Brown Sugar Pecan Cookies

Does the type of sugar you use for cookies matter?

Yes, the sugar you use when baking cookies matter. Although any type of sugar can work as long as you use the right amount of ingredient ratios.

Brown sugar will add moisture and a deeper, caramel-like flavor to your dessert, while white sugar will result in your cookies being thinner and crispier.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s more to love about this pecan cookie recipe besides its sweetness, nutty flavor, and chewy goodness.

• It is such a fun treat to bake. The enjoyable and simple process of making this cookie recipe will give you a wonderful and rewarding experience, even as a new baker. 
• These cookies have a sensational texture. The contrast between the crunchy pecans and the soft, buttery cookie dough creates a delightful texture that makes you ask for more.
• It has a heartwarming aroma. Baking these delicacies will fill your house with the comforting and nostalgic aroma of freshly baked cookies. 

Another pecan treat that’s fun to make and will surely bring back the kid in you with its sweetness is this Keto Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies recipe.

🥘 Ingredients

You will only need simple ingredients for this butter pecan cookies recipe, so add these to your grocery list and treat yourself to a plate of these delicious baked cookies.

• All-purpose flour: The flour will be the base of the cookie dough; it will provide a soft structure and tender texture to the cookies. Use fresh flour to ensure the quality of the cookies, and consider sifting it to have a smoother batter.
• Baking soda and baking powder: These two leavening agents will ensure the cookies rise and achieve their preferred lightness. 
• Unsalted butter: It will encapsulate the cookies with rich butter flavor. It’s best to soften the butter to room temperature to ensure it is well incorporated into the dough. 
• Brown sugar: This will enhance the softness of the cookies and add a caramel-like flavor to each bite.
• Large egg: The egg acts as a binding ingredient while providing moisture and adding structure to the dough.
• Pecans: These are responsible for the cookies’ nutty flavor and crunchy texture. 
• Milk: The milk will help dissolve the brown sugar and reach the desired consistency of the icing. Using fresh milk for this recipe guarantees that the frosting will be smooth and creamy.
• Powdered sugar: This will serve as the primary sweetener of the icing.

See recipe card for complete list of ingredients and quantities.

🔀 Substitutions

All-purpose flour: You can use whole wheat flour if you want a nuttier flavor or gluten-free flour to prepare gluten-free cookies. Just keep in mind that the texture of the cookies might vary due to these substitutions.

Brown sugar: You can use muscovado sugar as an alternative. But since it has a stickier consistency, your batter may be harder to work with.

Large egg: If you do not want to use eggs to bake the cookies, you can use unsweetened applesauce or flaxseed gel instead. Applesauce is ideal for softer cookies, while flaxseed gel is an excellent gluten-free alternative.

Pecans: Almonds and walnuts can be alternatives for toasted pecans. Both will give you that crunch and still add a rich, nutty flavor to the cookies.

🌈 Variations / Options / Add-Ins

Here are variations you can try to make these cookies even more delightful!

• Spiced Brown Sugar Pecan Cookies: Add a fun twist to this whimsical treat by incorporating nutmeg and ground cinnamon for a touch of warmth that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the brown sugar.
• Kid–friendly Treat: Make this recipe a bit more appealing to kids by creating a pecan cookie sandwich. Add a layer of peanut butter or chocolate hazelnut spread between two cookies for extra nuttiness or sweetness!
• Citrus Zest Twist: Give these cookies a zesty burst of flavor by adding grated orange or zest of lemon to the dough. It will provide a refreshing contrast between the citrus notes and the richness of brown sugar and pecans. 

If you’re looking for another dessert for your next family gathering, you should try making these peanut butter stuffed cookies!

🥄 Equipment Needed / Helpful Tools

Prepare these tools to make the cooking process much easier later.

• Mixing bowls: You will need two mixing bowls, one for the dry ingredients and the other mixing bowl will be for the sugar and butter. 
• Electric mixer: An electric mixer will make it easy to mix the dry and wet. 
• Measuring cups and spoons: You must accurately measure the ingredients to achieve optimal results.
• Sifter or fine mesh sieve: You’ll want to sift the dry ingredients to avoid lumps and have a smoother batter.
• Plastic wrap: It’s best to cover the dough with plastic wrap when you refrigerate it to prevent the cookies from drying.
• Parchment paper: This will guarantee that the cookies won’t stick to the baking sheet, and it helps to bake them evenly.
• Baking sheet or cookie sheet: This flat sheet will ensure that the cookies are baked properly and that there’s an even heat distribution while baking.
• Saucepan: You will use a small saucepan to melt the ingredients for the icing.
• Whisk: A whisk will help to combine the ingredients for the icing and create a smooth frosting.

🔪 How to Make Brown Sugar Pecan Cookies

This recipe might take some effort, but everything is worth it once you taste these pecan cookies!

Step 1: Sift the dry ingredients

Sift the flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a mixing bowl to ensure you’ll work with a smooth batter later.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar

Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together in a separate bowl.

Step 3: Add egg to the butter mixture

Add the egg to the butter and sugar mixture, then mix well until everything’s fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine dry and wet ingredients

Pour the sifted dry ingredients into the butter and sugar mixture and continue mixing until the mixture has a uniform color and texture.

Step 5: Add the pecans

Fold the chopped pecans into the cookie batter.

Step 6: Refrigerate the cookie dough

Wrap the bowl containing the dough with plastic wrap. Then, let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Step 7: Prepare to bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F, and put parchment paper on the baking sheet.

Step 8: Create the cookie dough balls

Roll one-inch balls from the chilled dough and place each onto the prepared baking sheets.

A standard baking sheet should fit up to 12 cookie dough balls. Avoid overcrowding the sheet, as that can cause the cookies to melt onto each other while baking.

Step 9: Bake the cookies

Place the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes.

Step 10: Let the cookies cool

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them completely cool down before topping them off with icing. 

Step 11: Make the brown sugar frosting 

In a small saucepan over medium heat, add brown sugar and milk. Let the mixture boil for about 4 minutes while stirring it occasionally. Then, remove it from the heat.

Step 12: Add butter and sugar

While the frosting is still hot, add butter and mix. Add the ½ cup of powdered sugar as well, and then slowly incorporate the remaining sugar while you’re stirring the mixture.

Make sure to work quickly as the frosting can harden if you take too long to mix it. 

Step 13: Arrange and serve

Add the icing on the cookies and top each one with extra pecans, if you prefer. Serve these cookies on their own, or pair them with your favorite drinks or snacks for everyone to enjoy.

👩‍🍳 Pro Tips

• You can make smaller versions of these cookies that kids can enjoy more. Just roll smaller dough balls and decrease your baking time by a minute or two.
• You may create the dough ahead of time. Just wrap it tightly and keep it in the fridge for up to 48 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just proceed with creating dough balls and baking.

❓ Recipe FAQs

🙏 Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Brown Sugar Pecan Cookies: