Ingredients

¾ cups unsalted butter, room temperature

½ cup powdered sugar

1¾ cups all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon salt

1 cup chopped pecans

1 cup butterscotch chips

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Prepare a cookie tray by lining it with parchment paper.

Using an electric stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter for 30 seconds.

Stop the mixer and add the powdered sugar. Continue to cream the mixture for an additional 45 seconds.

With the mixer on a low setting, gradually incorporate the flour and salt into the mixture. Increase the speed to medium and mix until everything is well combined. The batter will have a crumbly texture, but it will bind together when shaped into balls.

Add the chopped pecans and butterscotch chips to the dough, mixing them in thoroughly.

Form the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared cookie tray.

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. They should be firm to the touch but not browned.

After baking, allow the cookies to cool on wire racks. Place parchment paper under the racks to catch any drips from the glaze.

Prepare the glaze by mixing the glaze ingredients together until they are smooth. Spoon the glaze over the cooled cookies.

Decorate each cookie with a candied cherry or a pecan for a festive touch!

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 cookie

Calories: 150 kcal
Total Fat: 10 grams
Saturated Fat: 5 grams
Trans Fat: 0 grams
Cholesterol: 20 mg
Sodium: 50 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 14 grams
Dietary Fiber: 1 grams
Sugars: 7 grams
Protein: 1 grams

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand.

However, it’s recommended to adjust the amount of salt added to the recipe to account for the salt already present in the salted butter.

Can I substitute the butterscotch chips with another type of chip, like chocolate chips?

Absolutely! While butterscotch chips impart a unique flavor to the cookies, you can experiment with different types of chips according to your preference.

Chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even caramel chips can be delicious alternatives.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, these cookies freeze well.

Once baked and cooled, you can store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Thaw them at room temperature before serving or gently reheat them in the oven.

How long does it take for the glaze to set on the cookies?

The glaze typically sets within 10-15 minutes after being spooned onto the cookies.

However, this can vary depending on factors like humidity and temperature.

You can speed up the process by placing the cookies in the refrigerator for a few minutes.

Can I omit the nuts from this recipe?

Certainly! If you have a nut allergy or simply prefer not to include nuts, you can leave them out.

The cookies will still turn out delicious, although they will lack the crunchy texture and nutty flavor that the pecans provide.

Can I use margarine instead of butter in this recipe?

While you can technically use margarine as a substitute for butter, it may alter the taste and texture of the cookies.

Butter contributes to the rich flavor and tender texture of the cookies, so using margarine may result in a slightly different outcome.

Can I use a hand mixer instead of an electric stand mixer?

Yes, you can use a hand mixer instead of an electric stand mixer.

Simply beat the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until creamy, then gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until combined.

Fold in the pecans and butterscotch chips by hand.

How should I store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

If you prefer a chewier texture, you can store them with a slice of bread to help retain moisture.

Can I double the recipe to make more cookies?

Yes, you can easily double or even triple the ingredients to make a larger batch of cookies.

Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly and use multiple baking trays if necessary to ensure even baking.

Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular all-purpose flour to make gluten-free butternut cookies.

Additionally, ensure that your other ingredients, such as the butterscotch chips, are also gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.