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Pioneer Woman Texas Sheet Cake Cookies

Pioneer Woman Texas Sheet Cake Cookies - recipe card
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These soft, fudge-like cookies capture the essence of classic Texas sheet cake in a handheld form. A rich chocolate cookie base is topped with a warm, pourable chocolate frosting and finished with chopped pecans, delivering a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • For the frosting:
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
  • Pinch of kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F (177°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This incorporates air for a tender cookie.
  3. Add the egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and beat until fully combined, about 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure even mixing.
  4. Stir in 1/2 cup milk until smooth; the mixture will look slightly curdled—this is normal and ensures a moist cookie.
  5. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sifted cocoa powder, baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Sifting the cocoa prevents lumps in the dough.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula just until combined. Do not overmix, or the cookies will become tough. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
  7. Using a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop (or two spoons), drop rounded mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. This allows for spreading during baking.
  8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cookies are puffed and the edges are set but centers still look slightly soft and crackled. They will continue to set as they cool.
  9. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on the rack prevents soggy bottoms.
  10. While the cookies cool, make the frosting: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/4 cup butter, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder. Stir constantly until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth and bubbling, about 2 minutes.
  11. Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately whisk in the sifted powdered sugar, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until completely smooth and glossy. If it thickens too much, add a few drops of milk to loosen it.
  12. Working quickly while the frosting is still warm, spoon about 1 tablespoon of frosting onto each cooled cookie. Use the back of the spoon to spread it almost to the edges.
  13. Immediately sprinkle the chopped pecans over the frosting before it sets. The warmth helps the pecans adhere.
  14. Let the frosting set at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until firm to the touch. Serve at room temperature for the best texture—soft cookie with a crackly fudge top.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To freeze, layer unfrosted cookies between wax paper in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature, then prepare fresh frosting and top before serving. For reheating a single cookie, microwave on high for 10–15 seconds to soften the chocolate.

Nutrition

Keywords: Texas sheet cake cookies, chocolate cookies, Pioneer Woman cookies, sheet cake cookies, chocolate frosting cookies, pecan cookies, dessert cookies, easy cookie recipe, fudge cookies, American dessert

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