Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies
Indulge in the delightful taste of Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies. These cookies perfectly blend the rich flavors of buttery dough and toasted pecans, topped with a luscious brown sugar glaze. Ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy evening treat or a festive gathering, these cookies are sure to impress. With their soft texture and irresistible aroma, they are a must-try for anyone who loves sweet snacks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: The straightforward steps make it simple for bakers of all levels to create delicious cookies.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and toasted pecans brings a deep, comforting taste that delights the senses.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night in, these cookies fit right in.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as breakfast sweets, dessert after dinner, or even as gifts during the holidays.
- Great Texture: The mix of chewy and crunchy textures makes each bite satisfying.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Saucepan
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking your cookies, ensuring they cook uniformly.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and allows for easy cleanup after baking.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without mess.
- Saucepan: Perfect for melting ingredients and preparing the glaze smoothly.

Ingredients
For these delightful Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 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
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
How to Make Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Toast the Pecans
Toast the chopped pecans on a baking sheet for about 5–7 minutes until fragrant. Allow them to cool before adding them to the cookie dough.
Step 3: Cream Together Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add in the large egg and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
Step 6: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
Step 7: Fold in Pecans
Gently fold in the cooled toasted pecans into your cookie dough until evenly distributed.
Step 8: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet.
Step 9: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown while centers are set.
Step 10: Cool Cookies
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 11: Prepare Glaze
In a saucepan over low heat, melt together the unsalted butter and brown sugar. Stir in milk until well blended. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.
Step 12: Drizzle Glaze
Drizzle the prepared glaze over cooled cookies. Allow them to set before serving or storing.
Enjoy your delicious Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies!
How to Serve Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies
Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
With a Cup of Coffee
- Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee for a comforting afternoon pick-me-up.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Use two cookies to create ice cream sandwiches, filling them with your favorite flavor for a delicious twist.
Gift Wrapping
- Place several cookies in decorative boxes or tins to give as thoughtful gifts during the holiday season.
Dessert Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a dessert platter with fresh fruits and chocolates for an inviting presentation at parties.
Breakfast Treats
- Enjoy these cookies alongside yogurt or oatmeal for a sweet breakfast option that feels indulgent yet satisfying.
How to Perfect Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies
To ensure your Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies turn out perfectly each time, consider the following tips.
- Use room temperature butter – This ensures better creaming with sugars, leading to a light and fluffy texture.
- Toast the pecans properly – Toasting enhances their flavor; watch closely to prevent burning.
- Don’t over-mix the dough – Mix until ingredients are just combined to keep cookies soft and chewy.
- Chill the dough – Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and deepens flavors.
- Check for doneness – The edges should be golden while the centers remain slightly soft; they’ll continue to set as they cool.
Best Side Dishes for Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies
Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies pair well with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious side that contrasts nicely with the rich cookies.
- Cheese Board – Include mild cheeses like brie or cheddar that provide a savory counterpoint to the sweet cookies.
- Hot Chocolate – Rich hot chocolate can enhance the cozy feel of enjoying these delightful treats together.
- Nut Mix – A selection of nuts can add crunch and texture, echoing the pecan flavor in the cookies.
- Tea Selection – Offer various teas, such as chamomile or chai, which pair beautifully with sweet baked goods.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking the perfect Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of.
- Boldly skip the toasting step: Failing to toast the pecans can result in a less flavorful cookie. Toasting enhances their natural nuttiness, so always take the time to do this step.
- Boldly ignore butter temperature: Using cold butter instead of softened butter can lead to dense cookies. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for a light and fluffy texture.
- Boldly rush the mixing process: Overmixing the dough can make cookies tough. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and tender.
- Boldly underbake or overbake: Not monitoring baking time can lead to cookies that are too hard or too soft. Keep an eye on them; they should be lightly golden at the edges.
- Boldly skip cooling time: Trying to glaze cookies while they’re still warm can cause the glaze to melt away. Allow them to cool completely before adding the glaze.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
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- Duration: Store cookies in the fridge for up to one week for optimal freshness.
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- Containers: Use an airtight container to keep them from drying out.
Freezing Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies
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- Duration: These cookies can be frozen for up to three months.
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- Containers: Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Reheating Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
- Microwave: Heat cookies individually on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds for a quick snack.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies.
How should I store Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies?
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Can I freeze Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies?
Yes! You can freeze these cookies for up to three months. Be sure to wrap them well before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
What if I don’t have pecans?
You can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds, or skip nuts entirely for a nut-free version of these delicious cookies.
How do I make the glaze thicker?
To achieve a thicker glaze, simply add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are not only delightful but also versatile enough for any occasion. Their rich flavors and textures make them ideal as snacks, breakfast treats, or festive desserts. Feel free to customize by adding chocolate chips or using different nuts based on your preference!
Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies
Indulge in the delightful taste of Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies, a perfect treat for any occasion. These cookies combine the rich flavors of buttery dough and toasted pecans, all adorned with a luscious brown sugar glaze. Their soft texture and irresistible aroma make them a must-try for anyone who loves sweet snacks. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy evening at home or hosting a festive gathering, these cookies are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 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 toasted pecans
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for glaze)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tbsp milk or cream
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toast pecans on a baking sheet for about 5–7 minutes until fragrant; let cool.
- Cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually add to the wet mixture.
- Fold in cooled toasted pecans.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft; cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
- For the glaze: melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan; stir in milk and whisk in powdered sugar until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
