Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
These delectable Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of pecans with a buttery cookie base. Topped with a smooth, creamy frosting, they are perfect for holiday celebrations or any cozy gathering. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, these cookies will become a family favorite in no time!
These delectable Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of pecans with a buttery cookie base. Topped with a smooth, creamy frosting, they are perfect for holiday celebrations or any cozy gathering. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, these cookies will become a family favorite in no time!
A Perfect Blend of Flavors
Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are an exquisite dessert that expertly blends the buttery richness of a traditional cookie with the distinct, earthy flavor of pecans. This harmonious combination creates a deliciously satisfying taste that appeals to both cookie lovers and those seeking something unique. The pecans not only add texture but also complement the sweetness of the cookie base, providing a delightful contrast that makes every bite a treat.
These cookies are particularly special because they strike a perfect balance between sweet and nutty. The inclusion of both granulated and brown sugar enhances the cookies' depth of flavor, giving them a delightful hint of caramel in addition to their buttery essence. Whether enjoyed with a hot drink or as an after-dinner delight, they are sure to impress family and friends alike.
Versatile and Easy to Make
One of the best aspects of Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies is their versatility. They can be enjoyed at any occasion, from festive holiday gatherings to casual family get-togethers. Their scrumptious flavor profile makes them a perfect companion for holiday dessert tables, while also being a delightful treat to share during coffee breaks or afternoon teas. You can even customize the frosting to match any festive theme!
Moreover, this cookie recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels. With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, the clear instructions will guide you through the process, ensuring that your cookies turn out perfect every time.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
To maintain their freshness, store your Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can be enjoyed for up to a week, though you might find them disappearing much sooner! For longer storage, consider freezing the cookies before frosting them. This way, you can have freshly baked cookies ready whenever you want a treat.
When serving these cookies, consider pairing them with a hot beverage like coffee or tea to enhance their flavors. The creamy frosting is also wonderful when complemented with a sprinkle of crushed pecans on top for an extra touch. For more festive occasions, they can be garnished with colorful sprinkles or drizzles of chocolate, making them not just tasty but also visually appealing.
Ingredients
Gather all the necessary ingredients before you start baking!
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
For the Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure to measure out the ingredients accurately for the best results!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious cookies!
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans.
Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are light golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Frost the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cooled, frost the tops with the cream frosting using a knife or spatula. Enjoy your delicious Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies!
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
For an even better texture, ensure that your butter is softened properly. This step is crucial as it allows for better incorporation of air into the dough, leading to lighter and fluffier cookies. Consider taking the butter out of the fridge about an hour before you start preparing your ingredients to achieve the perfect softness.
Another tip is to measure your flour accurately. Using too much flour can lead to dense cookies. It’s best to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag, which can compact the flour.
Variations to Try
If you want to switch things up, consider adding chocolate chips or toffee bits to your cookie dough for an extra sweetness and texture. These additions can enhance the flavor experience and give your cookies a decadent twist that makes them even more irresistible.
Alternatively, you can substitute walnuts for pecans if you prefer a slightly different taste. Walnuts add a rich, earthy flavor that blends beautifully with the buttery cookie base while still providing the delightful crunch you've come to love.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use different nuts?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor.
→ How should I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies
These delectable Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of pecans with a buttery cookie base. Topped with a smooth, creamy frosting, they are perfect for holiday celebrations or any cozy gathering. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, these cookies will become a family favorite in no time!
Created by: Amber Walsh
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
For the Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are light golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Once the cookies are completely cooled, frost the tops with the cream frosting using a knife or spatula. Enjoy your delicious Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g