Pecan Pie Cookies – A Cookie Version of Your Favorite Pie! Recipe
If you’re looking to dazzle your friends and family with a treat that tastes just like holiday nostalgia, Pecan Pie Cookies – A Cookie Version of Your Favorite Pie! is here to make your dessert dreams come true. Imagine all the gooey, nutty, caramel goodness of classic pecan pie, packed into a soft, buttery thumbprint cookie that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for the holidays, gifting homemade treats, or just indulging in a little comfort food, this recipe never disappoints!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the things I love most about these cookies is how straightforward the ingredient list is. Every single item here is essential in building layers of flavor and texture, creating that irresistibly rich, pie-inspired bite!
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides a rich, silky base for the dough and the filling, giving the cookies a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds subtle caramel notes and keeps the cookies delightfully chewy.
- Egg (1 large): Binds everything together and adds just the right amount of richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon in dough, 1/2 teaspoon in filling): Enhances flavor and brings those signature pie tones to both cookie and filling.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): Gives the cookies structure while letting them stay beautifully tender.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lifts the cookies just enough for a soft, puffy texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and boosts all the other flavors.
- Pecans (2/3 cup, chopped): Star of the show! They bring crunch, aroma, and a deep, buttery flavor.
- Brown sugar for filling (1/3 cup): Caramelizes as the cookies bake, mimicking classic pecan pie filling.
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Makes for a lush, rich filling that stays gooey in every bite.
- Melted unsalted butter (1 tablespoon): Ensures the filling is decadent and melds perfectly with the pecans.
How to Make Pecan Pie Cookies – A Cookie Version of Your Favorite Pie!
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents any sticking and makes cleanup way easier—plus, your cookies will bake evenly without any burned bottoms!
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and packed brown sugar until it’s light, fluffy, and practically begging for a taste. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla, infusing your dough with richness and a hint of warmth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt—this ensures even distribution which means perfect cookies every time! Gradually mix the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Shape and Indent the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls (aim for about 24 total) and set them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Grab a spoon or your thumb and press gently into the center of each ball, creating a generous indentation for that signature pecan pie filling to nestle inside.
Step 4: Whip Up the Pecan Pie Filling
In a small bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, heavy cream, melted butter, and a splash of vanilla extract. Give everything a good stir—what you’ve got now is magic in the making! This gooey, nutty mix will remind you of the best part of any pecan pie: the filling.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Spoon about a teaspoon of pecan filling into each cookie indentation, being generous (but not overflowing). Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges and the filling looks bubbly and luscious. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes to set up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely—if you can resist the temptation to nibble right away!
How to Serve Pecan Pie Cookies – A Cookie Version of Your Favorite Pie!
Garnishes
Give your Pecan Pie Cookies – A Cookie Version of Your Favorite Pie! the ultimate finishing touch by sprinkling a little extra chopped pecan on top as soon as they come out of the oven. You can even add a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy holiday vibe or drizzle with a touch of caramel sauce for extra decadence.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine alongside a simple cup of coffee, creamy hot cocoa, or chai tea. For dessert trays, pair them with a selection of fresh fruit, chocolate bark, or buttery shortbread to create a full-blown dessert spread that offers something for everyone.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap a few Pecan Pie Cookies – A Cookie Version of Your Favorite Pie! in cellophane with a festive ribbon for adorable homemade gifts. Stack them in mason jars with a cute tag, or lay them out on a vintage cake stand at your holiday table. These cookies are so eye-catching, you’ll want them front and center as your show-stopping centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Pecan Pie Cookies – A Cookie Version of Your Favorite Pie! fresh and tender by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer them between sheets of parchment to prevent sticking, and they’ll stay deliciously soft.
Freezing
If you want to keep some magic in reserve, you can absolutely freeze these cookies. Wait until they’re completely cool, then arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. When the craving strikes, just thaw at room temperature—no oven required!
Reheating
If you’d like to revive that just-baked texture, pop cookies in a 300°F oven for 3–4 minutes. Or, zap them in the microwave for 8–10 seconds. The filling becomes a touch gooier and the whole cookie just warm enough to melt in your mouth all over again.
FAQs
Can I toast the pecans first for extra flavor?
Absolutely! Lightly toasting the pecans in a dry skillet or on a baking sheet for a few minutes will deepen their flavor and add irresistible nuttiness to your Pecan Pie Cookies – A Cookie Version of Your Favorite Pie!.
How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much while baking?
Be sure to start with softened (not melted) butter, and avoid over-mixing your dough. Chilling the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking can also help these cookies hold their shape.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture will still be deliciously tender, with all the same pie-like appeal.
Is it possible to make the dough ahead of time?
You can prep the dough in advance! Store it wrapped tightly in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Just let it soften slightly before shaping and filling your cookies.
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
While pecans create the classic flavor, you can try chopped walnuts or even almonds for a tasty twist. Each nut brings its own personality, but it will still feel like a true treat.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sharing a plate of Pecan Pie Cookies – A Cookie Version of Your Favorite Pie! with the people you love. They’re a little piece of homemade comfort that’s sure to earn rave reviews. Give this recipe a try and let these cozy flavors fill your kitchen with joy!
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Pecan Pie Cookies – A Cookie Version of Your Favorite Pie! Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of pecan pie in cookie form with these delightful Pecan Pie Cookies. A buttery cookie base filled with a sweet pecan mixture, these treats are perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling:
- 2/3 cup chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
- Form cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Make a deep indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Prepare filling: In a small bowl, mix chopped pecans, brown sugar, heavy cream, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of filling into each cookie indentation.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- You can toast the pecans before adding to enhance the flavor.
- Perfect for holiday trays or as gifts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
