If you adore the classic taste of pecan pie but crave the convenience of a cookie, you’re in for a treat with Pecan Pie Cookies! These irresistible little gems perfectly blend a soft, buttery cookie base with a gooey, caramelized pecan center. Every bite delivers a burst of sweet, nutty flavor — just like the best slice of pecan pie, but in a fun, shareable package. They’re an absolute must for holiday trays, gifting, or whenever you need a comforting homemade treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For these Pecan Pie Cookies, you’ll be working with simple pantry staples plus a few delicious extras. Each ingredient pulls its weight — from texture to taste to those golden brown edges — making every bite unforgettable.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Provides the rich, tender base for your cookies, giving them a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the dough and encourages a lightly crisp exterior.
- Light Brown Sugar (½ cup): Adds depth and just a hint of caramel flavor that echoes the spirit of pecan pie.
- Large Egg (1): Binds everything together, so your cookies hold their shape yet stay tender.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon for dough, ½ teaspoon for filling): Infuses both the cookie and the filling with irresistible warmth and aroma.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Forms the structure — it’s what keeps your cookies chewy, not crumbly.
- Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Offers just a little lift, so each cookie bakes up light and soft.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon for dough, ¼ teaspoon for filling): Balances all those sweet notes, making the flavors pop.
- Finely Chopped Pecans (1½ cups): The heart and soul of Pecan Pie Cookies; always toast them for extra flavor if you can.
- Light Corn Syrup (½ cup): Gives your pecan filling its classic gooey chew and helps it set perfectly in the center.
- Packed Brown Sugar (⅓ cup, for filling): Deepens the molasses flavor in the filling, mimicking traditional pecan pie.
- Heavy Cream (2 tablespoons): Makes the pecan center luxuriously creamy and smooth.
How to Make Pecan Pie Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) — you want perfect, consistent heat for an even bake. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, combine your softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale — this gives your cookies a pillowy texture with irresistible softness.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract, beating just until fully incorporated. These ingredients help the dough form and provide that signature cookie flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring just until a dough forms. Over-mixing will make your cookies tough, so be gentle here!
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them on your prepared sheets. Give them enough room to spread a little, then gently press your thumb (or the back of a small spoon) into each ball to create a shallow well for the filling.
Step 6: Prepare the Pecan Filling
In a small saucepan over medium heat, stir together the finely chopped pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Stir constantly; once the mixture begins to bubble gently, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This filling will thicken slightly as it cools.
Step 7: Fill and Bake the Cookies
Using a spoon, fill each indentation in your cookies with a small amount of the warm pecan mixture. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. Don’t worry if the centers still look slightly soft — they’ll firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let your Pecan Pie Cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This lets the gooey filling set up for the most satisfying cookie experience.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, try sprinkling your freshly baked Pecan Pie Cookies with a quick dusting of powdered sugar, a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate. Each adds a touch of elegance and a pop of extra flavor to your cookie platter.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a steaming mug of coffee, hot chocolate, or spiced tea. For an indulgent plate, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream — the contrast between warm cookie and cool cream is heavenly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re gifting or entertaining, stack these Pecan Pie Cookies in a clear treat bag tied with a ribbon, or arrange them on a rustic wooden tray lined with parchment. For a dessert board, surround them with fresh berries, candied pecans, and caramel sauce for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, you can keep your Pecan Pie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. The filling keeps them soft and chewy without getting soggy.
Freezing
Pecan Pie Cookies freeze wonderfully! Place them between layers of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature for snacking anytime.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies a bit warm, just pop them in a low oven (about 250°F) for 5 minutes or microwave for a few seconds. They’ll taste like they’re fresh from the oven, with that gooey, aromatic pecan center revived.
FAQs
Can I make the pecan filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, and bring it to room temperature before assembling your Pecan Pie Cookies for easy spooning.
Do I need to toast the pecans first?
While not required, toasting the pecans intensifies their flavor and adds a bit of crunch. Just a few minutes in a dry skillet or oven does the trick and takes your cookies to the next level.
Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?
You can! Dark corn syrup will give the filling a deeper caramel flavor and slightly darker color. Both versions taste delicious, so use what you have or what you prefer.
What’s the best way to store these cookies for gifting?
For gifting, layer the completely cooled Pecan Pie Cookies between sheets of parchment or wax paper in a sturdy tin or box. This protects the filling and keeps the cookies looking beautiful for your lucky recipients.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, this recipe doubles (or triples) beautifully! Simply increase all ingredients proportionally and bake in batches. Make plenty — these cookies tend to disappear fast at parties and potlucks.
Final Thoughts
Give Pecan Pie Cookies a try the next time you want to impress friends, treat your family, or simply indulge in a little baking therapy. They’re homey, comforting, and packed with all the flavors you love, but so easy to share. Once you bite in, you’ll understand why they’re a perennial favorite in any cookie collection — happy baking!
Print
Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pecan Pie Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie, in cookie form! A buttery, tender cookie base filled with a sweet pecan mixture, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you’re craving a delicious treat.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Pecan Filling:
- 1½ cups finely chopped pecans
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare Cookie Dough: Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat in egg and vanilla. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Shape Cookies: Roll dough into balls, make an indentation, and place on baking sheets.
- Make Pecan Filling: Cook pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar, cream, and salt until bubbling. Stir in vanilla.
- Fill Cookies: Spoon pecan filling into each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.
- Cool: Cool on baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can make the pecan filling ahead and refrigerate.
- For richer flavor, toast pecans before chopping.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
