The Ultimate Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe That Tastes Like Heaven

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

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

Crunchy pecans and gooey caramel create a magical blend of textures you’ll adore.

Southern baking traditions shine through in these bite-sized treats.

Crisp edges and soft centers make each cookie irresistible.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean you can whip up these delights in no time.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that perfectly captures the essence of comfort and indulgence.

Why Pecan Pie Cookies Taste Like A Holiday Hug

• Create Crowd-Pleasing Treats: These pecan-filled cookies guarantee smiles from family and friends with their irresistible combination of buttery base and rich, nutty filling.
• Master Easy Baking Techniques: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and straightforward steps that even novice home cooks can confidently execute.
• Customize Your Dessert Experience: Flexible recipe allows personal touches like honey drizzling or extra pecan garnishes, making each batch uniquely delicious and tailored to individual preferences.
• Elevate Everyday Moments: Transform ordinary afternoons into special occasions with these homemade cookies that bring warmth, comfort, and delectable sweetness to any gathering.

What You’ll Need For Pecan Pie Cookies

• Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that provides a smooth texture and deep flavor to the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy cookie texture.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie's structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet aroma.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the foundational structure of the cookie dough.

• Corn Syrup, Brown Sugar: Provide a rich, caramel-like sweetness and glossy consistency to the filling.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety filling.
• Egg: Helps bind the filling ingredients and provides structure.
• Chopped Pecans: Offer a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the cookie.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the filling's taste.

• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Honey: Optional topping that adds an extra layer of sweetness.

How To Make Pecan Pie Cookies Easily

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Set up your oven at 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This creates a perfect surface for your cookie adventure.

Step 2: Whip Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, blend butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and beautifully creamy. The goal is a smooth, fluffy base that promises deliciousness.

Step 3: Add Moisture and Flavor

Introduce the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Mix thoroughly to create a harmonious blend that will make your cookies irresistible.

Step 4: Form Cookie Dough

Gently fold in flour, stirring carefully to create a soft, cohesive dough. Be mindful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 5: Shape Cookie Bases

Roll the dough into small, uniform balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and create a gentle indentation in the center of each cookie.

Step 6: Prepare Pecan Filling

• Corn syrup
• Brown sugar
• Butter
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Heat the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly.

Step 7: Cook Filling to Perfection

Simmer the mixture until it transforms into a glossy, slightly thickened sauce. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat once it reaches the right consistency.

Step 8: Add Nutty Crunch

Fold chopped pecans into the warm filling, ensuring an even distribution of nutty goodness throughout the mixture.

Step 9: Fill Cookie Centers

Carefully spoon the pecan filling into the center of each cookie base. Allow it to slightly overflow for a rustic, tempting look.

Step 10: Add Extra Pecan Topping

Sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top of each cookie, creating a delightful textural contrast.

Step 11: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the cookies in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the filling sets.

Step 12: Optional Honey Drizzle

For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle honey over the warm cookies after removing them from the oven.

Step 13: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet. Carefully transfer to a wire rack to prevent breaking. Enjoy your homemade pecan pie cookies!

Pro Tips For Baking Pecan Pie Cookies

• Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold flour into the dough to maintain a soft, tender texture without developing tough gluten strands.
• Control Filling Consistency: Watch the pecan filling carefully while simmering, stirring constantly to achieve a glossy, thick texture without burning.
• Master Cookie Shaping: Create uniform cookie balls and gentle center indentations to ensure even baking and perfect filling placement.
• Enhance Pecan Flavor: Toast pecans briefly before chopping to intensify their nutty aroma and deepen the overall cookie taste.
• Cool Strategically: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet initially to help them set, then transfer to a wire rack to prevent soggy bottoms.

Sweet Spins On Pecan Pie Cookies

• Gluten-Free Pecan Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains rich, nutty flavors.
• Vegan Pecan Delicacy: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use maple syrup instead of corn syrup, and replace egg with flax egg to create a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Pecan Treat: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of granulated sugar, and swap corn syrup with sugar-free maple syrup for a diabetic-friendly option.
• Chocolate Pecan Fusion: Mix dark chocolate chips into the dough and drizzle melted chocolate over the finished cookies for an indulgent flavor enhancement.

Perfect Matches For Pecan Pie Cookies

• Savor Sweet Southern Sips: Perfect Pecan Cookie Pairings
• Warm Bourbon Embrace: Pair these rich pecan cookies with a smooth Kentucky bourbon, letting the caramel notes complement the nutty filling and enhance the cookie's buttery texture.
• Creamy Vanilla Chai Delight: Brew a spiced chai latte with extra vanilla, creating a comforting beverage that balances the pecan's sweetness and provides a warm, aromatic counterpoint to the cookie's richness.
• Dessert Wine Magic: Select a golden moscato or late-harvest riesling, whose honeyed undertones will dance perfectly with the corn syrup filling and bring out the pecans' deep, toasted flavor.

How To Store Pecan Pie Cookies Without Losing Flavor

• Store cooled pecan cookies in an airtight container layered with parchment paper between each cookie, keeping them fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Warm individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds to restore softness and bring out the nutty pecan flavor.
• Preheat oven to 275°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for 3-5 minutes to revive their crisp edges and restore the filling's gooey texture.

FAQs About Pecan Pie Cookies

• Why are pecans used in this recipe?

Pecans provide a rich, buttery flavor and crunchy texture that complements the sweet filling, adding depth and complexity to the cookie’s overall taste profile.

• Can I substitute other nuts if I don't have pecans?

While pecans are traditional, you can use walnuts or almonds as alternatives, though they will slightly change the recipe’s original flavor and texture.

• Is this recipe considered difficult for beginner bakers?

No, this recipe is relatively straightforward. The key is following each step carefully and maintaining proper temperature when preparing the filling and baking the cookies.

• How do I ensure my cookies have a perfect consistency?

Avoid overmixing the dough, use room temperature ingredients, and create a small indentation in each cookie before adding the filling to help maintain the cookie’s shape during baking.

Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Pecan pie cookies bring Southern comfort to classic dessert lovers, merging traditional pie flavors with delightful cookie form. Crisp edges, gooey centers, and caramelized pecans create an irresistible treat you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

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Cookies Base:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Pecan Filling:

• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

Topping:

• 1/4 cup additional chopped pecans
• 2 tbsp honey (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a smooth surface for cookie preparation.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookie dough.
3. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly to ensure a uniform consistency.
4. Gradually fold in the flour, mixing until a soft, cohesive dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
5. Shape the dough into small, uniform balls and gently press them onto the prepared baking sheet, creating a slight indentation in the center of each cookie.
6. For the pecan filling, combine corn syrup, brown sugar, butter, egg, vanilla extract, and salt in a saucepan, heating over medium heat while stirring constantly.
7. Simmer the filling mixture until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy, approximately 3-4 minutes, then remove from heat.
8. Fold the chopped pecans into the warm filling, ensuring even distribution of nuts throughout the mixture.
9. Carefully spoon the pecan filling into the center of each cookie base, allowing it to slightly overflow the indentation.
10. Sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top of each cookie for added texture and visual appeal.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn golden brown and the filling sets.
12. Optional: Drizzle honey over the warm cookies for an extra layer of sweetness after removing from the oven.
13. Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to prevent breaking.

Notes

• Customize the cookie size by adjusting the dough ball dimensions, ensuring consistent baking and even pecan filling distribution.
• Prevent overly sweet results by reducing corn syrup quantity and balancing with a touch of salt or using dark brown sugar for deeper flavor complexity.
• Create gluten-free variations by substituting regular flour with almond or oat flour, maintaining the cookie’s delicate texture while accommodating dietary restrictions.
• Enhance storage life by keeping cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment paper to preserve their crisp edges and prevent sticking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg