Pecan pie cookies are a sweet treat that brings together the tasty flavors of pecan pie in a handy cookie form! With buttery goodness and crunchy pecans, they’re simply delicious.
These cookies are great for any occasion, and they always remind me of family gatherings. The best part? You can eat them anytime without feeling guilty about slashing a whole pie! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is key for the richness of the cookies. If you only have salted butter, it works too; just omit the added salt later in the recipe.
Pecans: Pecans give the cookies their signature crunch. Don’t have pecans? You can swap in walnuts or almonds for a twist.
Corn Syrup: Essential for that classic pecan pie texture. For a substitute, try using maple syrup or honey, though it may alter the taste slightly.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds a subtle caramel flavor. If you run out, you can use granulated sugar with a touch of molasses (1 tablespoon per cup).
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Are Soft and Chewy?
To keep your pecan pie cookies soft and chewy, follow these tips:
- Don’t overmix the dough; mix until just combined for tender cookies.
- Avoid overbaking! Check the cookies at the minimum bake time and remove them as soon as the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks. This helps them set up without getting too hard.
Pecan Pie Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Pie Filling:
- 1 cup pecan halves and chopped pecans
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake, plus cooling time. It’s a quick treat to whip up and will leave your home smelling amazing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cookie Base:
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to mix them well. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix; you want a tender cookie!
4. Shape the Cookies:
Using a tablespoon, drop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm for a nice, even surface.
5. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the cookies in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Once baked, remove them from the oven but keep it on for the filling. Let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes.
6. Prepare the Pecan Pie Filling:
While the cookies are baking, mix together the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, flour, vanilla extract, and eggs in a separate bowl until smooth. Then, fold in the pecan halves and chopped pecans.
7. Assemble the Cookies:
Once the cookies have cooled slightly, spoon a generous tablespoon of the pecan pie filling onto each cookie.
8. Bake Again:
Return the cookies to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the filling is set and bubbly.
9. Cool and Serve:
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on wire racks before serving. Enjoy!
These pecan pie cookies are a delightful fusion of chewy cookie and rich pecan pie filling that everyone will love!
Can I Use Different Nuts in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can substitute them with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just keep the nut pieces roughly the same size for even distribution in the filling.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the cookie dough in advance and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping and baking.
What Should I Do If the Filling Overflows?
If the filling starts to overflow during baking, don’t worry! It might create a little mess, but the cookies will still taste great. Just make sure to use parchment paper or a silicone mat to catch any drips for easy cleanup.