The Perfect Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe: Bite-Sized Sweetness

Crispy edges and gooey centers make pecan pie cookies a delightful twist on the classic Southern dessert.

Nutty aromas waft through kitchens, promising sweet indulgence.

Soft dough embraces crunchy pecans in a magical marriage of textures.

Bakers adore this simple yet impressive treat that combines comfort and creativity.

Maple syrup and brown sugar create a rich caramel-like coating that hugs each morsel.

Minimal ingredients and quick preparation mean you can satisfy your dessert craving in no time.

Uncover this irresistible recipe and let your taste buds dance with pure joy.

Why You’ll Want a Batch of Pecan Pie Cookies ASAP

• Bake with Bite-Sized Charm: Transform the classic pecan pie into adorable, portable cookies that are perfect for sharing and snacking.
• Craft Gourmet Dessert Bites: Create a sophisticated treat that combines the rich flavors of traditional pecan pie with the convenience of a handheld cookie.
• Master No-Fuss Baking Technique: Enjoy a simplified approach to making pecan pie that requires minimal kitchen skills and delivers maximum flavor.
• Serve Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Delight guests with a versatile dessert that works beautifully for gatherings, potlucks, or casual family dessert nights.

What Goes Into Pecan Pie Cookie Goodness

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides structure to the cookie base.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the texture of the cookie crust.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pie crust.
• Cold Butter: Creates a flaky and tender texture in the cookie base.
• Egg: Helps bind the dough and provides richness.

• Corn Syrup: Creates a smooth and glossy filling with a sweet caramel-like flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth and richness to the pecan filling.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth filling consistency.
• Egg: Helps bind the filling ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm and complex flavor to the pecan filling.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

• Pecans (Chopped and Whole): Provides a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the cookies.
• Honey: Adds an extra layer of sweetness and shine to the finished cookies.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a delicate and decorative finish on the cooled cookies.

How to Bake the Best Pecan Pie Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Buttery Dough Base

Grab cold butter and slice it into tiny cubes. In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and pulse until the mixture looks like rough breadcrumbs. Drop in the egg and continue pulsing until the dough forms a smooth ball.

Step 2: Chill and Rest the Dough

Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and slide it into the refrigerator. Let it relax and firm up for half an hour.

Step 3: Preheat and Prep Baking Surface

Heat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.

Step 4: Shape Cookie Foundations

Roll out the chilled dough to a super thin 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to create 2-inch circles. Transfer these delicate rounds to the prepared baking sheet, leaving breathing room between each cookie.

Step 5: Create Cookie Centers

Using the back of a spoon, gently press a small dimple into the center of each cookie round.

Step 6: Whip Up Pecan Filling

• Corn syrup
• Brown sugar
• Melted butter
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Stir the ingredients until they create a smooth, glossy mixture. Fold in chopped pecans, ensuring even distribution.

Step 7: Fill Cookie Bases

Carefully spoon the pecan filling into the center of each cookie. Crown each cookie with a whole pecan for a stunning finish.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the filling sets.

Step 9: Cool and Decorate

Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely. For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle honey over the cooled cookies and dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Step 10: Store and Enjoy

Keep these delightful cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days – if they last that long!

Tips for Golden, Gooey Pecan Pie Cookies

• Chill Butter Perfectly: Cut cold butter into tiny cubes for a flakier, more tender pie crust that guarantees delicious texture.
• Prevent Soggy Centers: Create a deep indentation in cookie dough to hold pecan filling without leaking or spreading during baking.
• Enhance Pecan Flavor: Toast pecans briefly before chopping to intensify their nutty, rich taste and add extra depth to the cookie filling.
• Nail the Golden Edges: Watch cookies closely during last few minutes of baking to achieve perfect golden-brown edges without burning.
• Control Sweetness Level: Reduce corn syrup slightly and add a pinch of sea salt to balance overall sweetness and create more complex flavor profile.

Fun Flavor Twists on Classic Pecan Pie Cookies

• Chocolate Pecan Punch: Add melted dark chocolate to the cookie base and mix cocoa powder into the filling for a rich, decadent version.
• Maple Bourbon Crunch: Replace corn syrup with pure maple syrup and add a splash of bourbon to the filling for a sophisticated adult treat.
• Coconut Caramel Cluster: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top and drizzle caramel sauce over the finished cookies for a tropical-inspired sensation.
• Spiced Autumn Nibble: Incorporate ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger into the cookie dough and filling for a warm, seasonal profile.

Best Sips and Bites with Pecan Pie Cookies

• Pair with Bourbon Vanilla Cream: Smooth, rich bourbon-infused vanilla cream complements the nutty pecan sweetness, enhancing the cookie's deep caramel notes.
• Serve with Dark Roast Coffee: Robust, slightly bitter coffee cuts through the pie cookie's sweetness, creating a balanced and sophisticated flavor experience.
• Match with Salted Caramel Liqueur: Velvety salted caramel liqueur echoes the cookie's rich pecan filling, providing a decadent adult dessert pairing.
• Complement with Spiced Chai Tea: Warm, aromatic chai spices like cinnamon and cardamom beautifully highlight the cookie's nutty, buttery undertones.

Keeping Pecan Pie Cookies Fresh and Tasty

• Place cookies in an airtight container with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep at room temperature for maximum 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then store in freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 months for long-term preservation. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to retain original texture.
• Use parchment paper or wax paper between cookie layers to prevent crumbling and preserve delicate pecan filling. Stack carefully to avoid crushing the cookies' delicate structure.
• Keep cookies away from humid environments to prevent softening. Store in cool, dry place with tight-sealing lid to maintain crisp edges and prevent filling from becoming soggy.

All the Pecan Pie Cookie Questions, Answered

• How do I prevent the cookie base from becoming too tough?

Keep the butter cold and handle the dough minimally. Overworking the dough can develop gluten and make the cookies hard instead of tender and flaky.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. This actually helps the flavors develop and makes the dough easier to handle.

• What if my filling seems too runny?

If the filling looks too liquid, add a few more chopped pecans or chill the mixture for 10-15 minutes before spooning into cookie bases. This helps it set and prevents overflow during baking.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a set filling.

Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 45-48 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet Southern comfort meets cookie perfection in these pecan pie cookies, blending classic pie flavors with irresistible bite-sized charm. Nutty pecans nestled in a rich caramel-like filling create a delightful dessert you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Pie Crust Base:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 tsp salt

Pecan Filling:

• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

Garnish/Topping:

• 1/4 cup whole pecans
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp powdered sugar (optional)

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Instructions

1. Chill the butter and cut into small cubes to prepare for the pie crust base.
2. Blend flour, sugar, salt, and cold butter in a food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the egg and pulse until the dough comes together into a cohesive ball.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Roll out the chilled dough to 1/8-inch thickness and cut into 2-inch round circles.
7. Place dough circles on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
8. Create a small indentation in the center of each cookie using the back of a spoon.
9. Combine corn syrup, brown sugar, butter, egg, vanilla, and salt in a mixing bowl to create the pecan filling.
10. Fold chopped pecans into the filling mixture until evenly distributed.
11. Spoon the pecan filling into the center of each cookie base.
12. Top each cookie with a whole pecan for additional texture and decoration.
13. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the edges are golden and the filling is set.
14. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
15. Drizzle honey over the cooled cookies and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
16. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Notes

• Ensure butter is ice-cold for the flakiest, most tender crust that melts in your mouth.
• Use a food processor for the most consistent and quick dough preparation, avoiding overworking the mixture.
• Create uniform cookie sizes by using a round cookie cutter or drinking glass for perfectly shaped bases.
• Replace corn syrup with maple syrup for a more natural, deeper flavor profile that complements the pecans beautifully.
• For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs.
• Toast pecans briefly before adding to the filling to enhance their nutty, rich flavor and add depth to the overall taste.
• Chill the cookies after baking to help the filling set and intensify the caramel-like texture of the pecan topping.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg