The Sweetest Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe for Holiday Magic

Crafting delectable pecan pie cookies brings joy to any home kitchen adventure.

Sweet memories of grandma’s classic dessert inspired this playful twist.

Crisp edges and gooey centers promise delightful moments of pure indulgence.

Nutty pecans mingle with buttery dough, creating an irresistible treat that dances between traditional pie and classic cookie.

Crumbly textures and caramelized notes will make you smile with each bite.

Compact yet intensely flavorful, these little wonders pack a serious punch of deliciousness.

Let’s bake something magical that celebrates comfort and creativity.

Pecan Pie Cookies Notes

• Swirl Sweet Southern Charm: Capture the classic pecan pie flavor in a convenient, bite-sized cookie that brings Southern dessert tradition right to your kitchen.
• Craft Stress-Free Baking: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make these cookies perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: These cookies deliver irresistible nutty sweetness that appeals to both kids and adults, making them ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday celebrations.
• Enjoy Versatile Treat: Serve as a dessert, afternoon snack, or elegant party treat that combines the rich flavors of traditional pecan pie with the convenience of a handheld cookie.

Ingredients for Pecan Pie Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: A soft and fine ingredient that provides structure to the cookie dough.
• Granulated Sugar: A sweet ingredient that helps create a light and fluffy texture.
• Butter: A rich ingredient that adds flavor and helps bind the cookie dough together.
• Egg Yolk: A creamy ingredient that contributes to the richness and helps hold the cookie dough.
• Vanilla Extract: A flavor enhancer that adds a warm and sweet undertone to the cookies.
• Salt: A small but essential ingredient that balances and enhances the overall flavor.

• Pecans: A crunchy and nutty ingredient that provides texture and a signature flavor to the cookies.
• Brown Sugar: A sweet and molasses-like ingredient that adds depth and caramel notes to the filling.
• Corn Syrup: A sticky ingredient that helps create a smooth and glossy pecan filling.
• Butter: A rich ingredient that adds flavor and helps bind the pecan filling.
• Vanilla Extract: A flavor enhancer that complements the nutty pecans.
• Salt: A small ingredient that balances the sweetness of the filling.

• Parchment Paper: A non-stick surface that prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.

How to Bake Pecan Pie Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab your baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Crank up the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for cookie magic.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cookie Base

In a roomy mixing bowl, whip the softened butter and sugar together until they transform into a fluffy cloud-like mixture. Introduce the egg yolk and vanilla, blending until everything looks smooth and happy.

Step 3: Form Cookie Dough

Gently fold in flour and salt, stirring until the dough comes together. Don’t worry if it seems a bit crumbly – that’s totally normal!

The dough should stick when you press it.

Step 4: Shape Cookie Bases

Roll out adorable little dough balls about tablespoon-sized.

Place them on the baking sheet with some breathing room between each one.

Step 5: Make Cookie Wells

Using your thumb or a spoon’s back, create a cozy little indentation in the center of each dough ball.

These will be the perfect homes for our pecan filling.

Step 6: Craft Pecan Pie Filling

• Chopped pecans
• Brown sugar
• Corn syrup
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Stir until the mixture looks gloriously sticky and well-combined.

Step 7: Fill Cookie Centers

Carefully spoon the pecan mixture into each cookie’s center, filling them right to the top.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes.

Look for edges that turn a beautiful light golden color.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.

Allow them to cool completely before devouring these irresistible treats.

Tips for Pecan Pie Cookies

• Use exact measurements for flour and sugar to ensure consistent cookie texture and prevent dry or overly sweet results.
• Create shallow, even thumb or spoon marks in cookie dough to hold maximum pecan filling without breaking the base.
• Bring butter, egg, and other ingredients to room temperature for smoother mixing and better incorporation of flavors.
• Spoon pecan mixture carefully to avoid overflow, keeping filling within cookie's center for neat, professional-looking treats.
• Let cookies rest on baking sheet briefly before transferring to wire rack, allowing them to firm up and prevent potential crumbling.

Variations of Pecan Pie Cookies

• Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Nutty Cookies: Swap butter for coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of egg yolk, and choose maple syrup as a corn syrup alternative.
• Chocolate Drizzled Pecan Cookies: After cooling, melt dark chocolate and drizzle over the top of each cookie for an extra decadent touch.
• Bourbon Pecan Variation: Add a tablespoon of bourbon to the pecan filling for a rich, sophisticated flavor profile that enhances the nutty sweetness.

Pairing Suggestions for Pecan Pie Cookies

• Smooth, caramel-rich bourbon cream complements the nutty, sweet pecan flavors, creating a luxurious dessert experience that enhances the cookie's rich profile.
• Creamy, cold vanilla gelato provides a delightful temperature contrast and smooth texture that balances the warm, crunchy pecan cookie, elevating each bite.
• Warm, spiced cinnamon coffee cuts through the sweetness of the cookie, offering a robust counterpoint that highlights the pecan's deep, toasted notes and adds depth to the dessert.

Proper Storage for Pecan Pie Cookies

• Store cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep them in the coolest part of the refrigerator to maintain texture and prevent pecan filling from becoming too soft.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving.
• Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes. Check periodically to prevent overcooking and maintain crisp edges.

FAQs

• Are pecan pie cookies similar to traditional pecan pie?

Unlike classic pecan pie, these cookies are bite-sized, portable treats that capture the same rich, sweet flavors in a convenient cookie form.

• Do I need any special baking skills to make these cookies?

No, these cookies are beginner-friendly. The recipe requires basic mixing and baking techniques that even novice bakers can easily follow.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just let the dough come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

• How do I prevent the filling from leaking during baking?

Create a deep, well-defined indentation in each cookie and avoid overfilling. The filling should sit just at the top edge of the indentation to prevent spillover.

Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Pecan pie cookies blend Southern charm with classic cookie comfort, creating a delightful dessert that marries traditional pie flavors in a bite-sized treat. Crunchy pecans and sweet caramel nestled on buttery cookie bases promise a delicious escape you’ll savor with every mouthful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Sweet Components:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
2. Whip softened butter and granulated sugar until achieving a light, airy texture, then incorporate egg yolk and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly.
3. Gently fold flour and salt into the wet mixture, creating a slightly crumbly dough that coheres when pressed together.
4. Form tablespoon-sized dough portions into uniform balls, positioning them evenly on the prepared baking sheet with adequate spacing.
5. Create a gentle depression in the center of each dough ball using your thumb or the back of a spoon, forming a perfect pocket for filling.
6. Craft the pecan filling by combining chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a hint of salt, stirring until achieving a cohesive, sticky consistency.
7. Carefully spoon the prepared pecan mixture into each cookie’s center indentation, ensuring a generous but precise fill.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges that signal perfect doneness.
9. Rest cookies on the baking sheet momentarily, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling, allowing the filling to set and flavors to stabilize.

Notes

• Ensure butter is at room temperature for easy creaming and smoother cookie texture.
• When creating thumb indentations, moisten your thumb with water to prevent sticking and create clean, even wells.
• To prevent overly sweet cookies, use unsalted butter and adjust corn syrup quantity slightly if needed.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace wheat flour with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain cookie structure.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 118 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 38 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 17 mg