Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
If you have a soft spot for pecan pie but want something a little more bite-sized and portable, this Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine that rich, buttery, caramel-pecan filling hugging a tender, slightly crumbly cookie base—a perfect harmony of textures and flavors in every mouthful. These cookies bring all the cozy, nutty goodness of pecan pie but with the convenience of a sweet treat that’s easy to share, snack on anytime, or gift to loved ones. Trust me, once you try this Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe, it’s going to become a staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe. From the rich softness of butter to the warm spice hints of cinnamon, every item contributes to that irresistible flavor and texture we crave.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives the cookies their rich, creamy base and tender crumb.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds deep molasses sweetness and moisture essential for flavor and chewiness.
- Egg yolk (1): Binds the dough while adding richness without making it cakey.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Boosts overall sweetness and rounds out flavors with its warm aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides the structure so your cookies hold their shape beautifully.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances all the sweet notes and balances the richness.
- Chopped pecans (1/2 cup): The star ingredient, bringing crunch, earthiness, and that signature pecan pie flavor.
- Brown sugar for filling (1/4 cup): Concentrates sweetness in the luscious filling inside each indentation.
- Corn syrup or maple syrup (2 tbsp): Gives the filling that gooey, caramel-like texture reminiscent of pecan pie.
- Heavy cream (2 tbsp): Adds richness and smoothness to the filling, balancing textures.
- Cinnamon (1/4 tsp): A pinch of warmth that perfectly complements the nuts and sugar.
- Pinch of salt for filling: Cuts through sweetness and brightens the overall taste.
How to Make Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking, and the clean-up will be a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Brown Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This aeration is key to creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie structure.
Step 3: Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla
Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until everything is smoothly combined. The egg yolk enriches the dough, while the vanilla adds layers of sweet, fragrant flavor.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Salt
Add the all-purpose flour and salt to your buttery mixture. Stir gently until a soft dough forms—you’re aiming for a consistency that’s soft but not sticky, perfect for rolling into balls.
Step 5: Shape the Cookie Dough
Roll the dough into rounded 1-inch balls and arrange them on your lined baking sheet. Leave a bit of space to allow spreading, but not too much—you want the cookies to stay nicely shaped around the filling.
Step 6: Create Indents for the Filling
Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to press a small well right in the center of each dough ball. These little hollows are the secret to holding all that delicious pecan pie filling without it spilling over during baking.
Step 7: Make the Pecan Filling
Combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, syrup (corn or maple), heavy cream, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Stir until everything is integrated into a sticky filling that tastes just like pecan pie in miniature form.
Step 8: Fill the Cookies
Carefully spoon about 1 teaspoon of your pecan filling into each indent. Don’t overfill; you want a neat little pocket of gooey, nutty delight that bakes into the dough perfectly.
Step 9: Bake Until Golden
Pop your tray into the oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes. You’re looking for edges that are lightly golden and cookie centers that have set but remain tender – the smell here will start to drive you wild.
Step 10: Cool Before Serving
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This allows the filling to firm up a bit. Then transfer to a wire rack so they cool completely without getting soggy bottoms.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple finishing touch, sprinkle a few finely chopped extra pecans on top while the cookies are still warm. You can also add a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra charm and sweetness, making these cookies look as delightful as they taste.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. For a warm hug in a cup, serve alongside a latte or hot cocoa—each bite and sip will bring out the buttery pecan flavors even more.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging these cookies on a rustic serving platter with autumn leaves or cinnamon sticks for seasonal gatherings. You could also box them up in pretty tins tied with a festive ribbon—making an irresistible homemade gift that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling completely, store your pecan pie cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth whenever it strikes.
Freezing
If you want to keep these treats longer, freeze the dough balls before baking or freeze baked cookies in a sealed container. Frozen dough will last up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. Baked cookies can be frozen for about 2 months and thawed at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-from-the-oven feel, warm your cookies in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave them for about 10 seconds. This way, the filling will soften and the edges get that perfect slight crisp again.
FAQs
Can I use maple syrup instead of corn syrup in this Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Maple syrup works wonderfully and adds a lovely hint of natural sweetness and depth. It’s a great alternative if you prefer to avoid corn syrup or want a slightly different flavor profile.
What kind of pecans should I use?
Use fresh, unsalted pecans that are roughly chopped. This gives the best crunch and flavor. If your pecans are pre-roasted or salted, reduce the added salt to keep the balance just right.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Make sure it’s a one-to-one replacement so the dough texture stays similar. The final cookie might be a bit more delicate but still delicious.
How do I prevent the filling from spilling over?
Making a well-sized indent and not overfilling is key. About a teaspoon of filling per cookie is perfect. If you find the filling too runny, chill it briefly or add a touch more chopped pecans to thicken before baking.
Can these cookies be made vegan?
With some ingredient swaps, you can! Replace the butter with vegan margarine and use a flax egg instead of yolk. Opt for maple syrup instead of honey-based syrups if needed. The texture and flavor might shift slightly but will still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about this Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe—it captures the essence of a classic dessert in a fun, portable form that’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo. From the buttery base to the gooey pecan filling, it’s a joy to bake and even more delightful to eat. I can’t wait for you to make these, and once you do, watch them quickly become one of your absolute favorite treats to bake and gift. Happy baking!
Print
Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
Description
These Pecan Pie Cookies combine the rich, buttery flavors of classic pecan pie in a deliciously soft cookie form. With a tender dough base and a sweet, nutty filling, they offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors, ideal for holiday treats or anytime snacking.
Ingredients
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 Pie 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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, adding richness and flavor to the dough.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour and salt until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Create Indentations: Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each cookie ball to hold the pecan filling.
- 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 well to blend all filling ingredients evenly.
- Fill Cookies: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the pecan mixture into each cookie indentation, distributing filling evenly among cookies.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set the filling, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they firm up properly.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives.
- Use maple syrup instead of corn syrup for a more natural, rich flavor.
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the best dough consistency.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Chopped pecans can be toasted lightly before adding to enhance their flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
