Pecan Pie Cookies have a special place in my heart, and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you! They’re inspired by my absolute favorite holiday dessert, but in a perfectly portable, bite-sized package. I remember my mom making a big batch of these every Christmas; the aroma of toasted pecans and sweet brown sugar filling the kitchen was pure magic. These easy pecan pie cookies are just as delightful, with a tender, buttery shortbread base topped with that signature gooey, nutty pecan filling. They’re simpler to make than a full pie but deliver all the comforting flavors you crave. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love These Pecan Pie Cookies

Get ready to fall in love with these delightful treats! They’re the easiest way to capture that classic pecan pie flavor in a portable cookie form.

Incredible Flavor: You get all the rich, buttery, nutty goodness of pecan pie in every bite.
Perfect Texture: A tender, slightly crumbly shortbread base meets a gooey, caramelized pecan topping.
Easy to Make: These homemade pecan pie cookies are surprisingly simple, perfect for bakers of all levels.
Party Perfect: Their handheld size makes them ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just a sweet afternoon treat.
Crowd-Pleaser: Seriously, who can resist the irresistible combination of pecans and caramel? Everyone will ask for the recipe!
Versatile: You can easily adapt these homemade pecan pie cookies with add-ins like chocolate or a touch of caramel drizzle.
Quick Prep: From start to finish, you’ll have delicious cookies ready in under an hour.

Ingredients for Easy Pecan Pie Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful pecan pie cookies. The ingredients are divided into two parts: the cookie base and the pecan filling, ensuring that perfect balance of textures and flavors. I find using room temperature butter for the cookie base is a game-changer, making the pecan pie cookie dough much easier to work with.

1 cup unsalted butter, softened – this creates a tender, buttery shortbread base
½ cup granulated sugar – for sweetness and structure
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances all the sweet flavors
2 cups all-purpose flour – the foundation of our cookie dough
¼ teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
1 cup chopped pecans – the star of our gooey topping, lightly toasting them first adds depth!
½ cup brown sugar – for that classic caramel-like flavor in the filling
¼ cup heavy cream – makes the filling rich and luscious
2 tablespoons unsalted butter – adds richness to the pecan topping
½ teaspoon vanilla extract – a little extra warmth for the filling
Pinch of salt – just a touch to enhance the caramel notes

How to Make Homemade Pecan Pie Cookies

Get ready to create some magic in your kitchen with this straightforward guide on how to make pecan pie cookies. These steps are designed to yield the most delicious results, so follow along and prepare for some seriously good baking!

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is crucial for preventing sticking and ensuring easy cleanup.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup unsalted butter, softened, and ½ cup granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This aerates the dough, contributing to a tender cookie. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Step 3: Gradually add 2 cups all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon salt to the butter mixture. Mix until a soft dough just comes together. If your kitchen is warm and the dough feels too soft to handle, don’t worry! Just pop it in the fridge for about 20 minutes to firm up slightly.
Step 4: Once the dough is manageable, use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to portion it out. Roll each portion into a ball and place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Step 5: Now for that signature pecan pie look! Gently press a small well into the center of each dough ball. You can use your thumb or the back of a spoon. This well is where all that gooey pecan goodness will go.
Step 6: While your cookie bases are ready, let’s make the filling. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup chopped pecans, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir this mixture constantly until it bubbles and thickens slightly, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 7: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the remaining ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Give it a good mix to ensure all those delicious pecan pieces are coated in the rich, syrupy filling.
Step 8: Carefully spoon a small amount of the warm pecan filling into the well of each cookie dough ball. Try not to overfill them – about a teaspoon of filling per cookie is perfect. This is a key part of how to make pecan pie cookies that look and taste amazing.
Step 9: Bake in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for the edges of the cookies to be lightly golden brown. The filling should be bubbly and caramelized.
Step 10: Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set up properly. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoying these homemade pecan pie cookies fresh from the oven is a true delight!

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Pro Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Cookies

I’ve made these pecan pie cookies countless times, and I’ve picked up a few tricks to make sure they turn out perfectly every time. These tips will help you achieve that irresistible flavor and texture that makes them the best pecan pie cookies.

Toast your pecans! A quick toast in a dry skillet or in the oven before chopping enhances their nutty flavor and adds a wonderful depth to the filling.
Chill the dough if your kitchen is warm. A slightly firmer dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring they hold their shape.
Use a cookie scoop for uniform size. This guarantees that your cookies bake evenly and look professional.
Don’t overbake! You want the edges to be just lightly golden brown. The centers will continue to set as they cool.

What’s the secret to perfect Pecan Pie Cookies?

The real secret to these best pecan pie cookies lies in the balance of the buttery shortbread base and the rich, gooey pecan topping. Toasting the pecans and ensuring your butter is properly softened for the dough are key techniques I always use.

Can I make Pecan Pie Cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the cookie dough and the pecan filling separately up to two days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving for the freshest taste, or bake them and store them as directed in the storage section.

Why are my Pecan Pie Cookies flat?

Flat cookies usually happen for a couple of reasons. First, if your butter is too soft or melted, the dough will spread excessively. Second, overmixing the dough can also contribute to flatness. Make sure to cream the butter and sugar until just fluffy, and add the flour until just combined. For more baking tips, check out this guide on baking fundamentals.

Best Ways to Serve Pecan Pie Cookies

These delightful pecan pie cookies are so versatile, you can enjoy them in so many ways! They’re wonderful on their own, but I love pairing them with a warm cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. They also make a fantastic addition to a holiday cookie platter, adding that classic Southern pecan pie flavor in a fun, bite-sized format. You might also enjoy our Pistachio Pavlova Meringue Cakes for another festive dessert option.

For a truly decadent experience, try drizzling these pecan pie cookies with caramel. A little extra caramel sauce over the top just amplifies that rich, sweet flavor, making them utterly irresistible. They’re also a great portable dessert for picnics or a sweet ending to any meal. Consider trying our Berry Crumble with Fresh Berries for a different fruit-forward dessert.

Nutrition Facts for Pecan Pie Cookies

These delightful pecan pie cookies are a sweet treat that’s surprisingly reasonable in terms of nutrition, making them a fantastic choice for any occasion. When you’re enjoying these homemade pecan pie cookies, knowing the nutritional breakdown can be helpful for mindful snacking.

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 30mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on healthy eating, you can refer to resources like the Eatwell Guide.

How to Store and Reheat Pecan Pie Cookies

Properly storing your delicious pecan pie cookies is key to keeping them fresh and tasty, offering endless pecan pie cookie inspiration for future cravings. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy. Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you have a particularly warm kitchen or want them to last longer, they can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week, though they might lose a bit of their signature chewiness.

For longer storage, freezing is your best bet. Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bring the frozen cookies to room temperature for about an hour, or warm them gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3-5 minutes. This brings back that wonderful fresh-baked aroma and texture! If you’re looking for other baking projects, consider our Easy Cinnamon Rolls.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pecan Pie Cookies

What are Pecan Pie Cookies?

Pecan Pie Cookies are delightful, bite-sized treats that capture the essence of traditional pecan pie. They typically feature a buttery shortbread-like cookie base topped with a gooey, caramelized mixture of pecans and brown sugar. They offer all the comforting flavors of pecan pie in a convenient, portable format, making them a favorite for holidays and everyday enjoyment.

Can I make Pecan Pie Cookies with different nuts?

Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can certainly experiment with other nuts. Walnuts are a fantastic substitute and offer a similar rich flavor. Almonds or even a mix of different nuts can add wonderful variations to your pecan pie cookies. Just make sure they are chopped to a similar size as the pecans for even distribution in the filling.

How do I get a chewier Pecan Pie Cookie?

To achieve a chewier texture in your pecan pie cookies, try slightly underbaking them. Pull them out when the edges are just starting to turn golden brown, and the centers still look a little soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. Also, ensure your brown sugar is fresh and moist, as this contributes to the chewiness of the filling. For more cookie inspiration, check out our Cinnamon Orange Jam Linzer Cookies.

Are Pecan Pie Cookies suitable for a small batch?

Yes, these cookies are quite adaptable! You can easily halve the recipe to make a small batch of pecan pie cookies. Just be mindful of the baking time, as smaller batches might bake slightly faster. This is great if you don’t need a huge quantity or want to try out a new recipe without committing to a full batch.

Variations of Pecan Pie Cookies You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, don’t be afraid to get creative with these pecan pie cookies! There are so many fun ways to switch things up and make them your own. For a decadent twist, try adding mini chocolate pecan pie cookies by stirring some chocolate chips into the dough or drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled cookies. If you love a buttery base, you can lean into the shortbread pecan pie cookies by using a richer shortbread recipe for the base, perhaps adding a touch of almond extract for complexity.

You can also explore gluten-free options by using your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For a different texture, consider pressing the dough into mini muffin tins and filling them, creating a sort of mini pecan pie cookie bar. These small tweaks can lead to exciting new flavor profiles and textures, keeping your pecan pie cookie ideas fresh and inspiring! If you’re interested in other cookie recipes, our desserts category has many more options.

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