Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort treat with these Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies! Perfect for cookie swaps, holiday trays, or a quick dessert fix, these cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with buttery pecans, then topped with a creamy, rich frosting. They’re a great easy dessert for family gatherings or for when you need delicious food ideas for the holidays. Try this easy recipe if you’re hunting for breakfast ideas, snack inspiration, or a crowd-pleasing sweet for dinner parties.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped and toasted

For the frosting:

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 cups powdered sugar

2–3 tablespoons milk or cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup toasted pecans, finely chopped (reserve from above)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 6–8 minutes, stirring halfway, until fragrant. Let cool.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

6. Fold in 1 cup of the toasted pecans, reserving the rest for the frosting.

7. Scoop dough by tablespoons onto a lined baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.

8. Bake for 9–11 minutes or until edges are golden and centers are set. Cool on a wire rack.

9. For the frosting, whisk together melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons of milk or cream until smooth. Add more milk if needed for spreadable consistency.

10. Stir in 1/2 cup finely chopped toasted pecans.

11. Spread frosting over completely cooled cookies. Sprinkle with extra pecans if desired.

12. Let frosting set before serving or storing.

Notes

Be sure to let the cookies cool fully before frosting for best results.

Toasting the pecans is essential for maximum flavor—don’t skip this step!

For perfect texture, measure flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 210
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 70mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 22mg

Keywords: easy recipe, dessert, cookies, butter pecan, quick breakfast, food ideas, holiday treats