There’s something truly magical about the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen, mingling with the cozy scent of butterscotch and toasted pecans. Butternut Cookies, with their tender, buttery texture and decadent rum glaze, are a perfect example of a treat that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also brings a sense of celebration to any occasion.
I first encountered this recipe during a family gathering where my Aunt Marge, known for her impeccable baking skills, made these cookies. The blend of rich butterscotch, crunchy pecans, and a hint of rum made them an instant hit. Each bite was a delightful balance of flavors and textures that made me feel nostalgic for those simple, joyful moments spent with family. Ever since, these cookies have been a staple in my holiday baking, always drawing compliments and requests for the recipe.
Whether you’re preparing for a festive celebration or simply want to treat yourself and your loved ones, Butternut Cookies are the perfect choice. Their buttery richness, combined with the sweet and nutty flavors, creates a memorable cookie that’s both elegant and comforting.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
3/4 cup butter, room temperature
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 package (6 oz.) butterscotch chips
1 cup finely chopped pecans
For the Rum Glaze:
3 cups powdered sugar
3 to 4 tablespoons milk or water
1 teaspoon rum extract
For the Topping:
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough
Cream the Butter and Sugar: Begin by placing 3/4 cup of room-temperature butter in a large mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Using an electric mixer or a wooden spoon, cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes, and it’s essential for creating the cookies’ tender texture.
Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix well until the flour is fully incorporated and the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Add Butterscotch Chips and Pecans: Fold in the 6 oz. package of butterscotch chips and 1 cup of finely chopped pecans. Mix by hand to ensure an even distribution of the chips and nuts throughout the dough. The butterscotch chips will melt slightly during baking, adding a rich, caramel-like flavor to each cookie.
2. Shape and Bake the Cookies
Form the Cookies: Take a scant teaspoonful of dough and roll it into a ball using your hands. Place each ball 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. The cookies will spread a little during baking, so give them enough space.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes or until they are firm but not brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to ensure they do not overcook. The edges should be set, and the centers should remain soft.
Cool: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent them from becoming soggy.
3. Prepare the Rum Glaze
Mix the Glaze Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine 3 cups of powdered sugar with 3 to 4 tablespoons of milk or water. Add 1 teaspoon of rum extract. Whisk the mixture until it is smooth and well-combined. The glaze should be pourable but thick enough to coat the cookies without running off too quickly.
4. Glaze the Cookies
Apply the Glaze: Once the cookies are completely cool, you can glaze them. You have two options: either dip the tops of the cookies into the glaze or use a spoon to drizzle the glaze over each cookie. If you choose to dip, make sure to let the excess glaze drip off before placing the cookies on a cooling rack.
Add the Topping: Immediately after glazing, sprinkle the tops of the cookies with the remaining 1/2 cup of chopped pecans. This adds a delightful crunch and a touch of elegance to the finished cookies.
5. Let the Glaze Set
Allow to Set: Let the glazed cookies sit for a while to allow the glaze to set completely. This usually takes about 30 minutes. Once the glaze is firm, the cookies are ready to be enjoyed or stored.
Variations & Substitutions
Nut-Free Version: If you or someone you know has a nut allergy, you can omit the pecans and replace them with additional butterscotch chips or another type of chip, such as white chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate.
Gluten-Free Option: To make these cookies gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to verify that all other ingredients, such as the butterscotch chips, are gluten-free.
Flavor Variations: For a different flavor profile, consider adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. You can also experiment with different extracts, such as vanilla or almond, to create a unique twist on the classic butterscotch flavor.
Reduced Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the glaze or use a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup like regular sugar.
Conclusion
Butternut Cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a nostalgic bite that brings back memories of special occasions and cherished moments. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture, rich butterscotch flavor, and delightful rum glaze, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Not only are they a hit at gatherings and holiday parties, but they also make for a wonderful homemade gift. The combination of buttery dough, sweet butterscotch, and crunchy pecans creates a sophisticated cookie that’s both comforting and indulgent. Enjoy the process of making these cookies as much as you enjoy eating them. Each step is a labor of love that results in a treat that’s perfect for sharing or savoring all on your own.
