If you adore the rich, nutty, and caramel sweetness of pecan pie but crave something hand-held and a little more playful, then you have to try these Pecan Pie Cookies – A Cookie Version of Your Favorite Pie! Recipe. These cookies capture every luscious bite of classic pecan pie inside a delightful cookie shell, creating a perfect balance of buttery dough and gooey pecan filling. They are easy to make, irresistibly tasty, and will have you reminiscing about grandma’s pie in every bite. Trust me, these cookies bring all the warmth and nostalgia of pecan pie in a perfectly portable, shareable treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Pecan Pie Cookies – A Cookie Version of Your Favorite Pie! Recipe lies in its simple, quality ingredients that come together to create incredible flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role — from the creamy butter enriching the dough to the crunchy pecans providing that iconic nutty goodness.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and a tender texture to the cookie dough.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Provides sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy dough.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup, plus extra 1/2 cup): Brings moisture and a deep caramel flavor, essential to that pecan pie taste.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds structure to the dough.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp plus 1 tsp): Infuses a warm, aromatic note that enhances all flavors.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): The foundation of the dough, provides body and chewiness.
- Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Gives the cookies a gentle rise and light texture.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and intensifies the other flavors.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): The star of the filling — crunchy, buttery, and full of flavor.
- Corn syrup or maple syrup (1/4 cup): Creates that sticky-sweet filling classic to pecan pie.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted for filling): Adds richness and helps bind the filling.
How to Make Pecan Pie Cookies – A Cookie Version of Your Favorite Pie! Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This little prep step sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy – this creates a luscious base for your cookie dough. Then beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the batter is fully combined and ready for the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl to ensure even distribution. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Resist overmixing to keep your cookies tender and light.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into roughly 1-inch balls and arrange them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to create a shallow well in the center of each ball—this will cradle your luscious pecan filling perfectly.
Step 5: Prepare the Pecan Filling
Mix the chopped pecans, additional brown sugar, corn or maple syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract together in a medium bowl. This mixture mimics the classic pecan pie filling — sticky, sweet, and nutty — and is the true heart of these cookies.
Step 6: Fill the Cookies and Bake
Carefully spoon a small amount of the pecan filling into each indentation. Avoid overfilling so the cookies maintain their shape while baking. Pop your trays into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cookie edges turn a delicate golden shade.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let your cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before indulging. This step ensures the filling sets beautifully and every bite has the perfect texture contrast.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Cookies – A Cookie Version of Your Favorite Pie! Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of these Pecan Pie Cookies – A Cookie Version of Your Favorite Pie! Recipe is that they shine on their own, but you can elevate them with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy, festive touch. For an extra pop, drizzle with a bit of melted chocolate or sprinkle flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience. They also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk for a comforting snack anytime.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties or gifting, arrange these cookies in a beautiful tin lined with parchment paper or wrap stacks with festive ribbons. You can also present them on a rustic wooden board with nuts and small bowls of maple syrup or caramel for dipping to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Pecan Pie Cookies – A Cookie Version of Your Favorite Pie! Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay chewy and delicious for up to 4 days, making them a perfect treat to enjoy through the week.
Freezing
Want to make these in advance? You can freeze unbaked dough balls or fully baked cookies. For dough, place balls on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To revive these cookies, warm them briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked sensation and soft gooey filling without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute maple syrup for corn syrup in the filling?
Absolutely! Maple syrup adds a lovely depth of flavor and makes this recipe even more naturally sweetened. Choose whichever you prefer or have on hand.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free as written. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends to make a gluten-friendly version, though texture may vary slightly.
How do I avoid the filling spilling over while baking?
Be sure to press an indentation in the dough balls that’s deep enough to hold the filling, and avoid overfilling each cookie. Using small spoonfuls keeps the shape intact during baking.
Can I make these cookies nut-free?
The chopped pecans are essential to achieving the classic pecan pie flavor and texture, but you can swap them for toasted sunflower seeds or omit them for a simpler sweet gooey center, though the taste will differ.
What’s the best way to achieve soft cookies?
Use softened butter and avoid overbaking. Pull the cookies out just as the edges turn golden to keep them tender in the center. Cooling on a rack helps keep them from becoming too crisp.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about Pecan Pie Cookies – A Cookie Version of Your Favorite Pie! Recipe that combines traditional comfort with fun, easy baking. These gems are perfect for sharing with friends, impressing family, or treating yourself to a nostalgic bite of the holidays any time of year. I can’t wait for you to give them a try and experience that perfect harmony of buttery cookie and rich, nutty filling for yourself!
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
Pecan Pie Cookies combine the rich, buttery flavors of classic pecan pie with the convenience and texture of a cookie. These delightful treats feature a soft cookie base filled with a sweet, gooey pecan filling, perfect for holiday celebrations or everyday indulgence.
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.
- 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 incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add and mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients to form a soft cookie dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing each ball 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 pecan filling.
- Prepare the Pecan Filling: In a medium bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup (or maple syrup), melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
- Fill the Cookies: Spoon a small amount of pecan filling into the indentation of each cookie dough ball, taking care 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 are lightly golden and the filling is set.
- 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 fully cooled and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute corn syrup with maple syrup for a natural alternative, which will slightly change the flavor profile.
- Ensure the butter is softened, not melted, for the cookie dough to achieve the right texture.
- Use parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Don’t overfill the indents with filling to avoid spillover during baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
