Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and a love for all things nutty and buttery, the Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie with a decadent, gooey pecan pie filling nestled right in the center. These cookies capture the rich flavors and texture of classic pecan pie, but in a fun, handheld treat that’s perfect for sharing (or not!). Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just because, these cookies offer a warm, comforting flavor experience that feels homemade and utterly irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These straightforward ingredients are the building blocks of a cookie that’s both tender and packed with flavor. Each one plays a critical role, from the creamy butter that’ll give you that melt-in-your-mouth softness to the aromatic spices that make the filling so memorable.

• Unsalted butter: Using room temperature butter ensures your dough creams nicely for a tender texture.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and the classic caramel notes essential for that pecan pie taste.
• Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
• Egg: Binds everything together and helps with the cookie’s structure.
• Pure vanilla extract: A little goes a long way to deepen the aroma and sweetness.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough providing the right crumb density.
• Baking powder: Gives the cookies a subtle lift and lightness.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances sweetness.
• Chopped pecans: The star ingredient in the filling, adding crunch and that hallmark pecan pie flavor.
• Heavy cream: Creates the luscious texture of the pecan pie filling.
• Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Sprinkle in these warm spices for the quintessential fall flavor vibe.

How to Make Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s perfectly hot for those cookies. While waiting, gather all your ingredients and make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature; this helps everything blend smoothly and keeps your dough consistent.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the butter with both brown and granulated sugars. This step is essential because incorporating air here is what makes the cookies light instead of dense. Take your time and don’t rush.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in one large egg and the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and slightly fluffy. These ingredients add richness and deepen the cookie’s flavor profile beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures your leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed, avoiding any pockets of flavor that could interfere with the dough’s texture.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet

Add the flour mixture gradually to the wet ingredients, mixing lightly after each addition. This careful folding helps keep the dough tender rather than tough, maintaining perfect softness in the finished cookie.

Step 6: Form the Cookie Dough Balls

Use a cookie scoop to portion out about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and shape them into balls. This ensures uniform cookies that bake evenly.

Step 7: Create Indents for Filling

Press the back of a measuring spoon into the center of each dough ball to make an indent—a little nest for the delicious pecan pie filling that’s coming next.

Step 8: Make the Pecan Pie Filling

In a saucepan, melt butter, then stir in brown sugar and chopped pecans, mixing until the sugar dissolves and coats the nuts. This creates the base of the gooey filling that every bite will love.

Step 9: Add Cream and Spices

Stir in heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, then remove from heat. The cream and spices elevate the filling to perfectly capture that warm, comforting pecan pie essence.

Step 10: Fill the Cookies

Spoon the pecan mixture into each dough indent generously. This gooey center is what sets the Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe apart and guarantees that rich, nutty burst with every bite.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 9 to 10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft and slightly gooey. Watching this moment closely ensures your cookies are soft yet fully cooked.

Step 12: Cool Before Enjoying

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step lets the filling set just right while keeping the cookies tender.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Try a simple dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch, or add a drizzle of warm caramel sauce right before serving to enhance the sweetness and decadence. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans adds crunch and a visually appealing finish.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. For a cozy touch, serve with a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or a creamy latte to complement the warm spices in the filling.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter with fresh pecan halves and cinnamon sticks as accents. For a party, consider stacking them in a beautiful jar with a rustic ribbon tied around it—these treats make a charming gift or table centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and delicious, ready to satisfy your cravings whenever they hit.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cookies stay fresh for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature for a quick treat.

Reheating

Warm cookies gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes to refresh that soft texture and melted filling sensation. Just don’t overheat or they may dry out.

FAQs

Can I use chopped walnuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts offer a similar crunchy texture and a slightly different but equally delicious flavor that works wonderfully in this cookie recipe.

Is it necessary to use both brown and granulated sugar?

Yes, the brown sugar adds moisture and a caramel flavor, while granulated sugar helps with texture and balance—both are important for the perfect cookie.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Sure! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking, which actually helps deepen the flavors and improves the dough’s handling.

What’s the best way to chop pecans for the filling?

Chop them roughly so you get a mix of pieces for texture without making the filling too fine or pasty. Toasting pecans beforehand can also intensify their flavor.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

The original Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. You can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary.

Final Thoughts

This Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe is truly a game changer for anyone who loves both cookies and pecan pie. It’s approachable, fun to make, and delivers the perfect balance of textures and flavors. I can’t wait for you to try it out and make it your own new favorite—these cookies are sure to bring smiles and sweet satisfaction every single time.

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