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
