Name: Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: PT-492294H25M41S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter 1 cup brown sugar; 0.5 cup granulated sugar 1 large egg 1 egg yolk 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2.5 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons cornstarch 1 teaspoon baking soda; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 1.5 cups chopped toasted pecans; 1.5 cups powdered sugar 3 tablespoons maple syrup 1 to 2 tablespoons milk

Rich, chewy, and luxuriously glazed, these Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are everything you want in a holiday (or everyday) treat. With warm toasted pecans and a silky maple glaze, these cookies are sweet with just the right amount of crunch. Whether you’re baking for a cozy weekend or a special occasion, this recipe brings a buttery aroma to your kitchen and a big smile to everyone who takes a bite.

The flavor is reminiscent of butter pecan ice cream, but with the comfort of a fresh-baked cookie. And that glaze? It sets to a soft, crackly top that melts on your tongue. These cookies are dangerously good and incredibly easy to make—you might just find yourself doubling the batch.

Why You’ll Love This Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

Buttery, soft texture with crisp edges
Toasted pecans for depth and crunch
Maple glaze adds a hint of warmth and elegance
Crowd-pleaser for holidays, parties, or gifting
Freezer-friendly and easy to make ahead

What Kind of Pecans Should I Use?

Fresh, halved pecans work best. Toasting them beforehand enhances their nutty flavor and gives the cookies a wonderful texture. You can also use chopped pecans for more evenly distributed crunch, but don’t skip the toasting step—it makes all the difference.

Ingredients for the Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

Each ingredient in this cookie brings something special to the table. Here’s what makes them irresistible:

Unsalted Butter: The heart of this cookie. It gives richness and depth. Browning it adds a toasty aroma.
Brown Sugar: Adds molasses-like sweetness and keeps the cookies soft.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the brown sugar and adds a crisp edge.
Egg + Egg Yolk: This combo helps with structure and chewiness.
Vanilla Extract: For that cozy bakery flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the dough, holding everything together.
Cornstarch: Makes the cookies extra tender.
Baking Soda: For a gentle rise.
Salt: Essential to balance the sweet.
Pecans: Toasted and chopped—they’re the star here.
Powdered Sugar + Maple Syrup + Milk: To make the luscious maple glaze.

How To Make the Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns golden and smells nutty. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Toast the Pecans

Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 6-8 minutes. Let cool, then chop roughly.

Step 3: Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla. Mix well.
In another bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined. Fold in toasted pecans.

Step 4: Chill and Bake

Scoop dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Chill for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.

Step 5: Glaze the Cookies

Mix powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Once cookies have cooled, spoon glaze over each and top with extra pecans.

How to Serve and Store Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies

These cookies make about 24 medium-sized treats and are best served slightly warm or fully cooled with a crisp glaze on top.

To store, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze without glaze and add it after thawing for best results.