Nothing quite compares to the delight of biting into a perfectly soft cookie with the irresistible crunch of toasted nuts and a luscious, sweet glaze on top. This Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe delivers that classic comfort with an elevated, creamy frosting finish that makes these cookies absolutely unforgettable. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them with your afternoon coffee, these cookies bring just the right balance of buttery richness, nutty flavor, and sweet indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready for a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create tender cookies with a buttery pecan flavor, capped off by a smooth, sweet frosting. Each element is key — from the soft butter that keeps the cookies moist to the toasted pecans that add a delightful crunch, and of course, the frosting that ties everything together.
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup: Softened for creamy dough, butter adds richness and moisture to the cookies.
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Sweetens and helps create that perfect cookie texture.
- Brown sugar, 1/2 cup (packed): Adds a hint of molasses flavor and chewiness to the cookies.
- Large eggs, 2: Bind the dough while ensuring a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon (plus 1 teaspoon for frosting): Brings warmth and depth to both dough and frosting.
- All-purpose flour, 2 1/2 cups: Provides structure while keeping the cookies soft.
- Baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon: Helps the cookies rise and become light.
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Balances sweetness and enhances the butter flavor.
- Pecans, 1 1/2 cups (chopped and toasted): Adds a wonderful crunch and toasty, nutty taste that defines the cookie.
- Powdered sugar, 2 cups: For a smooth, sweet frosting that melts in your mouth.
- Milk, 3 tablespoons: Helps create the perfect frosting consistency.
How to Make Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugars
Start by creaming together your softened unsalted butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial for giving your cookies their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and helps to evenly distribute sweetness.
Step 2: Adding Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract, which will infuse the cookie dough with a lovely fragrant warmth.
Step 3: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the rising agent and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the dough, which helps the cookies bake evenly with perfect texture and flavor.
Step 4: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet batter, stirring gently and mixing only until just combined. Overmixing at this stage can lead to tough cookies, so keep it light for the best tender crumb.
Step 5: Folding in the Pecans
Gently fold in the chopped, toasted pecans by hand to make sure every bite has a satisfying crunch and that wonderful nutty depth. Toasting the pecans beforehand really elevates their flavor and prevents any raw taste in the cookies.
Step 6: Baking Your Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Scoop out portions of dough, about 2 tablespoons each, and space them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown while the centers remain just set. Let the cookies cool completely on wire racks before frosting.
Step 7: Preparing the Frosting
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable. This simple frosting adds just the right amount of sweetness and creamy texture to complement the nutty cookies perfectly.
Step 8: Frosting the Cookies
Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread a generous layer of your luscious frosting on each one. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top before allowing the frosting to set. This finishing touch not only looks beautiful but adds another layer of texture and flavor.
How to Serve Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A few extra toasted pecans on top of the frosting bring a lovely crunch and make these cookies look as tempting as they taste. If you want to get playful, a light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add a warm, festive touch.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair perfectly with a cup of hot coffee, black tea, or even a glass of cold milk. Their rich buttery and nutty flavors balance out the bitterness or creaminess of your chosen beverage, making every bite and sip a cozy delight.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange the Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh rosemary or fall leaves as decoration for an inviting bakery-style display. You can also sandwich two cookies together with frosting for an extra indulgent treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will keep the frosting fresh and prevent the cookies from drying out, so they remain soft and nutty with every bite.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies in advance, freeze the baked cookies without frosting in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a sealed freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely before frosting to avoid melting.
Reheating
For the best experience, let cookies come to room temperature naturally before eating. If desired, give the frosted cookie a quick 10-second zap in the microwave to warm it slightly—not too much, or the frosting may melt away.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work wonderfully if you prefer a different nut flavor or simply want to switch things up. Just make sure to toast them for that deep, nutty aroma and crunch.
Is it necessary to toast the pecans?
Toasting is highly recommended because it enhances the pecans’ natural oils and gives the cookies a richer, more intense flavor. Raw nuts may taste bitter or less vibrant in comparison.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be mindful that texture might slightly change. Adding a bit of xanthan gum can help maintain the dough’s consistency and structure.
How thick should I spread the frosting?
A thin to medium layer is ideal—enough to complement the cookie without overpowering it. You want to taste the buttery, nutty cookie beneath the sweet frosting for the perfect balance.
Can these cookies be frozen after frosting?
While it’s best to freeze unfrosted cookies, you can freeze frosted ones if the frosting has set completely. Wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn and thaw slowly to preserve texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the combination of buttery cookie, toasted pecans, and that creamy frosting in this Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe. It’s a delightful treat that’s both comforting and a little bit fancy, perfect for sharing or indulging on your own. Give this recipe a try—you just might find your new favorite cookie to keep coming back to.
Print
Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are a delightful treat featuring a tender, buttery cookie base studded with toasted pecans and topped with a smooth vanilla frosting. Perfectly balanced with a hint of brown sugar richness and a crisp edge, these cookies are ideal for holiday gatherings or everyday indulgence.
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 the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. This step creates a light texture in your cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which can make cookies tough.
- Fold in Pecans: Gently fold the toasted chopped pecans into the cookie dough to evenly distribute the nuts without breaking them up excessively.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick baking. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop 2-tablespoon portions of dough onto the sheet spaced about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn golden and the centers are just set, indicating they are cooked through but still soft inside.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on wire racks before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: While cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable to create a sweet, creamy topping.
- Frost Cookies: Spread the vanilla frosting evenly over each cooled cookie. Optionally, sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top for added crunch and presentation. Allow frosting to set before serving or storing.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the dough once the flour is added to maintain tender cookies.
- Toast the pecans lightly in a dry pan before adding to the dough to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- For a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar or reduce the milk slightly.
- Store frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- For a festive twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
- Use parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
