutty cookie beneath. A gentle spread allows the frosting to set nicely without becoming too sticky.
Can these cookies be made ahead of time?
Definitely! The cookie dough can be chilled overnight before baking to develop even more flavor, and the baked, frosted cookies keep well for several days, making this recipe perfect for planning ahead.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie that offers the perfect combination of buttery richness, nutty crunch, and sweet vanilla frosting, this Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe is your new go-to. I can’t recommend it enough for sharing with loved ones or simply treating yourself to moments of pure cookie bliss. So roll up your sleeves, get baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies combine a rich, buttery base with toasted pecans for a delightful crunch, topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfectly tender and sweet, they make a delicious treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped and toasted
Frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to combine evenly.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Pecans: Gently fold the toasted, chopped pecans into the dough by hand to evenly distribute them without crushing.
- Prepare to Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion dough into 2-tablespoon balls, spacing them 2 inches apart on the sheet.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges turn golden and centers are set but still soft. Remove and let cool completely on wire racks.
- Make Frosting: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable for the glaze.
- Frost Cookies: Once cookies are cooled, spread a layer of frosting on each. Optionally, sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top. Allow the frosting to set before serving or storing.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened for easier creaming with sugars.
- To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until fragrant.
- Do not overmix cookie dough to keep cookies tender.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
