Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

If you’re a fan of the rich, nutty flavor of pecan pie, then these Pecan Pie Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. They combine the delightful essence of classic pecan pie filling with the soft, buttery texture of a cookie. The result is a bite-sized indulgence that brings all the comfort and warmth of pecan pie but with a fun twist. These cookies feature a gooey, sweet pecan pie filling nestled inside a soft, chewy cookie dough, making every bite an irresistible mix of flavors and textures. Topped with chopped pecans and drizzled with rich dark chocolate (if you choose), these cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual snacking to holiday gatherings. They are a great way to enjoy the flavors of a pecan pie without the hassle of a traditional pie crust. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, these Pecan Pie Cookies are guaranteed to satisfy your dessert desires.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Blend of Flavors

The combination of sweet, nutty pecan filling with the soft cookie dough creates the perfect balance of flavor and texture, offering the best of both worlds.

2. Easy to Make

This recipe simplifies the traditional pecan pie by turning it into a handheld, portable cookie. The steps are straightforward, making it a great baking project for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.

3. Customizable Toppings

You can adjust the toppings to suit your preferences. Add more chopped pecans for a crunchier texture, or drizzle with dark chocolate for an extra indulgent finish.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

These cookies are ideal for holidays, parties, or just a cozy afternoon treat. Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to share with friends and family, ensuring everyone gets a taste of the delicious pecan pie flavor.

5. Gooey, Sweet Filling

The gooey pecan pie filling inside each cookie is rich and comforting, much like the inside of a pecan pie, but in an easy-to-eat cookie form.

Ingredients

Pecan Pie Filling:

• Brown sugar (light or dark)
• Heavy whipping cream
• Large egg
• Pure vanilla extract
• Corn syrup or maple syrup
• Salt
• Coarsely chopped pecans

Cookie Dough:

• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Light brown sugar
• Egg yolk
• Pure vanilla extract
• Whole milk
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt

For Topping:

• Chopped pecans (optional)
• Melted dark chocolate (optional)

Variations

• Maple Flavor: Use maple syrup in place of corn syrup to add a subtle maple flavor to the pecan pie filling.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Be sure to check that the baking powder and baking soda are also gluten-free.
• Nut-Free Option: Omit the pecans and substitute with another type of nut like walnuts or almonds for a different take on these cookies.
• Chocolate Lovers: For extra indulgence, mix in chocolate chips into the cookie dough for a delightful chocolate-pecan combination.
• Spiced Cookies: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for an extra warm, spiced flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pecan Pie Filling

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, heavy whipping cream, egg, vanilla extract, corn syrup (or maple syrup), and salt. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the coarsely chopped pecans. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and whole milk, and mix until well combined.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.

Step 4: Assemble the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.

Step 5: Add the Pecan Pie Filling

Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, create a small well in the center of each dough ball. Spoon about a teaspoon of the cooled pecan pie filling into each well.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The center should still be soft but set. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Add Toppings

If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the cookies while they’re still warm. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cookies once they have cooled.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to make it easier to scoop and shape.
• Watch the Filling: Keep an eye on the pecan pie filling as it cooks to avoid burning the sugar. The mixture should thicken slightly, but it will firm up more as it cools.
• Don’t Overbake: These cookies should be soft in the center, so be sure not to overbake them. They will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.
• Evenly Sized Cookies: To ensure even baking, use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough into uniform balls.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your butter and egg yolk are at room temperature before mixing.

How to Serve

Pecan Pie Cookies can be served as a sweet treat for any occasion. Serve them at holiday gatherings, family dinners, or alongside a cup of coffee or tea. They’re also perfect for packing into gift boxes or jars as homemade gifts for friends and loved ones. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Pecan Pie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for several days, making them perfect for meal prep or a snack stash.

Freezing

To freeze the cookies, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for an hour or heat them up in the microwave for a few seconds.

Reheating

For warm cookies, place them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes to refresh them.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular syrup instead of corn syrup?

Yes, you can substitute corn syrup with maple syrup for a natural, slightly different flavor.

2. Can I use a whole egg instead of just the yolk?

The egg yolk gives the dough its rich texture, but if you only have a whole egg, you can use it in place of the yolk. The cookie texture will be slightly different.

3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough and pecan filling ahead of time. Store the dough and filling separately in the fridge and assemble the cookies when ready to bake.

4. Can I skip the chocolate drizzle?

Yes, the chocolate drizzle is optional, but it adds a rich touch to the cookies. You can skip it or substitute with white or milk chocolate.

5. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, making sure that the baking soda and baking powder are also gluten-free.

6. Can I add more pecans to the cookie dough?

Yes, you can add additional chopped pecans to the cookie dough for a crunchier texture. Just fold them in before baking.

7. What can I do if the filling is too runny?

If the filling is too runny, let it simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens, or refrigerate it to help it firm up before filling the cookies.

8. Can I use a different type of nut?

While pecans are traditional in pecan pie, you can use walnuts or even almonds for a variation on the classic flavor.

9. How can I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?

Make sure to slightly indent the dough balls before adding the filling. This will help keep the filling in place during baking.

10. Can I make these cookies without the pecan topping?

Yes, you can make the cookies without the pecan topping, but the added nuts give them extra texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Cookies combine the best of two worlds: the beloved flavors of pecan pie and the convenience of a cookie. With a gooey, nutty filling inside a soft, chewy cookie dough, these treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether you’re serving them at a special occasion or simply enjoying them with a cup of coffee, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. With a few variations and customizations, you can make them your own. Try making a batch today, and treat yourself to a bite-sized version of the classic pecan pie!

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