Last weekend, I had the joy of preparing Pecan Sugar Cookies with Brown Butter Icing for my family, and let me tell you—it was an absolute hit! The rich flavors and the comforting aroma filled our kitchen, turning a regular evening into something special. My family, who can sometimes be picky eaters, couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was. Even the leftovers didn’t stand a chance! As someone who loves sharing recipes that bring people together, this is one I highly recommend trying.
Cooking is an art, but it’s also a way to connect with loved ones. Every dish tells a story, and this recipe is no different. As I was preparing it, I thought about how food brings us together—whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a special occasion, there’s always something magical about gathering around a table.
Why You’ll Love Pecan Sugar Cookies with Brown Butter Icing
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need. The full ingredient list and measurements are below in the recipe card.
- Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cookies, contributing to their soft texture.
- Sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to the crispness of the cookie edges.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps with the texture of the cookies.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies with a sweet, aromatic touch.
- Flour: Forms the base of the cookie dough, giving it structure.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- Pecans: Chopped finely, they add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the cookies.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the dough.
- Brown butter: Adds a nutty, caramelized flavor to the icing, making it extra special.
- Powdered sugar: Used in the icing, it gives it a smooth, creamy texture.
- Milk: Adds creaminess to the icing and helps it reach the right consistency.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures even baking and gives your cookies the perfect texture. Preheating is a small but essential step that sets the stage for success.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Add the flour, baking soda, salt, and chopped pecans, then mix again until a dough forms.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Proper preparation ensures the cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup easier.
Assemble the Dish: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. Flatten each dough ball slightly with the back of a spoon.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges. Be sure to follow the baking time closely to avoid overbaking.
Finishing Touches: While the cookies are cooling, make the brown butter icing. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, allowing it to brown slightly. Once browned, remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and milk until smooth and creamy.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle them with the brown butter icing. Serve and enjoy the warm, nutty flavor of these delicious treats!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Pecan Sugar Cookies with Brown Butter Icing
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the dish’s rich flavors.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauces or juices. Garlic bread or a simple baguette works wonderfully.
Creamy Accompaniments: Add a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a creamy dip to complement the dish’s flavor profile.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables, like carrots, zucchini, or asparagus, are excellent pairings that add color and nutrients to the meal.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, this dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Simply garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a finishing touch.
Presentation matters too! Serving the dish in a beautifully arranged platter can elevate the dining experience. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for that extra pop.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: Save time by chopping and measuring ingredients the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Spice It Up: Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to add a warm, festive twist.
Dietary Adjustments: If you’re catering to specific dietary needs, swap ingredients like regular flour for gluten-free alternatives or dairy products for plant-based options.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat gently to preserve the cookies’ texture and flavor.
Double the Batch: This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch. Having a homemade treat ready in the freezer can be a lifesaver on busy days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute butter with margarine?
A1: Yes! If you don’t have butter, margarine works well as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Q2: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake them fresh when ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Q4: Can I freeze these cookies?
A4: Yes! Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Thaw before serving.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat these cookies?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Just make sure you have enough baking sheets, and keep an eye on the baking time.
Q7: Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
A7: You can use gluten-free flour as a substitute for regular flour for a gluten-free version of these cookies.
Q8: What side dishes go well with this recipe?
A8: These cookies pair well with coffee, hot chocolate, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Q9: How can I make these cookies healthier?
A9: You could substitute the butter with a healthier fat like coconut oil, and use whole wheat flour in place of white flour for added fiber.
Q10: What’s the best cookware to use for this recipe?
A10: A nonstick baking sheet or a parchment-lined sheet works best to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
Pecan Sugar Cookies with Brown Butter Icing
These Pecan Sugar Cookies with Brown Butter Icing elevate classic sugar cookies with the warmth of toasted pecans, brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon. The rich, nutty brown butter icing makes them irresistible and perfect for any occasion!
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 (3-inch) cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 1/4 cups (150g) pecan halves
- 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup (12 tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
For the Brown Butter Icing:
- 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 3 tbsp (45ml) milk
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Optional: pinch of salt
Instructions
- Toast the Pecans:
Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes until fragrant. Cool slightly, then chop. Reserve 3/4 cup (90g) for the dough and the rest for garnish. - Make the Cookie Dough:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar with a mixer on high speed until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes).
Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients on low speed until fully incorporated.
Stir in the reserved 3/4 cup toasted pecans. If the dough is too sticky, add 1 more tablespoon of flour. - Roll Out and Chill the Dough:
Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll each portion onto lightly floured parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to 1/4-inch thickness.
Stack the rolled-out dough, separating layers with parchment paper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours (or up to 2 days). - Cut and Bake the Cookies:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Remove one dough sheet from the fridge, cut into shapes with cookie cutters, and place cookies 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 12–13 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. - Make the Brown Butter Icing:
In a light-colored skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring constantly. After 5–8 minutes, it will foam, brown, and develop a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes.
Whisk in confectioners’ sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. - Ice the Cookies:
Dip the tops of the cookies into the icing or spread with a knife. Garnish immediately with reserved toasted pecans.
Let the icing set at room temperature for a few hours before stacking or storing.
Notes
- For a more pronounced pecan flavor, try toasting the pecans a little longer but be careful not to burn them.
- The dough can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, or you can freeze it for up to a month.
- Brown butter icing can be made ahead as well and stored in an airtight container, but it should be slightly warmed before using.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 190kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg