Pecan Pie Cookies
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Delight in the sweet and nutty flavors of these delicious pecan pie cookies, perfect for any occasion.
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.
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.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
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
How-To Steps
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.
In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.
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.
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