If you adore the rich, buttery goodness of pecan pie but crave a handheld treat, then you’re going to fall head over heels for Pecan Pie Cookies – A Cookie Version of Your Favorite Pie! Recipe. These delightful cookies capture all the warm, nutty flavors and gooey sweetness of traditional pecan pie, but in a perfectly portable form. Imagine biting into a tender cookie base topped with a luscious, caramelized pecan filling that bursts with flavor—truly a dream come true for any sweet tooth. Whether you’re sharing at a holiday gathering or simply indulging your dessert cravings, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a fresh twist to a classic favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a special role in creating the perfect balance of taste and texture. From the creamy softened butter that keeps the dough tender to the crunchy pecans that add that satisfying nutty bite, every component is there to bring the magic alive.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and a tender crumb to the cookie base.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie browning.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Gives a hint of molasses flavor and moisture for chewiness.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough ingredients together perfectly.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm aroma.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cookies.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder: Adds a light rise and fluffiness.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: The star ingredient, lending crunch and nutty depth.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Creates the sweet, gooey filling that replicates pie syrup.
- 1/4 cup corn syrup or maple syrup: Gives that luscious, sticky texture your pecan filling needs.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds rich moisture to the filling mixture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the filling with sweet, fragrant notes.
How to Make Pecan Pie Cookies – A Cookie Version of Your Favorite Pie! Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. This whipping process creates the perfect base for tender cookies, trapping air to lighten the dough. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is combined seamlessly.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, gently folding to create a soft dough that’s just right for rolling and shaping.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and space them about 2 inches apart on your lined baking sheets. Using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon, gently press an indentation in the center of each cookie ball. This little well will hold the delicious pecan filling, so don’t skip it!
Step 5: Prepare the Pecan Filling
In a medium bowl, combine chopped pecans, the remaining brown sugar, corn syrup or maple syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until the filling is evenly blended, arriving at that perfect balance of sticky, sweet nuttiness that resembles the dreamy pecan pie syrup.
Step 6: Fill the Cookies
Spoon a small amount of the pecan filling into each cookie’s indentation. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling will bubble slightly while baking. This step is what transforms these cookies into the remarkable “cookie version” of pecan pie!
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Place your baking sheets into the oven and bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps them set perfectly.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Cookies – A Cookie Version of Your Favorite Pie! Recipe
Garnishes
Why not elevate these cookies even further? A light dusting of powdered sugar gives them a festive look, while a drizzle of melted chocolate or a small dollop of whipped cream on top adds another layer of indulgence that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
Pecan Pie Cookies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of rich coffee or hot chocolate. These accompaniments balance the sweetness and make enjoying your cookie a cozy, comforting experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a holiday party or gift, stack the cookies in a pretty tin with wax paper between layers, or arrange them on a decorative platter surrounded by fresh pecans and autumn leaves for that seasonal vibe. Presentation truly makes these gems shine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Pecan Pie Cookies – A Cookie Version of Your Favorite Pie! Recipe will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keep them away from heat to prevent the filling from becoming too soft.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separated by parchment to avoid sticking. Frozen, they’ll keep their deliciousness for up to 3 months—perfect for making ahead during busy seasons.
Reheating
To bring the cookies back to their warm, melty best, simply heat them in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes. This quick step revives their gooey, fresh-baked charm.
FAQs
Can I substitute maple syrup for corn syrup in the pecan filling?
Absolutely! Maple syrup works beautifully and adds a lovely, subtle depth of flavor that complements the pecans wonderfully.
How do I make sure the cookie base doesn’t get soggy from the filling?
Be sure to only fill the indentation with a small amount of pecan filling and bake at the right temperature. The baking process helps set the filling without soaking into the cookie dough too much.
Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
Yes, walnuts or even chopped almonds could be substituted if pecans aren’t on hand, but pecans are the classic and give the most authentic pecan pie flavor.
Do I need to refrigerate these cookies?
These cookies are fine stored at room temperature in an airtight container. Refrigeration isn’t necessary unless your kitchen is very warm.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
As written, this recipe uses all-purpose flour and is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, keeping in mind that texture might vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Pecan Pie Cookies – A Cookie Version of Your Favorite Pie! Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the beloved flavors of pecan pie in a fun and approachable cookie form. If you’re anything like me, once you bake these up, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “sweet tooth!” So grab your ingredients, have some fun in the kitchen, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these irresistible bites of joy.
Print
Pecan Pie Cookies – A Cookie Version of Your Favorite Pie! Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pecan Pie Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie, turning the traditional flavors into a bite-sized cookie form. Soft, buttery cookie dough is filled with a gooey, sweet pecan filling, perfect for cookie lovers and pecan pie fans alike. Easy to make and great for any occasion, these cookies combine the richness of pecan pie with the convenience of handheld treats.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Pecan Filling
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup corn syrup or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to create a small indentation in the center of each dough ball for the filling.
- Prepare the Pecan Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup (or maple syrup), melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Fill the Cookies: Spoon a small amount of the pecan filling into each indentation on the cookie dough balls, being careful not to overfill to prevent spilling during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies turn lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve once cooled for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- If corn syrup is not preferred, pure maple syrup can be used as an alternative in the pecan filling.
- Ensure not to overfill the cookie indentations to avoid the filling spilling over during baking.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a nuttier texture, lightly toast the pecans before chopping and mixing into the filling.
