The Perfect Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe for Sweet Tooth Joy

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through my pecan pie cookies, blending nostalgic comfort with delightful crunch.

Southern baking traditions inspired this delectable twist on a classic dessert.

Crisp edges and gooey centers promise pure indulgence with every bite.

Buttery pecans mingle with rich caramel notes, creating an irresistible treat that feels like a warm hug.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps make these cookies accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Crumbly, nutty, and impossibly delicious, you’ll want to savor each morsel slowly.

These cookies might just become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Creative Twists On Pecan Pie Cookies

• Gluten-Free Pecan Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, maintaining the same cookie texture and flavor profile for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Pecan Cookie Variation: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of traditional eggs, and replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a plant-based alternative that retains rich pecan flavor.
• Maple Caramel Pecan Swap: Replace corn syrup with pure maple syrup in the filling, adding a deeper, more complex sweetness that complements the nutty pecan base and creates a richer flavor experience.
• Low-Sugar Nutty Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated sugar, and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the cookie's delectable pecan-filled essence.

Best Things To Pair With Pecan Pie Cookies

• Sip Smooth Bourbon: Complement the rich, sweet pecan filling with a smooth Kentucky bourbon that enhances the cookie's warm cinnamon and nutty flavors.
• Brew Rich Coffee: Match the cookies with a dark roast or espresso, allowing the robust coffee notes to balance the sweetness and highlight the pecan's earthy undertones.
• Pour Creamy Milk: Enjoy a cold glass of whole milk to soften the cookie's texture and provide a classic, comforting counterpoint to the sweet, buttery treat.
• Enjoy Spiced Chai: Select a warming chai tea with its blend of spices that beautifully echoes the cinnamon in the cookie and creates a harmonious flavor experience.

How To Keep Pecan Pie Cookies Fresh Longer

• Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days, keeping cookies fresh and preventing sticking.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe container, and preserve for 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Place in sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat, maintaining crispness for 2-3 days at moderate room temperature.
• Warm gently in preheated oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes to restore original softness and revive filling's gooey consistency.

Your Pecan Pie Cookies Questions Answered

• Are these pecan cookies difficult to make?

Not at all! These cookies are beginner-friendly and require basic baking skills. The recipe follows simple steps and uses common ingredients found in most kitchens.

• Can I make these cookies without pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts or even skip nuts entirely. The base cookie recipe is versatile and will still taste delicious.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a slightly set filling. The centers should still have a slight jiggle when you gently shake the baking sheet. This ensures a soft, chewy texture.

• What if my filling seems too runny?

If the filling appears too liquid, try chilling the corn syrup and heavy cream mixture briefly before adding it to the cookie centers. This will help it set more quickly during baking.

Why Pecan Pie Cookies Taste Like The Holidays

• Create with Minimal Effort: Enjoy a straightforward recipe that requires basic baking skills and simple ingredients, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Impress Loved Ones: These pecan-filled cookies deliver a gourmet taste that looks and feels like a special homemade treat, perfect for family gatherings or potluck events.
• Versatile Dessert Option: Suitable for multiple occasions like holiday parties, afternoon tea, or casual get-togethers, these cookies offer a delightful balance of sweet and nutty flavors.
• Customizable Experience: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting pecan quantities or experimenting with different types of nuts to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.

Everything You Need For Pecan Pie Cookies

• Unsalted Butter: A creamy foundation that provides rich flavor and helps bind the cookie ingredients together.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp cookie texture.
• Brown Sugar: Brings moisture and a deep caramel-like flavor to the cookies.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent that helps hold the cookie dough together.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet essence.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure for the cookie, providing a tender and soft base.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and creates a light, airy texture.
• Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note that complements the pecan flavor.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the overall taste of the cookies.

• Pecans, Chopped: Provides a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the cookies.
• Corn Syrup, Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, glossy filling with a rich consistency.
• Powdered Sugar: Optional topping that adds an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.

How To Bake Pecan Pie Cookies With Ease

Step 1: Create Cookie Base

Grab a mixing bowl and blend butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This creates a perfect foundation for your cookie dough.

Step 2: Add Liquid Ingredients

Introduce eggs and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix thoroughly until everything combines smoothly and looks uniform.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Form Cookie Dough

Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Stir carefully to create a cohesive dough without overmixing.

Step 5: Incorporate Pecans

Gently fold chopped pecans throughout the dough, distributing them evenly.

Step 6: Shape Cookies

Roll dough into small rounds and place them 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use your thumb or spoon to create a small center indentation in each cookie.

Step 7: Prepare Filling

Whisk corn syrup and heavy cream together until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

Step 8: Fill Cookie Centers

Carefully spoon the pecan filling into the center of each cookie, making sure the distribution is even.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake cookies for 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden brown and filling is set but slightly jiggly.

Step 10: Cool and Finish

Remove cookies from oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11: Optional Decoration

Once cooled, drizzle with powdered sugar glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.

Tips That Help Pecan Pie Cookies Turn Out Great

• Prevent Spreading: Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to maintain shape and prevent excessive spreading.
• Master the Indentation: Use the back of a spoon or your thumb to create a uniform, gentle well in each cookie for perfect filling placement.
• Control Filling Consistency: Ensure filling is not too runny or thick by whisking corn syrup and cream carefully to achieve a smooth, pourable texture.
• Achieve Golden Perfection: Watch cookies closely during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning and maintain a soft, chewy center.
• Cool Completely: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack, allowing them to set and develop a perfect texture.

Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet Southern charm meets cookie perfection in this pecan pie cookies recipe, blending classic pie flavors with irresistible bite-sized treats. Crisp edges, gooey centers, and rich caramel-like filling make these cookies a delightful dessert you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 2 large eggs

Filling and Binding:

• 1/3 cup corn syrup
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

Baking and Finishing:

• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp milk
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for optional glaze)

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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 your cookies.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookie dough.
3. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, blending until fully integrated and the texture becomes uniform.
4. Sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a cohesive cookie dough forms without overmixing.
6. Gently fold chopped pecans into the dough, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
7. Shape the dough into small rounds, placing them approximately 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Create a small indentation in the center of each cookie using the back of a spoon or your thumb.
9. Prepare the filling by whisking corn syrup and heavy cream together until smooth and glossy.
10. Carefully spoon the pecan filling into the center of each cookie, ensuring an even distribution.
11. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the filling is set but slightly jiggly.
12. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
13. Optional: Drizzle with powdered sugar glaze once completely cooled for an extra touch of sweetness.

Notes

• Experiment with alternative flours like almond or gluten-free blends to make these cookies suitable for different dietary needs.
• Toast pecans before adding to the dough to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Reduce sugar content by substituting part of the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie version.
• Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to maintain their texture and prevent sticking, keeping them fresh for up to 5 days.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 178
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 85 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg