Pecan Pie Cookies – A Cookie Version of Your Favorite Pie! Recipe
If you’ve ever wished you could capture the warm, nutty, and buttery goodness of pecan pie in an easy-to-eat treat, you’re in for a real delight with this Pecan Pie Cookies – A Cookie Version of Your Favorite Pie! Recipe. These cookies bring all the iconic flavors of the classic pie into a chewy, tender cookie form, making them perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying with your favorite cup of coffee. From the rich pecan filling to the buttery cookie base, every bite feels like a sweet slice of Southern tradition wrapped up in a bite-sized pleasure. Get ready to fall in love with this clever twist on pecan pie!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients keep the recipe wonderfully simple but are essential to achieving that perfect balance of texture and flavor — from the buttery cookie base to the sweet, sticky pecan topping. Each element plays a special role in making these cookies unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Gives the cookie dough richness and tenderness without overpowering saltiness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft texture in the cookies.
- Brown sugar, packed: Brings a subtle molasses flavor that deepens the cookie’s warmth and balances the pecan filling.
- Large egg: Binds the dough together and contributes to the cookie’s chewy but tender bite.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its sweet, aromatic undertones.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the cookies structure and body.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft texture without being cakey.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and lifts the flavors throughout the cookie and filling.
- Chopped pecans: The star nut providing that signature crunch and nutty flavor in the filling.
- Corn syrup or maple syrup: Makes the luscious pecan topping sticky and sweet — maple syrup adds an extra layer of warmth if you prefer.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Blends into the filling for richness and gloss.
How to Make Pecan Pie Cookies – A Cookie Version of Your Favorite Pie! Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper so that your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick — this little prep step means easy cleanup and beautifully shaped cookies.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy. This airiness will give your cookies that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and glossy.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into your wet ingredients, folding gently to create a soft, cohesive dough — not too dry and not overly sticky, just perfect for shaping.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls with your hands and place them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart to give them room to spread slightly. Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to press a small indentation into the center of each ball — this is where all the delicious pecan pie magic will go!
Step 5: Prepare the Pecan Filling
Mix the chopped pecans, packed brown sugar, corn syrup (or maple syrup), melted butter, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Stir until everything is well incorporated into a sticky, nutty filling that tastes just like your favorite pecan pie topping.
Step 6: Fill the Cookies and Bake
Spoon just a small amount of the pecan filling into each cookie indentation — careful not to overfill, or it might spill during baking. Place the baking sheets into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn a beautiful light golden brown. This ensures the cookies are baked through but remain soft and tender inside.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes to set the filling and avoid breakage. Then carefully transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely. These cookies are best enjoyed once their flavors have settled and the chewy crust pairs perfectly with that gooey, pecan-filled center.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Cookies – A Cookie Version of Your Favorite Pie! Recipe
Garnishes
To give these cookies an extra special touch, consider sprinkling a few chopped pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar on top before serving. A drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce will also elevate the visual appeal and add a luscious finish that complements the nutty sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
These Pecan Pie Cookies – A Cookie Version of Your Favorite Pie! Recipe pair marvelously with hot beverages like coffee, chai tea, or a thick cup of hot chocolate. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to mimic the classic pie experience in each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookies in a festive tin or stack them on a rustic wooden board wrapped with twine for gifting. They also make a delightful addition to holiday dessert tables or picnic baskets, offering a charming handheld treat that everyone will rave about. Try layering with other cookies or desserts to create a decadent cookie platter inviting guests to taste several favorites at once.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your pecan pie cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days — perfect for enjoying through the week or sharing with friends and family.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either before or after baking. To freeze dough, shape the balls and fill them, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze solid before transferring to a freezer bag. For baked cookies, let them cool completely and freeze in layers separated by parchment paper. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To bring out that just-baked warmth, reheat cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This will soften the texture and revive the aroma of your pecan filling, making each bite taste freshly baked again.
FAQs
Can I use maple syrup instead of corn syrup?
Absolutely! Maple syrup is a delicious, natural substitute that adds a lovely depth of flavor to the filling. Just be mindful that it may make the filling slightly thinner, but the taste will be incredible.
Can I make these cookies nut-free?
If you need a nut-free version, you can omit the pecans and replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch. However, the iconic pecan pie flavor will naturally be different without pecans.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, the cookies remain fresh and chewy for up to 4 days. Beyond that, they may start to dry out but can be refreshed briefly in the oven.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing after baking?
Yes! Baked cookies freeze very well. Just make sure they are completely cool before freezing, and separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! This recipe scales nicely. Just be sure to use multiple baking sheets and watch the baking times, as the batches might take a little longer to bake evenly.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Pecan Pie Cookies – A Cookie Version of Your Favorite Pie! Recipe feels like handing over a little bit of comfort and joy baked right into each bite. They’re a clever and utterly delicious way to enjoy pecan pie flavor any time of year without fuss or mess. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give these a try — your taste buds will thank you, and you might just find yourself making them again and again for every occasion!
Print
Pecan Pie Cookies – A Cookie Version of Your Favorite Pie! Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
Description
Delight in these Pecan Pie Cookies, a delicious twist on the classic pecan pie transformed into a bite-sized cookie. These cookies feature a soft, buttery dough with a sweet, nutty pecan filling, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime craving a sweet treat.
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). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even 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 for a rich, flavorful dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Create a small indentation in the center of each ball using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to hold the 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 thoroughly to blend the sweet and nutty flavors.
- Fill the Cookies: Spoon a small amount of the pecan filling into each indentation on the dough balls, being careful not to overfill to prevent spilling during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookie edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through but still soft inside.
- 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
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use a flax egg instead of a chicken egg.
- If corn syrup is unavailable, pure maple syrup works as a natural sweetener alternative in the pecan filling.
- Be careful not to overfill the cookie indentations to avoid filling spillover during baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
