Name: Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 ½ cups chopped pecans; 1 cup brown sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 cups powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons heavy cream; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

These Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are the ultimate cozy indulgence. Rich, buttery, and filled with toasted pecans, each bite is a soft and chewy celebration of flavor. But what takes them over the top is that smooth, creamy frosting, delicately sweet and just the right touch to balance the nutty crunch beneath.

Whether you’re baking for the holidays, gifting a sweet treat, or just treating yourself on a quiet afternoon, these cookies fit the moment. They’re just fancy enough to feel special, but incredibly simple to make with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Why You’ll Love These Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

There’s something comforting about butter pecan. It’s nostalgic, warm, and always a crowd-pleaser. These cookies deliver that flavor in the best way: tender centers, crisp edges, and buttery richness in every bite. The frosting adds a layer of creaminess that makes them look bakery-worthy and taste unforgettable.

You’ll also love how freezer-friendly they are. Make a big batch, save some for later, and pull out a few when you need a quick dessert that feels homemade and heartwarming.

What Makes Butter Pecan So Irresistible in Cookies?

The magic comes from toasting the pecans in butter. That little step unlocks a depth of flavor that raw nuts just can’t offer. It brings out the nuttiness, deepens the sweetness, and makes the whole cookie experience more decadent. When folded into a brown sugar cookie dough and topped with frosting, the result is a rich, bakery-style treat that’s perfect for sharing—or not sharing at all.

Ingredients for the Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

To create these cookies, you only need a few familiar ingredients, but each one plays a key role. Together, they build a soft, flavorful cookie that holds up beautifully under the sweet frosting.

Unsalted Butter
Provides richness and helps toast the pecans to perfection.
Chopped Pecans
The star of the show, these add nutty crunch and warmth.
Brown Sugar
Adds moisture and a deep caramel note to the dough.
Granulated Sugar
Balances sweetness and helps with structure.
Egg
Binds the dough and adds tenderness.
Vanilla Extract
Rounds out the flavor with a warm, sweet base.
All-Purpose Flour
Creates structure without making the cookies too dense.
Baking Soda
Helps the cookies rise gently and stay soft.
Salt
Balances the sweetness and enhances the pecans.
Powdered Sugar
Used in the frosting for a silky finish.
Heavy Cream
Gives the frosting its luscious, creamy texture.

How To Make the Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Melt butter in a pan and toast the chopped pecans until fragrant and golden, about 4–5 minutes. Let them cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt until a soft dough forms. Fold in the cooled pecans.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Scoop the dough into rounded tablespoons and place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are set. Let cool on a wire rack.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

Whisk powdered sugar with heavy cream and a splash of vanilla extract until smooth. Spread over cooled cookies and top with a pecan half if you like.

How to Store and Serve Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

These cookies are wonderful both freshly baked and after a day or two. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months. Just frost once they’ve thawed.

This recipe yields about 20 cookies, perfect for sharing at a cookie swap, packaging as gifts, or setting out on a dessert table during the holidays.

What to Serve With Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies?

Coffee or Espresso

The bitterness of black coffee cuts beautifully through the sweetness of the cookies.

Hot Apple Cider

Perfect for fall gatherings and brings out the cinnamon and nutty notes in the cookies.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve a cookie warm with a scoop on top for a dreamy dessert.

Bourbon Glaze Drizzle

For adults only—drizzle a touch of bourbon caramel for added depth.

Whipped Cream Cheese Dip

If you’re serving a cookie platter, this adds a tangy, creamy element that pairs so well.

Maple Latte

The flavor of maple plays beautifully with the buttery pecan base.

Salted Pretzels

Add a salty crunch to balance all the sweet softness.

If you adore these Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies, here are more creative cookies to try next:

Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies for cinnamon-sugar bliss and creamy centers.
Peanut Butter Smores Sandwich Cookies if you love gooey chocolate and nostalgia.
Classic French Butter Cookies for a delicate, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.
Lemon Truffles Recipe when you want a citrus burst alongside a sweet treat.
Butter Pecan Pound Cake if you’re hooked on butter pecan and want to try it in cake form.

Save This Recipe 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 add a splash of maple to the frosting? Try mixing white chocolate chips into the dough?

I love hearing how others put their own spin on these sweet creations. Questions are welcome too—let’s swap baking wisdom.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and desserts on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to favorite!

Conclusion

Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are more than a seasonal treat—they’re a buttery, nutty, sweet bite of joy that never goes out of style. Whether you’re baking for a party, packaging for gifts, or making something comforting just because, these cookies will always deliver that homemade magic.