If you’re looking for a delightful twist on two classic desserts, this Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the rich, buttery flavors of pecan pie with the soft, chewy goodness of a cookie, these treats bring all the warmth and sweetness of the holiday favorite into a handheld delight. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or craving something to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, these cookies are an irresistible way to celebrate pecan pie in a completely new form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe comes from a handful of simple ingredients, each carefully chosen to create the perfect balance of texture and flavor. From the tender cookies to the nutty, caramel-like topping, these essentials work together beautifully to bring out the nostalgic taste you love.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The foundation for the cookie dough providing structure and a tender bite.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just the right amount for a soft, chewy texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds rich, creamy moisture that makes these cookies melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Imparts deep caramel notes and keeps the cookies wonderfully moist.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds sweetness and contributes to a slight crispness around the edges.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and enriches the dough.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings out the warm, inviting aroma and flavor.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): The star ingredient, offering crunch and that signature nutty flavor reminiscent of classic pecan pie.
How to Make Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Begin by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This dry mixture forms the base that gives your cookies their perfect soft structure. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to infusing your cookies with sweet, buttery goodness.
Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugars, mixing until fully incorporated. Slowly introduce the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix — this keeps your cookies tender and soft, just like homemade pecan pie filling.
Step 3: Fold in the Pecans
Gently fold the chopped pecans into your dough. These nuts not only add crunch but also create little bursts of toasted flavor that remind you of that classic pecan pie texture, making each bite completely satisfying.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them a couple of inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly soft. Remember, they will set as they cool, preserving that chewy pecan pie feel.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Take these cookies over the top by sprinkling a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving, or drizzle them with a little caramel sauce for an extra special touch. For a festive twist, add a pinch of cinnamon sugar on top of the dough before baking — it’s like a cozy hug in cookie form.
Side Dishes
Serve your pecan pie cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to mimic the pie experience perfectly. They also make a fantastic companion to a hot cup of coffee or chai tea, which balances the sweetness and deep nutty flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress at a party, arrange your pecan pie cookies on a rustic wooden board or a vintage cake stand. Add some whole pecans and cinnamon sticks around for decoration. You could even sandwich two cookies with a layer of cream cheese frosting or caramel spread for a delightful twist on traditional cookie sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your pecan pie cookies in an airtight container. They’ll keep their soft, chewy texture for up to a week when stored at room temperature, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with friends.
Freezing
If you’d like to save some for later, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealable freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing any of that homemade charm.
Reheating
Whenever you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. Just like fresh out of the oven, they’ll be soft, warm, and utterly delicious.
FAQs
Can I use chopped walnuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional and give the authentic pecan pie flavor, chopped walnuts can be a lovely substitute that adds a slightly different but equally delicious flavor and texture.
How do I make sure my cookies stay soft?
Be careful not to overbake. Pull them out of the oven when they’re golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to set as they cool, giving you that perfect chewy texture.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend and ensuring the other ingredients are gluten-free, you can make these cookies suitable for a gluten-free diet without sacrificing flavor.
Is it okay to use salted butter?
If you only have salted butter on hand, you can still use it; just reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly to balance the flavors correctly.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding chocolate chips complements the pecans beautifully and adds a rich, sweet surprise inside each cookie. It’s a fun variation if you’re looking to switch things up.
Final Thoughts
This Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe is a wonderful way to bring the joy of pecan pie into a compact, easy-to-share form that’s perfect anytime you want a sweet treat. With its buttery dough, crunchy pecans, and sweet caramel notes, you really can’t go wrong. I encourage you to try baking a batch soon — these cookies are sure to become one of your favorite go-to recipes to make and share with loved ones.
Print
Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pecan Pie Cookies combine the rich, buttery flavors of classic pecan pie with the convenience and texture of a delicious cookie. Soft and chewy with a slightly crisp edge, these cookies feature a nutty crunch from toasted pecans and a sweet, caramel-like flavor from brown sugar and vanilla. Perfect for holiday treats or any time you crave a festive dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, ensuring the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Mix dry into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in pecans: Gently fold chopped pecans into the cookie dough with a spatula to evenly distribute the nuts.
- Shape cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
- Cool: Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and store: Enjoy these cookies fresh, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the recipe.
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugars.
- Chop pecans evenly to ensure consistent texture in every bite.
- Do not overbake; cookies should be soft in the center when removed from the oven.
- For extra flavor, toast pecans lightly before adding them into the dough.
- Cookies can be frozen after baking; thaw at room temperature before serving.
