Brown Sugar Pecan Cookies with Brown Sugar Frosting
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Brown Sugar Pecan Cookies with Brown Sugar Frosting are a delightful treat that marries the rich, caramel notes of brown sugar with the crunch of toasted pecans. As the holidays approach, the aroma of these cookies baking in your oven will evoke cozy memories and warm your home. They’re perfect for sharing at family gatherings or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee during a quiet evening. I’ve baked these cookies countless times, and each batch seems to get devoured before they’ve even had a chance to cool.
Reasons to Try It
What makes this recipe stand out is its unbeatable combination of flavor and texture—crunchy pecans meet soft, chewy cookies topped with luxurious brown sugar frosting. It’s an approachable recipe, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels, and it’s a great way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, using basic pantry staples and easily found ingredients. Perfect for celebrations or casual afternoons, these cookies will certainly become a cherished favorite.
“These cookies were a huge hit at my last gathering! They were soft, chewy, and that brown sugar frosting took them to the next level!” – Anna R.
Step-by-Step Overview
Creating these Brown Sugar Pecan Cookies with Brown Sugar Frosting is straightforward and rewarding. You begin by creaming the butter and sugars, then incorporate the egg and vanilla. Next, the dry ingredients come together to form a smooth dough before you fold in the finely chopped pecans. After shaping the dough and baking, you let the cookies cool before whipping up a decadent frosting. Simple yet satisfying!
What You’ll Need
Before you dive into baking, gather these essential ingredients:
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup pecans (finely chopped)
For the Frosting
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2-3 cups powdered sugar
Feel free to swap the pecans for walnuts or omit them for a nut-free version!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a uniform dough forms.
- Fold in the finely chopped pecans.
- On a greased baking sheet, place 1-inch balls of dough, leaving space between them.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting.
For the Frosting
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of milk, and 1 tablespoon of butter. Cook over medium heat until it comes to a boil, stirring continuously.
- Remove from heat and gradually whisk in 2-3 cups of powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable. Adjust thickness by adding more powdered sugar or milk as needed.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These Brown Sugar Pecan Cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Consider serving them on a festive platter, dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. For added indulgence, try placing a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a sweet sandwich treat!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To keep your cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to one week. If you want to enjoy them even longer, you can freeze the cookies unfrosted. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag; they’ll stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready, simply thaw them at room temperature and add the frosting.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, for better textural results in your cookies.
- For enhanced flavor, toast your pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until fragrant before chopping them.
- Don’t skip letting the cookies cool completely before frosting; this will prevent the frosting from melting away.
Creative Twists
Feel free to customize your cookies! You can add chocolate chips for a sweeter bite or swap out some of the flour for oats to create a chewy texture. Incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg will give them a seasonal flair, perfect for the fall and winter months.
Common Questions
What’s the prep time for this recipe?
The prep time is about 15-20 minutes, and the total baking time is about 10-12 minutes per batch.
Can I substitute the butter for a dairy-free version?
Absolutely! You can use a plant-based butter alternative that acts similarly in baking.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
With these tweaks and insights, you’re bound to make a batch of Brown Sugar Pecan Cookies with Brown Sugar Frosting that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Happy baking!
Brown Sugar Pecan Cookies with Brown Sugar Frosting
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a uniform dough forms.
- Fold in the finely chopped pecans.
- On a greased baking sheet, place 1-inch balls of dough, leaving space between them.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting.
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of milk, and 1 tablespoon of butter. Cook over medium heat until it comes to a boil, stirring continuously.
- Remove from heat and gradually whisk in 2-3 cups of powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable.
