Introduction

Butternut cookies are a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth treat that combines the rich flavors of butter, butterscotch, and toasted pecans, all topped with a smooth rum glaze. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or simply as a delicious afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee. The buttery dough creates a soft, tender cookie, while the butterscotch chips melt into the dough, adding a touch of caramel-like sweetness. The chopped pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that perfectly balances the richness of the cookies.

Topped with a sweet and slightly boozy rum glaze, these cookies have the perfect balance of flavors. The glaze, made from powdered sugar and rum extract, adds a glossy finish that makes these cookies as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you’re looking to impress at a holiday cookie exchange or satisfy your sweet tooth, Butternut Cookies are sure to be a crowd favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Buttery Flavor – These cookies are packed with rich butter flavor, complemented by the sweetness of butterscotch chips and the crunch of toasted pecans.
Perfect Texture – The dough creates a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s light yet satisfying, while the butterscotch chips and pecans add extra flavor and texture.
Easy to Make – Despite their decadent taste, these cookies are surprisingly easy to prepare. The ingredients are simple, and the steps are straightforward, making them a great option for novice bakers.
Rum Glaze for Extra Flavor – The rum glaze adds a shiny, sweet finish that perfectly complements the flavors in the cookie. It also makes these cookies feel a bit special and indulgent.
Perfect for Gifting – With their beautiful glaze and nutty topping, Butternut Cookies make excellent gifts. Package them in a decorative tin or box for a homemade gift that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

Butter (room temperature)
Powdered sugar
Salt
All-purpose flour
Butterscotch chips
Finely chopped pecans

For the Rum Glaze:

Powdered sugar
Milk or water
Rum extract

For the Topping:

Chopped pecans

Variations

Chocolate Chips: Swap the butterscotch chips with semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for a warm, spiced flavor, especially during the fall or winter months.
Dried Fruit: Add dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist that pairs well with the pecans and rum glaze.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if you need to make these cookies gluten-free.
Nut-Free: Omit the pecans from both the dough and topping if you’re making these for someone with nut allergies, or substitute with sunflower seeds for a crunchy alternative.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the salt and mix again. Gradually add the flour and mix until the dough comes together.

Step 2: Add the Butterscotch Chips and Pecans

Stir in the butterscotch chips and finely chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky but should hold together when pressed.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie and roll it into a ball. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand or the back of a spoon to form a rounded disk shape.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear soft, but they will firm up as the cookies cool. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare the Rum Glaze

While the cookies are cooling, prepare the rum glaze. In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar with 3 tablespoons of milk or water. Stir in the rum extract and whisk until the glaze is smooth and pourable. If the glaze is too thick, add an additional tablespoon of milk or water to reach the desired consistency.

Step 6: Glaze the Cookies

Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle the rum glaze over each cookie using a spoon or a fork. The glaze will set slightly as it cools, creating a sweet, shiny finish.

Step 7: Add the Topping

Immediately after glazing, sprinkle each cookie with a small amount of chopped pecans for an extra crunch and flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is at room temperature before creaming it with the powdered sugar. This ensures the butter mixes properly, resulting in a smooth dough.
Don’t Over-Bake: These cookies should be soft in the center when they come out of the oven. Overbaking can result in dry cookies.
Adjusting Glaze Consistency: If your glaze is too thick, add a little more milk or water until it reaches a drizzle-able consistency. If it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar.
Allow Cookies to Cool: Be sure the cookies are completely cool before glazing them. If the cookies are too warm, the glaze will melt and run off.
Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too sticky to shape into balls, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to firm it up before rolling.

How to Serve

Butternut cookies are perfect for a variety of occasions:

As a Snack: Enjoy these cookies with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk as a mid-afternoon snack.
For Special Occasions: Serve these cookies at holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or family gatherings to impress guests with their delicious flavor and beautiful appearance.
As a Gift: Package the cookies in a decorative box or jar and give them as a thoughtful homemade gift for holidays, birthdays, or just because.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The cookies will stay fresh and soft, with the glaze maintaining its glossy finish.

Freezing

To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, simply thaw at room temperature and glaze if needed.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the cookies warm, reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. However, the glaze may lose some of its shine after reheating, so it’s best to glaze them fresh.

FAQs

1. Can I substitute the butterscotch chips?

Yes, you can substitute butterscotch chips with chocolate chips or white chocolate chips if you prefer a different flavor.

2. Can I make these cookies without rum extract?

Yes, if you don’t want to use rum extract, you can substitute it with vanilla extract or omit it entirely for a simple powdered sugar glaze.

3. Can I use chopped walnuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts can be used in place of pecans for a slightly different nutty flavor.

4. Are these cookies soft or crunchy?

These cookies are soft in texture with a slight crisp on the edges. The glaze adds a soft finish on top, but they hold their shape and are not overly chewy.

5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Just allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before shaping the cookies.

6. Can I skip the glaze?

While the glaze adds a delicious sweet finish to the cookies, you can skip it if you prefer a simpler cookie. You could dust them with powdered sugar instead for a lighter touch.

7. Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar for the glaze?

Powdered sugar is ideal for the glaze as it gives a smooth and glossy finish. Regular granulated sugar will not work as well for this purpose.

8. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies should be golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make more cookies, especially if you’re preparing them for a large group or as a gift.

10. Can I freeze the rum glaze?

The rum glaze is best made fresh for a glossy finish. Freezing it may change the consistency and texture.

Conclusion

Butternut cookies are the perfect blend of rich butter, sweet butterscotch, and crunchy pecans, all topped with a smooth rum glaze. Whether you’re looking for a special treat for a holiday, a sweet snack, or a homemade gift, these cookies are sure to impress with their decadent flavors and beautiful presentation. Easy to make and wonderfully delicious, Butternut Cookies will quickly become a favorite in your cookie repertoire.