Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

Dreamy Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe: Bite-Sized Bliss for Your Soul

Dreamy pecan pie cookies blend two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat that will make taste buds dance with delight.

Warm aromas of caramel and toasted nuts waft through kitchens, promising pure comfort.

Soft cookie bases cradle rich, gooey pecan filling that mimics classic pie textures.

Crisp edges give way to chewy centers packed with sweet, nutty goodness.

Baking these little morsels becomes a joyful experience that connects generations through shared culinary memories.

Each bite transports you to cozy holiday gatherings and nostalgic moments of indulgence.

You’ll want to savor every crumb and share these delectable gems with everyone around you.

Pecan Pie Cookies Flavorful Qualities to Crave

  • Savor Quick Baking Bliss: These pecan pie cookies deliver the classic pie flavor in a convenient, bite-sized cookie form that's super easy to whip up in your kitchen.
  • Delight Family-Friendly Treats: Perfect for all ages, these cookies bring the beloved pecan pie taste without the complexity of making a traditional pie, making them a crowd-pleaser for gatherings and snack times.
  • Celebrate Versatile Dessert Option: Great for potlucks, holiday parties, or casual weekend baking, these cookies offer a delightful twist on a traditional dessert that's sure to impress both kids and adults.
  • Master Simple Baking Technique: Requiring basic baking skills and minimal ingredients, these cookies are an excellent recipe for beginners and experienced bakers looking for a quick and delicious sweet treat.

Everything You’ll Need for Pecan Pie Cookies

Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the cookie.
  • Butter: Softened butter creates a rich and creamy base for the cookie dough.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a deep caramel-like flavor to the cookies.
  • Pecans: Chopped pecans deliver a classic nutty crunch and authentic pecan pie taste.
Binding Ingredients:
  • Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and provides moisture to the cookie dough.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm and sweet essence.
Leavening Ingredients:
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and creates a light, tender texture.

How to Make Chewy Pecan Pie Cookies Easily

Step 1: Prepare Oven Temperature

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the perfect baking environment for these delightful cookies.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip the softened butter and brown sugar together until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud of sweetness.

Step 3: Introduce Moisture And Flavor

Crack in the egg and pour the vanilla extract, then blend thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Elements

Grab another bowl and sift together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder

Ensure these ingredients are evenly mixed.

Step 5: Merge Wet And Dry Ingredients

Slowly incorporate the dry mixture into the creamy base, stirring gently to create a consistent dough.

Step 6: Add Nutty Crunch

Gently fold in the chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the cookie dough.

Step 7: Form Cookie Drops

Using a tablespoon, dollop small mounds of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.

Step 8: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 9: Cool And Enjoy

Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool completely before serving, allowing them to set and develop their rich, nutty flavor.

Tips for Delicious and Nutty Pecan Cookies

  • Use exact measurements for flour and pecans to ensure consistent cookie texture and flavor.
  • Let butter sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before creaming to achieve perfect light and fluffy consistency.
  • Finely chop pecans to distribute flavor evenly and prevent large chunks that might disrupt cookie texture.
  • Watch cookies closely during last 2 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning and maintain soft, chewy center.
  • Keep cookies in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent staleness.
  • Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Cookies: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Pecan Delight: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and swap brown sugar for coconut sugar.
  • Maple Pecan Variation: Replace vanilla extract with pure maple syrup and add a drizzle of maple glaze on top of cooled cookies for extra sweetness.
  • Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies: Mix in dark chocolate chips with the chopped pecans to create a rich, decadent cookie variation.

Suggestions for Serving Pecan Pie Cookies

  • Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange cookies on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh rosemary and cinnamon sticks for a charming seasonal presentation.
  • Dessert Wine Pairing: Serve alongside a sweet dessert wine like port or moscato to complement the rich pecan and buttery cookie flavors.
  • Coffee Companion: Place cookies next to a warm mug of spiced coffee or cappuccino for a delightful afternoon treat that enhances the nutty, sweet profile.
  • Gifting Delight: Package cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, perfect for homemade holiday gifts or cookie exchange parties.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
  • Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
  • Warm cookies for 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. Check temperature to avoid overheating and maintain soft texture.
  • Preheat oven to 300F. Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for 3-5 minutes to restore crisp edges and soft center.

FAQs

  • Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a similar crunchy texture and flavor profile.

  • Is this recipe suitable for people with nut allergies?

No, the recipe contains pecans and cannot be made nut-free without significant modifications.

  • How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before dropping onto baking sheets to help maintain the cookie shape and prevent excessive spreading.

  • Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking, which can enhance the flavor and texture.

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Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Pecan pie cookies blend Southern charm with cookie magic, creating a delightful dessert that captures classic flavors in a handheld treat. Rich caramel notes and buttery pecans nestle atop a crisp cookie base, offering you a delectable mini indulgence perfect for holiday gatherings or sweet afternoon breaks.


Ingredients

Scale

Filling:

  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg

Seasoning and Leavening:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare oven to 350F (175C), ensuring optimal baking temperature for delicate cookies.
  2. Whip softened butter and brown sugar in a mixing bowl until achieving a creamy, airy texture with pale color.
  3. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to create a smooth, homogeneous mixture.
  4. Sift flour and baking powder together in a separate bowl to eliminate potential lumps.
  5. Gently integrate dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, stirring until just combined to maintain cookie tenderness.
  6. Delicately fold chopped pecans throughout the dough, distributing evenly for consistent nutty flavor.
  7. Arrange rounded tablespoon-sized dough portions onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them to allow slight spreading.
  8. Place cookies in preheated oven, baking for 10-12 minutes until edges transform to a golden-brown hue.
  9. Transfer cookies to a wire rack, allowing complete cooling to enhance texture and facilitate easy removal.

Notes

  • Toasting pecans beforehand intensifies their nutty flavor and adds a deeper, richer taste to the cookies.
  • Chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps prevent spreading and creates a more compact, uniform cookie shape.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture in the final product.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the cookie’s structure and taste.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 171 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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