Name: Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 52 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, room temperature; 2 eggs, room temperature; 213 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup raw pecans; 12 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup dark brown sugar; 12 cup maple syrup; 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 212 tablespoons milk

Buttery, nutty cookies with a delicate pecan frosted butter pecan cookies recipe have been a Southern classic for generations.

These melt-in-your-mouth treats blend rich, toasted pecans with smooth, creamy butter.

Warm, golden-brown edges hint at the delectable flavor waiting inside each tender bite.

Crumbly yet soft, these cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness that dance across your palate.

The delicate frosting adds a luxurious finish that elevates this humble dessert into something truly special.

Each cookie promises a moment of pure, indulgent bliss that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to savor every crumb of this irresistible Southern delight.

Transform ordinary cookie-making into a gourmet experience with this sophisticated recipe that combines brown butter, candied pecans, and a luxurious maple frosting.
Master a restaurant-quality dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but actually comes together with simple steps and minimal effort.
Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or a special weekend treat that appeals to both kids and adults with its rich, nutty, and sweet flavor profile.
Swap ingredients or adjust toppings to match your mood or pantry, making this recipe adaptable to your personal taste and ingredient availability.

Main Ingredients:

Pecans: A rich, nutty ingredient that adds crunch and depth to the cookie's flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Provides a creamy base and essential richness to the cookie dough.
Maple Syrup: Adds a warm, sweet flavor and helps caramelize the pecans.
Brown Sugar: Contributes a deep, molasses-like sweetness and helps create a soft cookie texture.
All-Purpose Flour: Creates the fundamental structure of the cookie.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and achieve a light, tender texture.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the dough.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, aromatic essence.
Powdered Sugar: Used to create a smooth, sweet frosting.
Milk: Helps adjust the frosting consistency and adds creaminess.

Spice and Flavor Enhancers:

Cinnamon: Provides a warm, aromatic note to the candied pecans.
Chocolate Chips: Adds extra richness and a touch of chocolate flavor to the cookies.
Salt: Balances and enhances the overall sweetness of the cookies.

Baking Sheet: Essential for even cookie baking and easy removal.
Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup simple.
Saucepan: Perfect for simmering pecans in maple syrup.
Strainer: Helps drain pecans after syrup simmering.
Large Mixing Bowl: Crucial for combining dough ingredients.
Electric Mixer: Ensures smooth butter and sugar blending.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise ingredient measurements.
Spatula: Great for folding in chips and pecans.
Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly.
Small Bowl: Mixing frosting ingredients.

How to Make Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Get your oven warmed up to 350F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and cleanup.

Step 2: Create Candied Pecans

Ingredients:

Pecans
Maple syrup
Brown sugar
Cinnamon

Simmer pecans in maple syrup for 5 minutes.

Drain and save the syrup.

Toss the nuts with brown sugar and cinnamon, then bake for 10 minutes until perfectly caramelized.

Step 3: Brown the Butter

Melt one stick of butter until it turns a beautiful golden brown, which takes about 3-4 minutes.

Mix this with the remaining butter for extra richness.

Step 4: Mix the Cookie Dough

Cream together the butter mixture and sugar.

Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.

Gently fold in flour, baking soda, and salt.

Incorporate chocolate chips and most of the candied pecans into the dough.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Pop the sheet in the freezer for 5 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 11-12 minutes.

If needed, tap the pan gently to flatten the cookies.

Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet.

Step 7: Frost and Finish

Whip up the frosting by combining:

Powdered sugar
Reserved maple syrup
Vanilla
Milk

Dip each cookie into the frosting and sprinkle the remaining pecans on top.

Let the frosting set for a delightful finishing touch.

Tips for Soft, Nutty, Frosted Cookies

Simmer nuts in maple syrup for deep, rich flavor before baking to enhance their natural sweetness and create a caramelized crunch.
Carefully brown butter to develop a nutty, complex taste that elevates the entire cookie's depth and aroma.
Freezing cookie dough balls for 5 minutes helps prevent spreading and ensures thick, chewy cookies with perfect texture.
Reserve the maple syrup from candied pecans to create a uniquely flavored frosting that ties the entire recipe together with a sweet, rich glaze.
Save some pecans for topping frosted cookies to add extra crunch and visual appeal, creating a professional-looking final presentation.

Fun Mix Ins for Butter Pecan Cookies

Gluten-Free Pecan Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free version. Use certified gluten-free ingredients to ensure safety.
Vegan Maple Pecan Dream: Swap butter with coconut oil and eggs with flax eggs. Use plant-based maple syrup and dairy-free frosting ingredients.
Low-Sugar Nutty Treat: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce maple syrup amount and use sugar-free frosting alternatives.
Chocolate Lover's Pecan Cookie: Add dark chocolate chips to the dough. Drizzle melted chocolate over frosted cookies for extra richness.

Serving Frosted Pecan Cookies for Any Occasion

Cozy Coffee Companion: Pair these buttery pecan cookies with a warm mug of vanilla latte or spiced chai tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
Elegant Dessert Platter: Arrange cookies on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries, dark chocolate shavings, and a sprinkle of extra candied pecans for a sophisticated presentation.
Holiday Gift Idea: Package these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, perfect as homemade edible gifts for friends and family during Christmas or thanksgiving celebrations.
Sweet Breakfast Indulgence: Crumble cookies over vanilla yogurt or alongside morning pancakes for a decadent breakfast surprise that adds a touch of indulgence to your morning routine.

Storing Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies Right

Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, layered between parchment paper. Keep fresh for up to 5 days, maintaining their delicate texture and flavor.
Carefully stack frosted or unfrosted cookies in a freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze for 2-3 months. Separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.
Remove frozen cookies from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent softening the crisp edges.
Warm cookies briefly in a 300F oven for 3-4 minutes to restore their just-baked crispness and revive the rich buttery flavor.

FAQs

What makes the pecans special in this recipe?

The pecans are candied with maple syrup, then tossed with brown sugar and cinnamon before baking, creating a rich, caramelized coating that adds depth and crunch to the cookies.

Why does the recipe use brown butter?

Brown butter develops a nutty, toasted flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cookies, adding complexity and richness to the traditional butter cookie base.

How does the freezing step affect the cookie texture?

Freezing the cookie dough balls for 5 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking, ensuring the cookies maintain their shape and create a more dense, chewy texture.

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.

Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

Irresistible Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe for Sweet Smiles