Pecan Pie Cookies

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight in the sweet and nutty flavors of these delicious pecan pie cookies, perfect for any occasion.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-11-29T20:51:55.531Z

Pecan pie cookies are a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie, featuring a buttery cookie base topped with a gooey pecan filling. They are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat for any day of the week.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Rich caramel flavor with crunchy pecans
  • Soft, chewy texture with a hint of vanilla
  • Easy to make and perfect for sharing

The Perfect Blend of Flavors

These pecan pie cookies bring together the rich flavors of traditional pecan pie in a delightful cookie form. The combination of buttery dough and crunchy pecans creates a mouthwatering experience that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Each bite delivers a wonderful mix of caramel sweetness and nutty crunch, making them a hit for anyone who loves the classic dessert.

With a soft and chewy texture that complements the crunchy pecans, these cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or simply want to indulge in something sweet, these cookies will impress your guests and leave them wanting more. The hint of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile, creating a comforting and familiar taste.

Easy to Make and Share

One of the best aspects of these pecan pie cookies is how easy they are to make. The recipe requires simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, and the steps are straightforward, making it perfect for novice bakers. In just a few steps, you can whip up a batch of delicious cookies that are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

These cookies are also great for sharing! Package them in a decorative box or tin, and they make a lovely gift for friends, family, or coworkers. They are perfect for potlucks, cookie exchanges, or holiday celebrations. Everyone will appreciate the thoughtfulness behind homemade treats, and these cookies are sure to be a favorite.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Base

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

For the Pecan Topping

  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Mix the ingredients well to ensure a perfect dough and topping.

Instructions

Prepare the Cookie Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Make the Pecan Topping

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

Assemble and Bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto a lined baking sheet. Make a small indentation in the center of each cookie and fill it with the pecan topping mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Storage Tips

To keep your pecan pie cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, but we doubt they'll last that long! If you want to extend their shelf life, consider refrigerating them, which can keep them fresh for a couple of weeks.

If you decide to freeze your cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes to regain that fresh-baked taste.

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can add chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor or substitute the pecans with walnuts or macadamia nuts if you prefer. For a touch of spice, consider mixing in a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough.

If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend you choose contains xanthan gum or add it separately to maintain the cookies' structure. These variations can help you cater to different taste preferences while keeping the essence of the pecan pie cookies intact.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different nuts?

Yes, you can substitute with walnuts or almonds if you prefer.

→ How do I store these 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. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

→ What can I use instead of corn syrup?

You can use maple syrup or honey as a substitute for corn syrup.

Pecan Pie Cookies

Delight in the sweet and nutty flavors of these delicious pecan pie cookies, perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 24 cookies

What You'll Need

For the Cookie Base

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

For the Pecan Topping

  1. 1 cup chopped pecans
  2. 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  3. 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. 1/4 teaspoon salt

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto a lined baking sheet. Make a small indentation in the center of each cookie and fill it with the pecan topping mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

Step 04

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Protein: 2g