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Crispy Praline Pecan Cookies with Brown Sugar Glaze

crispy praline pecan cookies - featured image

These crispy praline pecan cookies feature a buttery, caramel-like sweetness with a crunchy praline pecan topping and a glossy brown sugar glaze. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat with a touch of southern-inspired flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups (312g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) pecan halves, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 23 tablespoons milk (dairy or dairy-free)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down sides as needed.
  3. Beat in eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Drop dough balls about 2 tablespoons each onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
  6. In a small bowl, stir together chopped pecans, light brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until pecans are evenly coated.
  7. Press a small spoonful of praline pecan mixture gently onto each dough ball.
  8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden brown and centers look set but still soft.
  9. Remove cookies from oven and let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  10. While cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, light brown sugar, melted butter, 2 tablespoons milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Adjust milk to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
  11. Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag. Let glaze set for about 20 minutes before serving or storing.

Notes

Use softened, not melted butter to prevent spreading. Chill dough for 15 minutes if too soft. Watch praline topping during baking to avoid burning; tent with foil if needed. Let cookies cool completely before glazing to prevent glaze from melting. For gluten-free, substitute flour with 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. For dairy-free, use coconut oil or vegan butter alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy cookies, praline pecan cookies, brown sugar glaze, pecan cookies, easy cookie recipe, southern cookies, caramel cookies