Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

Save this recipe on:

Imagine a cookie that delivers buttery richness, toasted pecan crunch, and a velvety maple glaze on top—Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are just that. These cookies are soft in the center, slightly crisp at the edges, and finished with a glaze that tastes like a warm hug on a winter day. Every bite is a delightful dance of nutty, sweet, and cozy.

They’re perfect for holiday trays, gifting, or those moments when only a comforting homemade cookie will do. With minimal chill time and no complicated steps, these are as easy to make as they are to love.

What Kind of Butter Should I Use?

Unsalted butter is ideal because it lets you control the salt level in the recipe. The butter is the soul of these cookies, lending its deep flavor and creamy texture, so choose a good-quality stick for the best results. Browning the butter first adds a rich, toasty complexity that complements the pecans and elevates the whole cookie.

Ingredients for the Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

Brown Butter: The base of the cookie, it brings a caramel-like nuttiness that pairs perfectly with the pecans.

Brown Sugar: Gives the cookies their chewy texture and deep molasses flavor.

Granulated Sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps with the soft, tender crumb.

Egg + Egg Yolk: One whole egg for structure, and an extra yolk for richness and softness.

Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile.

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure without making the cookies dense.

Baking Soda: For just the right lift and chewy center.

Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.

Toasted Pecans: Chopped and folded into the dough for crunch and flavor.

Powdered Sugar + Maple Syrup + Cream: Whisked together to make a silky glaze with a touch of maple goodness.

---

How To Make the Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Melt the butter over medium heat, stirring constantly. Watch as it foams and then turns golden with a nutty aroma. Once browned, remove from heat and cool for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Whisk together the brown butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix this into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Fold in Pecans

Gently fold in the chopped toasted pecans. For extra flavor, you can reserve some to sprinkle on top before baking.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Scoop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set but centers are still soft.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

While the cookies cool, whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, and cream until smooth and spreadable. Adjust with more cream if needed.

Step 7: Frost and Finish

Once cookies are cool, spread glaze on top and sprinkle with extra pecans. Let the glaze set before storing.

---

How to Store and Serve Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they keep beautifully for up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature. The glaze will set into a soft shell, making them easy to stack without smudging.

For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cookies and frost them fresh before serving. You can also freeze the dough balls for up to 2 months—just bake straight from the freezer with an extra 2 minutes.

---

What to Serve With Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies?

Hot Apple Cider

The spiced warmth of apple cider enhances the nutty maple flavors in the cookie.

Chai Latte

Spices like cinnamon and cardamom beautifully complement the brown butter base.

Bourbon or Rum

These boozy pairings bring out the deep caramel notes for an adult dessert moment.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Create a decadent sandwich or crumble the cookie on top for extra texture.

Creamy Masala Milk

Warm and comforting, this drink makes every bite feel like fall in a cup.

Roasted Pears

Serve as part of a dessert platter for a rustic, seasonal presentation.

Coffee with Maple Cream

A subtle hint of maple in your coffee ties in perfectly with the glaze.

---

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other sweet spins:

• Twix Cookie Cups with a gooey caramel center.
• Double Chocolate Chip Cookies for cocoa-lovers.
• Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies if you’re after vintage charm.
• Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies for creamy indulgence.
• The Irresistible Charm of Peanut Butter Candy Corn Cookies when fall hits in full.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you double the pecans? Add cinnamon? Try a maple-bourbon glaze twist?

I love hearing how you make these your own. Questions welcome—let’s bake smarter together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on ChefAlchemy’s Recipes and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

---

Print

Save this recipe on: