Description
Homemade frosted butter pecan cookies blend southern charm with classic dessert comfort. Rich pecans and creamy frosting create an irresistible treat you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
Sweeteners and Flavoring:
- 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
Leavening and Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 212 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie preparation.
- Create candied pecans by gently simmering them in maple syrup for 5 minutes, then strain and reserve the syrup. Coat the nuts with brown sugar and cinnamon, then roast for 10 minutes until fragrant and crisp.
- Transform butter into a rich brown version by cooking one stick for 3-4 minutes, developing deep nutty flavors. Combine with remaining butter to create a complex base.
- Craft the cookie dough by thoroughly blending the butter mixture with sugar, then incorporating eggs and vanilla. Gradually fold in flour, baking soda, and salt. Gently mix in chocolate chips and most of the prepared pecans.
- Form the dough into compact tablespoon-sized spheres and arrange on the prepared baking sheet. Briefly chill in the freezer for 5 minutes to firm the shape.
- Bake cookies for 11-12 minutes, gently tapping the pan midway to encourage even flattening. Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, reserved maple syrup, vanilla, and milk to create a smooth, glossy frosting. Elegantly dip each cookie and garnish with the remaining toasted pecans.
Notes
- Maple Syrup Magic: Reserve the sweet maple syrup from candying pecans to add an extra layer of flavor to the frosting, creating a rich, complex taste.
- Butter Browning Technique: Take time to brown butter carefully, watching for a golden-brown color and nutty aroma without burning, which adds depth to the cookie’s flavor profile.
- Pecan Perfection: Toast pecans thoroughly to enhance their natural oils and create a crunchier texture, ensuring maximum nutty flavor in every bite.
- Chilling Trick: Briefly freezing cookie dough before baking helps prevent spreading and maintains a perfectly shaped, thick cookie with crisp edges and soft center.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 198
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 102 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 31 mg