Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe is soft, buttery and full of nutty flavor. These cookies are topped with a sweet frosting that melts perfectly over each bite. Perfect for holidays, parties or afternoon treats, they are easy to make and absolutely delicious.
In this post, you will learn How to make Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies step by step. You will also get all Ingredients for Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies clearly listed. This Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The secret is toasting the pecans lightly. It enhances their flavor and crunch.Soft butter at room temperature creates tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.Chilling the dough slightly prevents spreading and keeps cookies thick.
Frosting while the cookies are slightly warm allows it to melt slightly for a beautiful finish.Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor in both cookie and frosting.

Recipe Card
- Recipe Name: Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 12–15 mins
- Total Time: 32–35 mins
- Course: Dessert / Snack
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 180 kcal per cookie
Equipment List
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients You Need for Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies
For the cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
For the frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: finely chopped pecans for garnish
These are the main Ingredients for Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies. Toasted pecans give them a rich nutty flavor.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 175°C or 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. - Toast Pecans
In a dry skillet, toast chopped pecans over medium heat until fragrant. Set aside to cool. - Cream Butter and Sugars
In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. - Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture. - Add Pecans
Fold in toasted pecans gently until evenly distributed throughout the dough. - Scoop Cookies
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to place dough onto prepared baking sheets. Leave space for spreading. - Bake the Cookies
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Do not overbake for soft cookies. - Cool Slightly
Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. - Prepare Frosting
In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, softened butter, milk and vanilla until smooth. Adjust thickness if needed. - Frost the Cookies
Spread frosting on slightly warm or fully cooled cookies. Sprinkle with additional chopped pecans if desired.
Now you know exactly How to make Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies at home.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use room temperature butter for soft, tender cookies.
- Chill dough for 15–30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to dough for extra flavor.
- Drizzle chocolate over frosted cookies for a festive touch.
- Substitute walnuts or almonds if pecans are unavailable.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft.
These tips make your Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe perfect every time.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Values are approximate and may vary.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies with a glass of milk, coffee, or tea.
- Perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, parties or afternoon snacks.
- Stack on a plate for a festive presentation or wrap in cellophane as gifts.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Do not refrigerate, as frosting may harden.
- Freeze baked cookies without frosting for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.

Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans toasted
For the frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1 –2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: finely chopped pecans for garnish
Instructions
Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 175°C or 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Toast Pecans
- In a dry skillet, toast chopped pecans over medium heat until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
Cream Butter and Sugars
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture.
Add Pecans
- Fold in toasted pecans gently until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Scoop Cookies
- Use a spoon or cookie scoop to place dough onto prepared baking sheets. Leave space for spreading.
Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Do not overbake for soft cookies.
Cool Slightly
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Frosting
- In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, softened butter, milk and vanilla until smooth. Adjust thickness if needed.
Frost the Cookies
- Spread frosting on slightly warm or fully cooled cookies. Sprinkle with additional chopped pecans if desired.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for soft, tender cookies.
- Chill dough for 15–30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to dough for extra flavor.
- Drizzle chocolate over frosted cookies for a festive touch.
- Substitute walnuts or almonds if pecans are unavailable.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft.
FAQs about Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies
- Can I use pre-chopped pecans?
Yes, but lightly toast them to bring out flavor before adding to dough. - Can I make frosting ahead of time?
Yes, prepare frosting and store in an airtight container. Rewhisk before spreading. - Are these cookies soft or crunchy?
They are soft with slightly golden edges and tender centers, perfect with frosting. - Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. - Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips with the pecans for extra indulgence.
Conclusion
This Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe is soft, nutty and indulgent. Perfect for gifting, parties, or afternoon treats. Now you know How to make Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies step by step.
You also have all Ingredients for Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies clearly listed. Try this recipe today for buttery, nutty cookies topped with sweet frosting that everyone will love.

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