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Pecan Pie Cookies are the perfect bite-sized treat for lovers of the classic holiday dessert. These cookies combine the rich, buttery flavor of pecan pie filling with the simplicity of a soft cookie base.
These cookies are as easy to make as they are delicious, making them perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or a cozy treat with coffee.
Let’s bring the warm flavors of pecan pie to your table in cookie form!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Pecan Pie Flavor: All the delicious flavors of a pecan pie in a handheld treat.
- Easy to Make: No rolling dough or fancy equipment required.
- Perfect for Holidays: Great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive occasion.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A hit at cookie swaps, potlucks, and family gatherings.
- Customizable: Add a drizzle of chocolate or a pinch of sea salt for extra flair.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake in advance and store for busy holiday schedules.
What to Serve with Pecan Pie Cookies
- Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage complements the rich flavors.
- Ice Cream: Serve alongside vanilla or caramel ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Milk: A classic pairing that kids and adults will enjoy.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds extra decadence.
- Fruit Salad: Balance the sweetness with a light and fresh fruit salad.
- Holiday Punch: Pair with a festive holiday punch or mulled cider for a seasonal treat.
Pecan Pie Cookies
Soft and buttery cookies filled with a rich, gooey pecan pie-inspired filling. Perfect for holidays and special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Filling:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/8 teaspoon salt.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
- Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create an indentation in the center of each cookie.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, melted butter, and salt until well combined.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the pecan filling into the center of each cookie.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, serve the cookies on a platter or store them for later.
Notes
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Customizations: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the cookie dough and pecan filling up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble and bake when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a premade cookie dough?
Yes, sugar cookie dough works as a shortcut, but homemade dough delivers the best flavor.
How do I prevent the filling from spilling over?
Avoid overfilling the indentations, and make sure the dough is chilled if it feels too soft.
What can I use instead of corn syrup?
Maple syrup or honey can be used, but the filling may be slightly less gooey.
Wrapping it up
Pecan Pie Cookies bring all the comforting flavors of pecan pie into an easy-to-make cookie form. Perfect for holidays or a sweet treat any time of year, these cookies are a delicious addition to your dessert table.
Try them today and enjoy the warm, nutty goodness in every bite!