Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

If you are a fan of nutty, buttery, and irresistibly sweet treats, then you are going to adore this Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe. It brilliantly captures all the rich flavors of the classic pecan pie but in a perfectly portable, handheld cookie. These little gems blend a tender, buttery cookie base with a luscious pecan pie filling that oozes just enough caramelized goodness to keep you reaching for more. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or an everyday snack, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser and a sweet slice of comfort in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but play crucial roles in achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your Pecan Pie Cookies. From the creamy butter that forms the tender dough to the crunchy pecans that provide that classic nutty bite, each component is essential for bringing this recipe to life.

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Using softened butter helps create a smooth, tender dough without greasiness.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness and moistness to the cookie base.
• 1 egg yolk: Provides richness and helps bind the dough for a tender crumb.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and enhances the overall sweetness.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough, providing structure with a soft texture.
• 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the other flavors.
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans: Essential for that classic pecan pie crunch inside every cookie.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (for filling): Sweetens and caramelizes with the syrup to create that gooey pie filling texture.
• 2 tbsp corn syrup or maple syrup: Binds filling ingredients and adds sticky sweetness akin to traditional pecan pie.
• 2 tbsp heavy cream: Enriches the filling making it silky and luscious.
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon: Adds a subtle hint of warm spice for complexity.
• Pinch of salt (for filling): Helps balance the sweetness and highlights the pecans’ natural flavors.

How to Make Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper ensures your cookies come off easily without sticking. This simple step sets the stage for baking success.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This incorporates air into your dough, resulting in tender cookies with a delicate crumb. Take your time here for the best texture.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla

Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully combined. The egg yolk adds richness, while the vanilla enhances the cookie’s sweetness with its warm, aromatic notes.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix – you want the dough tender, not tough!

Step 5: Shape the Cookie Dough

Roll the dough into one-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. This size makes for perfectly bite-sized cookies that balance cookie and filling in every mouthful.

Step 6: Create Indents for Filling

Using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon, gently make an indentation in the center of each dough ball. This shallow well will hold all the sweet pecan pie filling and keep it perfectly nestled during baking.

Step 7: Prepare the Pecan Pie Filling

In a small bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup (or maple syrup), heavy cream, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to evenly distribute all those delicious flavors and ensure the filling has a slightly gooey, spreadable consistency.

Step 8: Fill the Cookie Indents

Spoon about one teaspoon of the pecan mixture into each cookie’s indentation. Don’t overfill; just enough to create that luscious, caramelized topping without spilling over.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, until the edges turn a light golden color and the centers are set but still slightly soft. You’ll know they’re ready when the aroma of toasted pecans and warm cinnamon fills your kitchen.

Step 10: Cool Before Serving

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack. This brief rest helps the cookies set while preserving the gooey filling’s delicious texture.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of charm, sprinkle a few toasted pecan halves or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top of the cooled cookies. These simple garnishes add visual appeal and a bit of added texture that makes the cookies feel even more special.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream, elevating them into an indulgent dessert. A cup of hot coffee, tea, or even mulled cider also complements their nutty sweetness perfectly for an inviting treat any time of day.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe on a rustic wooden platter adorned with autumn leaves or holiday decor. For gifting, stack them in a clear box tied with a ribbon for a heartfelt homemade present. You can also sandwich two cookies around cinnamon-spiced cream cheese frosting for a playful twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This method maintains their soft texture while keeping the filling moist and flavorful. Be sure the container is sealed well to avoid drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies for longer storage by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay fresh for about two months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the cookies warm, simply heat them in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This will gently soften the filling and refresh their gooey appeal without drying out the cookies.

FAQs

Can I substitute the corn syrup with something else?

Absolutely! Maple syrup works as a great natural alternative, adding an extra layer of flavor, or you could try honey for a slightly different sweetness. Just keep in mind these substitutions may alter the taste slightly.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as written. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder to keep the dough cohesive.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking during baking?

Creating a shallow but defined indentation is important for trapping the filling. Also, avoid overfilling each cookie pocket. If you keep the filling to about one teaspoon per cookie, it should stay nicely contained while baking.

Can I use whole pecans instead of chopped?

Chopped pecans are best because they distribute evenly throughout the filling and provide the right texture contrast. Whole pecans might be too large and cause the filling to be uneven or spill over the sides.

What’s the best way to make the cookies extra chewy?

To increase chewiness, you can slightly increase the brown sugar in the dough or use more heavy cream in the filling. Additionally, watching the baking time closely and not overbaking helps keep the cookies soft and chewy.

Final Thoughts

This Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy all the cozy, nutty richness of pecan pie without the fuss of slicing and serving a whole pie. It’s a sweet little treat that’s sure to win hearts with every bite. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and bake up a batch to share with friends and family — these cookies are comfort in its best form!

Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

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4 from 38 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 29 minutes
• Yield: 20 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Deliciously buttery pecan pie cookies that capture the rich, nutty flavors of classic pecan pie in bite-sized treats. These cookies feature a soft, tender dough with a gooey pecan filling, perfect for dessert or holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Cookie Dough

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt

Pecan Filling

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp corn syrup or maple syrup
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
3. Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, adding richness and flavor to the dough.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the bowl, stirring gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
5. Shape Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Create Indentations: Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to make a small well in the center of each dough ball, preparing them for the pecan filling.
7. Prepare Pecan Filling: In a small bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup or maple syrup, heavy cream, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir thoroughly to create a sweet, spiced mixture.
8. Fill Cookies: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the pecan filling into each cookie indentation, ensuring each ball is nicely topped.
9. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn lightly golden and the filling is set.
10. Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them firm up and prevents breaking.

Notes

• For best results, use room temperature butter to ensure proper creaming with sugar.
• Maple syrup can be used as a natural alternative to corn syrup in the filling.
• These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Chilling the dough briefly before shaping can help reduce spreading during baking.
• Make sure not to overfill the cookie wells to avoid overflow during baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American