Imagine a cookie that tastes like classic pecan pie in every bite: sweet, buttery, and packed with toasted pecans. These Pecan Pie Cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with a rich, caramel-like filling, making them perfect for holiday cookie trays, parties, or gifting.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Pecan Filling:
- 1 cup (120 g) chopped pecans, toasted
- 1/2 cup (120 g) light corn syrup or honey
- 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Make Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
3. Shape Cookie Bases:
Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie, roll into balls, and flatten slightly on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake Cookie Bases:
Bake for 8–10 minutes, until lightly golden at the edges. Remove from oven but leave oven on.
5. Prepare Pecan Filling:
While the cookies bake, combine chopped pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla in a bowl. Stir until well combined.
6. Top Cookies:
Once cookies are slightly cooled but still warm, spoon a small amount of pecan filling onto each cookie, spreading slightly. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes, until the filling is bubbly and slightly set.
7. Cool & Serve:
Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. The filling will firm up slightly as they cool, giving a soft, chewy center with crunchy pecans on top.
Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Cookies
- Toast the pecans: Brings out their flavor and adds crunch.
- Don’t overbake: The cookies should remain soft and slightly chewy.
- Optional glaze: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra festive touch.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Variations
- Mini Pecan Pie Tarts: Press dough into mini muffin tins and fill with pecan mixture for tart-style cookies.
- Maple Pecan Cookies: Swap corn syrup for pure maple syrup for a warm, autumn flavor.
- Chocolate Pecan Cookies: Add chocolate chips to the dough or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
Serving Ideas
- Perfect for holiday cookie trays or gifting
- Pair with coffee, hot cocoa, or tea
- Serve alongside vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat
These Pecan Pie Cookies are the perfect blend of buttery cookie, sweet filling, and toasted nuts — a bite-sized version of a classic pie that’s ideal for the holidays. 🥧✨