Pecan Pie Cookies

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight in the sweet and nutty flavors of pecan pie in a convenient cookie form.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-11-29T20:49:55.319Z

Pecan pie cookies offer all the delightful flavors of a traditional pecan pie, but in a bite-sized treat. Perfect for holiday gatherings or sweet snacks, these cookies are a true crowd-pleaser.

Why You'll Love These Cookies

  • Rich pecan flavor with a buttery cookie base
  • A delightful twist on a classic dessert
  • Perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cup of coffee

The Perfect Balance of Flavor

Pecan Pie Cookies offer a delightful marriage of textures and flavors that is sure to impress. The rich, buttery base provides a perfect canvas for the sweet, nutty filling. Each bite is an adventure that combines the crispy exterior with a gooey, caramel-like center, reminiscent of traditional pecan pie. This balance not only satisfies the sweet tooth but also elevates the cookie experience to new heights.

The use of brown sugar in these cookies adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile. It enhances the caramel notes, making each cookie taste like a mini pecan pie. The addition of chopped pecans brings a satisfying crunch that beautifully contrasts the soft and chewy dough, creating a multi-dimensional treat.

A Versatile Treat for Any Occasion

Pecan Pie Cookies are a fantastic choice for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual coffee breaks. Their unique flavor makes them a standout dessert that can easily be adapted to suit various themes and events. Whether you're hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon at home, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

They also make a wonderful gift! Pack them in a decorative tin or box, and you have a thoughtful present that friends and family will cherish. The ease of preparation means you can whip up a batch without much fuss, allowing you to focus on enjoying the moment with loved ones.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

To keep your Pecan Pie Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer, making it easy to have a sweet treat on hand whenever the craving strikes.

For serving, consider pairing these cookies with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. A cup of coffee or tea complements the flavors beautifully, making for a cozy afternoon treat. You can also drizzle a bit of chocolate or caramel sauce on top for an extra touch of sweetness.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious pecan pie cookies:

For the Cookies

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling

  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to have these ingredients ready before you start baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your pecan pie cookies:

Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Make the Filling

In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well until combined.

Assemble the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and flatten them slightly. Place a teaspoon of the pecan filling in the center of each flattened dough ball and fold the edges over to seal. Roll into a ball and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your freshly baked pecan pie cookies!

Tips for Perfect Cookies

To ensure that your Pecan Pie Cookies come out perfectly, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially with flour, to avoid dense cookies. Additionally, let your butter soften at room temperature before creaming it with sugars, as this will create a lighter texture.

Another tip is to chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much in the oven. It also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.

Variations to Try

While the classic pecan filling is delicious, feel free to experiment with other ingredients. You can add chocolate chips for a rich twist or incorporate dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a tart contrast. These variations can personalize your cookies and make them even more enticing.

For a spiced version, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough. This adds warmth and depth to the flavor, perfect for the fall and winter months. The nutty and sweet combination paired with warm spices creates a comforting treat that everyone will love.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute walnuts or almonds, but the flavor will be different.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw before baking.

→ What can I serve with these cookies?

These cookies pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Pecan Pie Cookies

Delight in the sweet and nutty flavors of pecan pie in a convenient cookie form.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 24 cookies

What You'll Need

For the Cookies

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  3. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  4. 1 large egg
  5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  6. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  7. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  8. 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling

  1. 1 cup chopped pecans
  2. 1/2 cup corn syrup
  3. 1/4 cup brown sugar
  4. 2 tablespoons melted butter
  5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 02

In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well until combined.

Step 03

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and flatten them slightly. Place a teaspoon of the pecan filling in the center of each flattened dough ball and fold the edges over to seal. Roll into a ball and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 04

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 200 kcal
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Protein: 2g