If you adore the rich, nutty charm of pecan pie but want a handheld, perfectly portioned treat, this Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe is just what you need. These cookies combine a buttery, tender base with a luscious, gooey pecan filling that’s nothing short of addictive. Every bite delivers that familiar warmth and sweetness of pecan pie, wrapped up in a delightful cookie form that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or simply indulging your sweet tooth any time of the year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe is straightforward but crucial to its success. Each component plays a key role—whether it’s the creamy butter that creates a tender dough or the toasted pecans that add crunch and depth of flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides richness and a tender crumb essential for the cookie base.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy dough texture.
- Brown sugar (1 cup total, divided): The packed brown sugar infuses a lovely molasses undertone that’s key to the filling’s caramel-like flavor.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough ingredients together and adds moisture.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons total, divided): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, fragrant notes.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The structure of the cookie that keeps everything holding together nicely.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise slightly, giving a light texture without spreading too thin.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and lifts the cookie’s flavor.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): Adds that signature nutty crunch and richness crucial to the pecan pie experience.
- Heavy cream (¼ cup): Melts into the filling to create that luscious, creamy texture.
How to Make Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, which ensures your cookies bake evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated and half the brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is vital as it incorporates air, giving your cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined, adding moisture and that lovely vanilla warmth to your dough.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into the wet ingredients, stirring until you form a soft dough that’s easy to scoop.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet and gently flatten each ball. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create a small well in the center of each cookie — that’s the perfect spot for the pecan pie filling.
Step 6: Make the Pecan Pie Filling
In a small saucepan, combine the remaining brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans, letting them soak in all that sweet, creamy goodness.
Step 7: Fill and Bake
Spoon about a teaspoon of the pecan filling into the thumbprint of each cookie. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn a delicate golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, dust the cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle them with melted chocolate or caramel. This elevates the presentation and adds an extra indulgence layer without overshadowing that classic pecan pie flavor.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes them to dessert legend status. A hot cup of coffee or chai tea also complements their buttery, nutty sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a festive platter with whole pecans and cinnamon sticks for a cozy vibe. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a bit of caramel sauce or cream cheese frosting for a delightful twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover pecan pie cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to 4 days, and the pecan filling remains wonderfully gooey without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies after baking. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep their texture and flavor for up to 3 months, perfect for holiday prep or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To enjoy these cookies warm, simply let them thaw at room temperature and gently warm them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. That gooey pecan filling comes back to life just like magic!
FAQs
Can I use roasted pecans instead of raw?
Absolutely! Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds a toasty crunch, making your Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe even more irresistible.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the dough cohesive and tender.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. This can actually intensify the flavors and make the dough easier to handle.
What if the pecan filling is too runny after baking?
If the filling seems loose, ensuring you cook it until it reaches a slight simmer helps it thicken. Also, letting the cookies cool completely allows the filling to set more firmly.
Can I swap the heavy cream for something else?
Heavy cream is best for creating that luscious texture in the filling, but half-and-half or whole milk can work in a pinch, though the filling may be less rich and creamy.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this incredibly comforting Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe. It’s a magical blend of flavors and textures that brings the timeless pecan pie vibe into a fun-sized, chewy cookie. Whether for holidays, special occasions, or just a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies never fail to impress and delight. Grab your apron and get baking—you’re in for a real treat!
Print
Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these homemade Pecan Pie Cookies, combining a tender buttery cookie base with a rich, caramelized pecan filling that captures the essence of classic pecan pie in a perfectly portioned treat. These thumbprint-style cookies are easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and even baking of your cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg followed by vanilla extract, ensuring they are fully incorporated to provide moisture and flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning agents.
- Form Dough: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms, careful not to overmix to maintain tenderness.
- Shape and Create Wells: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and flatten each slightly. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to press a small well in the center of each cookie, which will hold the pecan filling.
- Prepare Filling: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, heavy cream, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir continuously until the mixture smooths out and begins to simmer, then remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans.
- Fill Cookies: Spoon about a teaspoon of the pecan filling into the center well of each cookie, being careful not to overfill.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating doneness.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set properly.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the filling for a nuttier aroma.
- Consider drizzling the cooled cookies with melted chocolate or caramel sauce for an indulgent twist.
