Name: Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 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); 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp milk or cream; 3/4 cup powdered sugar

I’ve baked countless cookies in my kitchen, but nothing draws people in quite like the aroma of butter pecans caramelizing in the oven. These Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are soft, chewy, and topped with a luscious brown sugar glaze that makes each bite feel like a warm hug. They’re the kind of cookie that turns an ordinary day into something memorable.

What I love most about these cookies is their texture—crunchy toasted pecans folded into a rich, buttery dough that bakes up beautifully tender. The sweet glaze on top is optional, but trust me, you don’t want to skip it. It adds that final layer of indulgence that makes these cookies totally irresistible.

Why You’ll Love These Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

Unbeatable Flavor: Toasted pecans + brown sugar glaze = pure cookie bliss.
Perfect Texture: Crisp edges, soft centers, and bits of crunchy pecan throughout.
Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is probably already in your pantry.
Freezer-Friendly: Great for make-ahead holiday baking or anytime cravings.
Crowd-Pleasers: Take them to a potluck or cookie swap and watch them disappear.

What Kind of Pecans Should I Use for Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies?

For the best flavor, use raw pecan halves and toast them yourself. Toasting brings out their natural oils and rich, nutty taste. You can chop them roughly or leave some in halves for texture variety. Pre-roasted pecans from the store work in a pinch, but nothing beats the depth of flavor you get from toasting them fresh at home in a skillet or oven.

Avoid using salted or flavored pecans—they can throw off the delicate sweet-and-savory balance of the cookie. Stick with unsalted and unseasoned pecans for the most control over your recipe.

Options for Substitutions

Baking is flexible when you know how to adjust! If you need to tweak the recipe, here are some smart substitutions:

Butter: You can use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version, but make sure it’s solid at room temperature.
Pecans: Swap in walnuts or hazelnuts if pecans aren’t available.
All-Purpose Flour: A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can work well for a GF option.
Egg: Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) for a vegan alternative.
Brown Sugar Glaze: You can use maple syrup or powdered sugar glaze if you’re out of brown sugar.
Vanilla Extract: Almond extract offers a nice twist—just use half the amount.

Ingredients for Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

Each ingredient in these cookies plays a role in building flavor, texture, and that irresistible cookie magic:

Unsalted Butter: The rich, creamy base for both the dough and the frosting. Using unsalted allows you to control the salt levels.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and deep caramel notes that pair beautifully with the pecans.
Granulated Sugar: Helps create a crisp edge and balances the richness of the brown sugar.
Egg: Acts as a binder and adds structure and tenderness.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the cookie’s warm, sweet flavor profile.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that holds the dough together.
Baking Soda: Gives the cookies lift and a bit of chew.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavor of the pecans and butter.
Pecans: Toasted and chopped, they add crunch and a buttery nuttiness that defines this cookie.
Powdered Sugar (for the glaze): Creates a silky-smooth frosting that sets beautifully.
Brown Sugar (for the glaze): Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness to the topping.
Milk or Cream (for the glaze): Thins out the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
Butter (for the glaze): Rounds out the glaze with smoothness and shine.

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet in a single layer and toast for 5–7 minutes, or until fragrant. Let them cool while you prepare the dough. Toasting enhances their flavor and gives the cookies an irresistible crunch.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps aerate the dough and sets the stage for a tender cookie.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. This gives the dough structure and deepens the flavor with warm vanilla tones.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Don’t overmix—just until the dough holds together.

Step 5: Fold in the Pecans

Gently stir in the toasted pecans. Make sure they’re evenly distributed for that perfect bite every time.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave room between cookies as they will spread. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Meanwhile, make your glaze by melting butter in a saucepan, then adding brown sugar, milk or cream, and finally powdered sugar until smooth. Drizzle or spoon over the cooled cookies.

How Long to Cook Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

The sweet spot for these cookies is 10 to 12 minutes in a 350°F (175°C) oven. You want the edges to be lightly golden while the centers remain soft—they’ll continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. For a chewier cookie, pull them out closer to 10 minutes; for a crisper edge, let them go a minute or two longer.

If you’re baking multiple sheets, rotate them halfway through for even browning. Always let the cookies rest on the tray for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Tips for Perfect Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

Don’t skip toasting the pecans. This extra step makes a huge difference in flavor and aroma.
Use room temperature butter and egg to ensure the dough mixes evenly and holds its structure.
Chill the dough for 15–30 minutes if it feels too soft or sticky. This helps the cookies bake thicker and more evenly.
Don’t overmix once the flour is added. Overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies.
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
Let the cookies cool completely before glazing so the frosting sets instead of melting.
Use a small spoon or piping bag for a neater glaze application.
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky salt on top if you want a sweet-salty contrast that pops.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even the best recipes can go sideways if you’re not careful. Here’s what to watch for when making Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies:

Using un-toasted pecans: Raw pecans lack depth and can taste flat in the cookie. Toasting them is non-negotiable for that signature buttery crunch.
Overbaking: These cookies should be soft in the center when you take them out. Overbaking leads to dryness and a loss of chewiness.
Skipping the cooling time: Don’t glaze hot cookies! The frosting will slide off instead of setting nicely.
Overmixing the dough: This toughens the cookies. Once the flour goes in, mix gently and briefly.
Inaccurate measurements: Especially with flour—scoop with a spoon and level off with a knife. Too much leads to dense cookies.
Hot butter in the dough: Melted or overly warm butter can make the cookies spread too thin. Keep it at room temp.
Not spacing cookies properly: Give each dough ball room to spread out while baking.
Glaze consistency issues: If it’s too thick, it won’t drizzle well. If too thin, it won’t set. Adjust with small amounts of milk or powdered sugar.

What to Serve With Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies?

These cookies shine solo, but they pair beautifully with a range of drinks and treats. Here are some delicious companions:

Hot Coffee or Espresso

The nutty, caramel flavor of the cookies is a natural fit with strong, black coffee or a frothy latte.

Chai or Spiced Tea

The warm spices in chai bring out the brown sugar and pecan flavors in a cozy, comforting way.

Cold Milk

Classic and unbeatable—especially if you love a dunkable dessert.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Turn your cookies into a decadent dessert sandwich with a scoop of creamy ice cream in between.

Dessert Wine

Try pairing with a small glass of tawny port or late-harvest riesling for a sweet, elegant bite.

Apple Compote

The sweetness and cinnamon of a warm apple topping adds fruity depth.

Chocolate Ganache

Dip half of the cookie in chocolate or drizzle a bit for a luxe, rich layer.

Aged Cheddar or Brie

For a unique snack board, pair cookies with bold cheeses—it’s a surprisingly great balance of sweet and savory.

Storage Instructions

To keep your Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

At Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5–7 days. If you’re stacking them, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
For Longer Storage: If you need them to last longer, freeze the cookies. Lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze for a few hours before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw them at room temperature before glazing and serving.
Unfrosted Cookies: If you’re making the cookies ahead of time, store the baked, unfrosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Frost just before serving to prevent the glaze from becoming soggy.

Estimated Nutrition

While these cookies are certainly a treat, here’s a general breakdown of the nutrition per cookie (based on standard ingredients and without the glaze):

Calories: 180-200 kcal per cookie (depending on size)
Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 75mg
Cholesterol: 30mg

The frosting adds additional sugar and calories, so if you’re watching your intake, consider skipping it or using a lighter glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make the cookies chewier?

To achieve a chewier texture, try slightly underbaking the cookies. Remove them from the oven when the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. Additionally, you can try adding an extra egg yolk to the dough to increase moisture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours before baking. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping and baking.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, the cookies are still delicious without the glaze. They have plenty of flavor on their own thanks to the toasted pecans and rich dough. However, the glaze adds a nice sweet touch that complements the buttery flavor.

How do I get perfectly round cookies?

To ensure your cookies bake evenly, scoop the dough into uniform balls using a cookie scoop. Gently roll the dough balls between your hands to smooth them out before placing them on the baking sheet.

How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

If your dough spreads too thin, try chilling the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking. This helps solidify the butter and keeps the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the dough in individual scooped portions. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds work well as substitutes for pecans. Keep in mind that each nut will provide a slightly different flavor profile, but they’ll all still taste delicious in this recipe.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

While the recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend as a substitute. Be sure to check the brand for any other binding ingredients that may be needed for the best texture.

Conclusion

These Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the richness of butter, the crunch of toasted pecans, and a sweet, silky glaze that takes them over the top. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just looking for a comforting dessert, these cookies will always be a crowd-pleaser. They’re simple to make, versatile, and packed with flavor—what more could you ask for in a cookie?