Irresistible Pecan Pie Cookies That Taste Like the Holidays Recipe
Introduction
These Irresistible Pecan Pie Cookies capture all the warm, buttery flavors of classic pecan pie in a convenient bite-sized treat. Perfect for holiday gatherings or whenever you crave a sweet nutty bite, these cookies are easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Make the filling: In a saucepan, combine ⅓ cup brown sugar, corn syrup (or maple syrup), and 1 tablespoon butter. Heat over medium until the mixture is dissolved and bubbling. Stir in chopped pecans, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare dough: In a bowl, cream together ¾ cup softened butter, ½ cup packed brown sugar, and ¼ cup granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg and 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1½ cups flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Shape cookies: Scoop dough into balls about 1½ tablespoons each. Place on baking sheets lined with parchment. Use your thumb or a spoon to press a small well into the center of each dough ball.
- Fill and bake: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the pecan filling into each well. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Enjoy the cookies warm or at room temperature. They are perfect for holiday gift-giving, parties, or as part of a festive dessert tray.
Tips & Variations
- Toast the pecans before adding to the filling to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- Use maple syrup instead of corn syrup for a richer, slightly different sweetness.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on each cookie before baking.
- Add a dash of nutmeg or ginger to the filling for extra holiday spice.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if you prefer them warm.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the dough or filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling a day in advance. Keep them refrigerated separately and assemble the cookies just before baking.
Can I use pecan halves instead of chopped pecans?
Chopped pecans work best for even distribution in the filling, but you can use halves if you prefer a chunkier texture.
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Irresistible Pecan Pie Cookies That Taste Like the Holidays Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
Description
These Irresistible Pecan Pie Cookies capture all the warm, rich flavors of classic pecan pie in a delightful cookie form. With a buttery dough base and a gooey, nutty filling made from toasted pecans, brown sugar, and syrup, these cookies offer a perfect holiday treat that’s easy to bake and share.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Pecan Filling
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Make the filling: In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup (or maple syrup), and butter. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugars dissolve completely and the mixture begins to bubble gently. Remove from heat and stir in the toasted chopped pecans, vanilla extract, cinnamon if using, and a pinch of salt. Allow the filling to cool slightly to thicken.
- Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to form a soft dough.
- Shape the cookies: Using about 1½ tablespoons of dough per cookie, scoop and roll into balls. Place them spaced evenly on baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats. Gently press your thumb or the back of a spoon into the center of each dough ball to create a small well for the filling.
- Fill and bake: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the pecan filling into each well. Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Enjoy the cookies warm for a gooey treat or store them in an airtight container for later. These cookies are perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or festive dessert trays.
Notes
- To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through, until fragrant.
- Use corn syrup for a classic flavor, or maple syrup for a natural sweetness and added depth.
- Press dough wells gently to avoid breaking the cookie base when adding filling.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For extra texture, sprinkle a few additional chopped pecans on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pecan pie cookies, holiday cookies, pecan desserts, holiday baking, nutty cookies, festive treats, easy cookies
