Lemon Frosted Pecan Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 48 Cuisine: American

Delight in these tender pecan cookies with a zesty lemon frosting, perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat to satisfy nut and citrus lovers alike.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 3/4 cup sifted cornstarch
  • 3/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon soft butter

Instructions

  1. Stir 1 cup butter to soften; add 3/4 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 1/2 cups flour, and 3/4 cup sifted cornstarch.
  2. Cream until well blended; chill the mixture.
  3. Place small spoonfuls of chopped pecans 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
  4. Shape the dough into small balls and flatten each over a pile of pecans.
  5. Bake in a 350°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes.
  6. Cool the cookies.
  7. Combine the remaining 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon soft butter to make the frosting.
  8. Spread the lemon frosting over the cooled cookies.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider substituting half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt. You can also use walnuts instead of pecans if desired. Make sure to chill the dough sufficiently to prevent spreading during baking. Adding a pinch of salt can enhance the flavors, especially when using unsalted butter.

Serving Suggestions

These Lemon Frosted Pecan Cookies are delightful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a lovely dessert spread, consider serving them alongside Lemon Cake Roll or Pecan Pies Or Tarts. They make excellent treats for gatherings, potlucks, or as a sweet addition to any brunch menu.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in a microwave for a few seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lemon Frosted Pecan Cookies contains roughly 150 calories, with 2g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 7g fat.

150 kcal 7% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.9g 4% DV
Total Fat 7.1g 9% DV
Carbs 20.3g 7% DV
Fiber 0.9g 3% DV
Sugar 9.8g 20% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 41.8mg 2% DV
Potassium 72.3mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 1.7mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 23.7mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 2mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 57.6mg 4% DV
Iron 1.1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of nut in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds. Just ensure they are chopped finely for even distribution in the cookies. Each nut will bring a unique flavor and texture to your cookies, so feel free to experiment!

How can I make these cookies vegan?

To make these cookies vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use a non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk. You can also substitute the powdered sugar with a vegan-friendly version. These adjustments will help maintain the cookie's texture and flavor while adhering to a vegan diet.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky, try chilling it for a longer period to firm it up. Alternatively, you can sprinkle in a little extra flour while mixing until the desired consistency is reached. Just be cautious not to add too much flour, as it can alter the final texture of the cookies.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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