Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe
These Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are classic, buttery treats featuring toasted pecans folded into a soft cookie base, then topped with a luscious brown sugar glaze. Perfectly crisp on the edges and tender in the center, these cookies combine rich flavors and textures for an irresistible dessert or snack.
- Author: Dylan
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cookie Dough
- 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)
Glaze
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp milk or cream
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- Preheat and Toast Pecans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove and let cool completely before using.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This aerates the dough for a tender texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth, ensuring even flavor throughout the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Pecans: Gently fold the cooled, toasted pecans into the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed without crushing them.
- Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt the 1/4 cup unsalted butter with 1/3 cup brown sugar over medium heat. Stir in the milk or cream and remove from heat. Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
- Glaze Cookies: Drizzle the prepared glaze over the cooled cookies using a spoon or fork, and let the glaze set completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For best results, toast pecans just before mixing to enhance their flavor.
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted to achieve proper creaming texture.
- Don’t overbake; cookies continue to firm up as they cool.
- The glaze can be stored separately for up to 3 days in the refrigerator and reheated gently before use.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Keywords: butter pecan cookies, frosted cookies, toasted pecan cookies, brown sugar glaze cookies, homemade cookies, soft cookies