Name: Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 34 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed); 1 large egg yolk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans; 1/3 cup corn syrup; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

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If you crave the cozy flavors of pecan pie in a single, poppable bite, Pecan Pie Cookies are destined to become your new obsession! Imagine the rich, buttery crust of your favorite pie transformed into a delightfully chewy cookie, topped with gooey pecan filling that shimmers like caramelized joy. These cookies package all the holiday nostalgia and decadence of classic pecan pie into an easy-to-serve, easy-to-love treat that’s just as welcome at festive gatherings as it is alongside a cup of coffee on a quiet afternoon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Pecan Pie Cookies is carefully chosen for its role in building flavor and balancing texture. From silky butter to those golden, nutty pecans, each one makes the final cookie taste and look like a little masterpiece.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides a tender base and infuses the dough with rich flavor.
Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds moisture and deep, caramel-like sweetness to the cookie foundation.
Large egg yolk: Creates richness and helps the cookies hold their shape perfectly.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon, plus 1/2 teaspoon for filling): Infuses every bite with warm, comforting aromatics.
All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): The sturdy backbone for your dough, ensuring each cookie bakes up just right.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon + pinch): Sharpens the flavors and balances the sweetness—don’t skip it!
Pecans (3/4 cup, finely chopped): Deliver a nutty, buttery crunch that’s truly the heart of this recipe.
Corn syrup (1/3 cup): Lends that signature glossy look and syrupy chew to the pecan filling.
Brown sugar (1/4 cup, for filling): Doubles down on warmth and depth in the gooey topping.
Large egg (for filling): Binds the pecan mixture so it sets just like real pie filling.
Pinch of salt (for filling): Enhances the pecans and rounds out the sweetness for perfectly balanced bites.

How to Make Pecan Pie Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet and Oven

Start things off by warming your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step isn’t just about preventing sticking; it also ensures your Pecan Pie Cookies develop beautifully crisp edges and slide easily off the tray after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar together until it’s light and fluffy—think the texture of a cloud! Next, beat in the egg yolk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then gradually add the flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir until everything’s just combined; your dough will feel soft and supple under your spoon.

Step 3: Shape and Indent the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place each ball on your prepared baking sheet, giving them a bit of space. Gently press your thumb (or use the back of a spoon) into the center of each ball to create a little well—this is where the pecan filling magic will happen!

Step 4: Make the Pecan Pie Filling

In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped pecans, corn syrup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, whole egg, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until glossy and fully blended; the mixture should resemble a sticky, nutty treasure trove. This step is what sets Pecan Pie Cookies apart!

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Carefully spoon about a teaspoon of the pecan filling into the indentation of each cookie. Don’t overfill, as the gooey mixture spreads as it bakes. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until the edges are golden and the centers look glossy and set.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let your Pecan Pie Cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This keeps the cookies from crumbling and helps the luscious filling set. Wait until they’re fully cooled—if you can!—before diving in for the first melt-in-your-mouth bite.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Cookies

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate finish and looks absolutely stunning on these cookies. For a little extra flourish, consider pressing a pecan half on top of each one as they come out of the oven. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel over the cooled cookies makes them irresistible for both kids and adults.

Side Dishes

Pecan Pie Cookies are the ultimate companion to a hot mug of coffee, chai, or cocoa. If you’re serving them up for dessert, pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elegant, Southern-style touch. They also play nicely with other holiday cookies, like spiced gingerbread or chocolate crinkles, bringing a delightful nutty contrast to the mix.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your cookies inside a clear glass jar and tie it off with a ribbon—a homemade gift that sparkles with holiday spirit! For parties, arrange the cookies on a tiered platter among festive greenery, or use them as place-setting treats for special dinners. You can even tuck Pecan Pie Cookies into lunchboxes for a midday treat that feels like a mini celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, Pecan Pie Cookies keep beautifully when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, making them ideal for weekend baking and weekday snacking alike.

Freezing

If you’d like to make a batch ahead, these cookies freeze exceptionally well. Simply layer the completely cooled cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a sturdy, freezer-safe container. They’ll retain their texture and flavor for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 8-10 seconds. Alternatively, set them on a baking sheet and warm in a low oven (about 275°F) for a couple of minutes. This revives the gooey pecan filling and makes each bite taste oven-fresh.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making the cookie dough?

The unique texture and flavor of Pecan Pie Cookies really relies on the homemade dough. Store-bought pie crust won’t provide the same chewy bite or hold the filling as well, so for best results, stick with the simple, scratch-made dough in this recipe.

How can I keep my cookies from spreading too much in the oven?

Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before shaping and baking works wonders. It helps firm up the butter, so your Pecan Pie Cookies retain their shape and that signature thumbprint for the filling.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. Just double-check that your blend includes xanthan gum or add a quarter teaspoon to help mimic the cookie’s chewy texture.

What can I use instead of corn syrup in the filling?

If you’d rather skip the corn syrup, golden syrup or pure maple syrup are great substitutes. They’ll both add a lovely flavor and help the filling stay sticky and cohesive, just like the classic pecan pie topping.

Are Pecan Pie Cookies suitable for gifting?

They are the perfect edible gift! Their sturdy shape, glossy finish, and unforgettable flavor make them a hit for holiday cookie boxes, housewarming treats, or care packages all year long.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about baking and sharing a batch of Pecan Pie Cookies—the way the buttery cookie and gooey, nutty filling come together is pure comfort in every bite. If you’ve never tried this delightful twist on a classic dessert, there’s no better time to dive in and bake a batch. Happy baking and even happier snacking!

Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 34 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Pecan Pie Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie, in bite-sized cookie form. With a buttery, nutty base and a sweet pecan filling, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet treat any time of year.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookies:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

Pecan Filling:

3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
1/3 cup corn syrup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg yolk and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
Mix dry ingredients: Gradually mix in the flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt until combined.
Form cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet. Make an indentation in each cookie.
Prepare pecan filling: In a small bowl, mix chopped pecans, corn syrup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, egg, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and salt.
Fill cookies: Spoon pecan mixture into the center of each cookie.
Bake: Bake for 12–14 minutes until golden and set.
Cool and serve: Let cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. Serve once fully cooled.