Description
Soft, sweet, and nutty, these Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are the perfect balance of rich buttery dough, toasted pecans, and creamy brown sugar frosting. Ideal for the holidays or any cozy afternoon, they’re easy to make and perfect for cookie trays, homemade gifts, or quick dessert ideas. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast bite, a holiday snack, or a festive dessert, these cookies are a delightful crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, toasted
1/4 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
1/2 cup brown sugar (for frosting)
1/4 cup heavy cream (for frosting)
2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and toast chopped pecans on a baking sheet for 7–8 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.
2. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
3. Beat in egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients.
5. Stir in the cooled toasted pecans until evenly distributed.
6. Scoop dough onto parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden. Cool on sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
8. In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir until fully dissolved.
9. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle boil. Remove from heat.
10. Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and thick.
11. Spread frosting on warm cookies before it begins to set.
Notes
Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, to prevent spreading.
Always toast the pecans—this step adds rich, deep flavor that raw nuts can’t provide.
Frost the cookies while still warm for the creamiest texture and smoothest finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: butter pecan cookies, holiday cookies, frosted cookies, easy cookie recipe, homemade gifts, baking ideas