A delightful twist on the classic pecan pie, these Pecan Pie Cookies deliver all the flavors you love in a handheld treat! With a buttery cookie base and a gooey pecan filling, they’re perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you crave a sweet indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Flavors in Cookie Form: Enjoy the rich, nutty taste of pecan pie in a bite-sized treat.
Quick and Easy: These cookies come together in just over 30 minutes, making them a breeze to prepare.

Perfect for Any Occasion: From holiday gatherings to casual snack time, they’re always a hit.
Customizable: Swap the corn syrup for maple syrup or experiment with different nuts for a unique twist.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

For the Pecan Filling

1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup corn syrup or maple syrup

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to create a small indentation in the center of each dough ball.

Prepare the Pecan Filling

In a medium bowl, mix the chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup (or maple syrup), melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Fill the Cookies

Spoon a small amount of the pecan filling into each indentation, being careful not to overfill.

Bake

Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: About 24 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes

Baking Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 30–32 minutes

Variations

Maple Pecan Cookies: Use maple syrup for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.

Nut Substitutes: Replace pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty twist.
Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted dark or white chocolate for extra decadence.
Spiced Cookies: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls or fully baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: Gently warm the cookies in a low-temperature oven to restore their freshly baked texture.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough or fully baked cookies in advance and store them in the freezer.

2. What can I use instead of corn syrup?

Maple syrup or honey are great substitutes for corn syrup in this recipe.

3. How do I prevent the filling from overflowing?

Avoid overfilling the indentations and ensure the filling is thick enough to hold its shape.

4. Can I use salted butter?

If using salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.

5. Are these cookies suitable for nut allergies?

These cookies are nut-centric, but you can experiment with nut-free fillings like caramel or jam.

6. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

7. How do I keep the cookies soft?

Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain their softness.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients to make a larger batch.

9. Can I add chocolate chips to the filling?

Yes, a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips can add a delicious twist.

10. What’s the best way to chop pecans?

Use a sharp knife or pulse them gently in a food processor to avoid overly fine pieces.

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Cookies are the perfect marriage of pie and cookie, offering the rich, nutty flavors of pecan pie in a handheld delight. Ideal for holiday cookie exchanges, festive gatherings, or a sweet snack any day, these cookies are sure to impress. Customize them to suit your preferences and enjoy a treat that’s both nostalgic and uniquely satisfying!