If you’ve ever wished that the best parts of a gooey, nutty pecan pie could be shrunk down into a bite-sized treat, then these Pecan Pie Cookies are about to become your new obsession. Imagine a buttery, tender cookie base cradling a sweet, caramelized pecan filling — all the flavors you love from classic Southern pecan pie, but in a treat you can hold in your hand (no fork required!). These cookies deliver that same rich, cozy feeling on a much more manageable scale, making them the perfect addition to holiday trays, potlucks, or any day you want a little indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Pecan Pie Cookies come together with simple pantry staples, but don’t be fooled — each ingredient plays a critical part in creating that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture and nutty, brown sugar depth. It’s these little details that turn everyday basics into something truly special.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness and gives these cookies a rich, creamy backbone.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Brown sugar adds that deep, caramel flavor essential for mimicking pecan pie filling.
- Large egg (1): The egg creates structure and helps hold the dough together.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons, divided): A touch of vanilla in both the dough and the filling infuses the cookies with a warm, aromatic sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The classic cookie base, flour ensures a soft yet sturdy crumb.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): This gives the cookies a gentle lift so they’re light rather than dense.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A little salt sharpens the other flavors and keeps things balanced.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): The star of the show — these add crunch, richness, and classic pecan flavor.
- Corn syrup (1/2 cup): Corn syrup helps suspend the pecans in the filling and creates that signature chewy, glossy finish.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): For extra sweetness and to help the filling caramelize.
- Melted unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds extra richness to the pecan filling, making every bite buttery and lush.
How to Make Pecan Pie Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures your cookies bake evenly right from the get-go. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make cleanup a breeze. Trust me, nothing derails a cookie-baking session faster than cookies stuck to the pan!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and packed light brown sugar. Beat them until the mixture turns fluffy and noticeably lighter in color. This process not only blends the ingredients but also helps create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the large egg and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fully combined. The egg binds everything together, while the vanilla deepens the overall flavor — a small touch that makes a big difference!
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. By mixing these dry elements first, you’re sure every bite will have the perfect balance of lift and flavor.
Step 5: Bring the Dough Together
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Beat on low speed or stir just until combined — overmixing can make cookies tough, so stop when it just comes together. The dough should be soft and easy to scoop, with a tantalizing brown sugar aroma.
Step 6: Shape and Indent the Cookies
Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and space them about 2 inches apart on your baking sheet. With your thumb or the back of a teaspoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each ball, creating a little nest for the filling.
Step 7: Make the Decadent Pecan Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, corn syrup, granulated sugar, melted butter, and remaining teaspoon of vanilla extract. This gooey, nutty mixture is what sets these Pecan Pie Cookies apart from any ordinary thumbprint cookie.
Step 8: Fill and Bake the Cookies
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the pecan filling into the hollow center of each prepared cookie. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a delicate golden color. Your kitchen will smell like pure holiday magic!
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes — they’ll be delicate right out of the oven — then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once set, they’re ready to be devoured!
How to Serve Pecan Pie Cookies
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving can elevate the look and add a delightful flavor contrast. For a festive touch, drizzle a little melted chocolate over the cooled Pecan Pie Cookies or even add a tiny swirl of whipped cream.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a mug of spiced hot chocolate, a bold coffee, or a glass of cold milk. Their rich, nutty filling pairs perfectly with creamy or slightly bitter drinks, balancing out their sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange Pecan Pie Cookies on a rustic wooden platter for a cozy, Southern-inspired dessert spread, or stack them in cellophane bags tied with twine as charming edible gifts. They also look stunning in a mix with other holiday cookies for a varied dessert tray.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your Pecan Pie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay irresistibly chewy and fresh for up to 5 days, making them an excellent make-ahead treat for parties or gifting.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies for longer storage! Place baked and cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll keep their wonderful flavor and texture for up to 2 months.
Reheating
If you love a just-baked warm cookie, you can reheat individual Pecan Pie Cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds, or warm a whole tray in a low oven (300°F) for 5 minutes. This revives their freshly-made softness and makes the filling especially luscious.
FAQs
Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?
Absolutely! Dark corn syrup will give the filling a more robust, molasses-like flavor and a deeper caramel color. It’s a fun twist for those who love a classic pecan pie vibe.
Should I toast the pecans before adding them?
Toasting the pecans isn’t required, but it really amps up their nutty flavor and crunch. Simply bake them on a sheet at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, then let cool before using in the filling.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Texture and flavor may vary slightly, but you’ll still get delicious Pecan Pie Cookies.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
If your dough is very soft, pop it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before shaping. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape in the oven and ensures your filling stays nestled in the center.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in batches as needed. These cookies are always a hit at gatherings, so making extra is always a smart move.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say, these Pecan Pie Cookies belong on everyone’s must-bake list! They’re festive, crave-worthy, and so much easier than wrestling with a whole pie. Whip up a batch and watch smiles appear with every bite — don’t be surprised if they disappear fast!
Print
Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavors of pecan pie in a delightful cookie form with these Pecan Pie Cookies. A buttery, nutty cookie base filled with a sweet pecan mixture, these cookies are perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Pecan Filling:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar. Beat in egg and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Form Cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheet. Make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Prepare Pecan Filling: Combine chopped pecans, corn syrup, granulated sugar, melted butter, and vanilla. Spoon mixture into each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Cool on baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Enhance the holiday spirit by adding a pinch of cinnamon to the filling.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
