Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

If you adore the flavors of classic Southern desserts but want something hand-held and utterly adorable, Pecan Pie Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine all the gooey, nutty, brown sugar richness of a traditional pecan pie but snuggled inside a soft, buttery thumbprint cookie. These cookies are sweet comfort on a plate—perfect for holidays, gifting, or those moments when you crave a little nostalgia wrapped in something homemade and lovable.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t you love when a recipe lets simple ingredients truly shine? Every component in these Pecan Pie Cookies plays a starring role—adding structure, depth, and that crave-worthy flavor that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

• Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Essential for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie base and it lends richness to both dough and filling.
• Brown Sugar (1/2 cup, packed + 1/4 cup for filling): Gives beautiful toffee notes and that signature caramel-like flavor, both inside and on top.
• Large Egg (1): Binds your dough and provides that lovely chewy texture we all secretly crave.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon + 1/4 teaspoon for filling): Heightens the cookie’s aroma and enhances every nutty, sugary bite.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 1/4 cups): Creates sturdy yet tender cookies, the perfect vessel for that irresistible nutty filling.
• Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps lift each cookie slightly so they’re never dense or heavy.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A dash is all you need to balance out the sweetness and make those warm flavors truly pop.
• Pecans (1/2 cup, chopped): The star of the show, bringing unbeatable crunch and toastiness that defines Pecan Pie Cookies.
• Heavy Cream (2 tablespoons): Makes the filling extra rich and gooey, creating that classic pecan pie sensation in each bite.
• Unsalted Butter for filling (1 tablespoon): Melts into the pecan mixture for glossy, luscious spoonfuls that won’t dry out while baking.

How to Make Pecan Pie Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Equipment

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but ensures every Pecan Pie Cookie bakes up with lightly golden edges and an easy release.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat together your softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this can take a couple of minutes, but the payoff is a perfectly soft cookie. A hand mixer makes this step even easier!

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract, then blend until smooth. This step builds flavor and helps create a cohesive, creamy cookie dough base that pairs so well with the pecan pie filling.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. This evenly distributes the leavening power and seasoning—no surprise clumps, just beautifully consistent cookies.

Step 5: Bring the Dough Together

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but hold its shape when rolled.

Step 6: Shape and Indent the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them on your parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Press a thumbprint or the back of a spoon gently into the center of each ball to create a well for your filling. This cozy little nest is what sets Pecan Pie Cookies apart.

Step 7: Make the Pecan Filling

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter. Stir constantly until everything melts together and bubbles, forming a fragrant, nutty, sticky filling—usually 2 to 3 minutes. Take it off the heat and stir in a dash of vanilla for an extra pop of warmth.

Step 8: Fill and Bake

Spoon a small amount of the gooey pecan mixture into each indentation. Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Watch for those perfectly golden edges! Cool on the tray for five minutes before carefully transferring to a rack to cool completely—this helps them set up just right.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Cookies

Garnishes

Try a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans on top right after filling, or a delicate dusting of powdered sugar once they’ve cooled. For a festive touch, a tiny drizzle of melted dark chocolate adds a beautiful contrast and a touch more decadence.

Side Dishes

Pecan Pie Cookies are a treat on their own, but they shine even brighter next to a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a cup of rich coffee. If you’re serving these at a party, offer them with fresh fruit or alongside other classic holiday cookies for a marvelous dessert platter.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Pecan Pie Cookies in cupcake liners and gift them in a pretty tin for the sweetest homemade present. Stack them on a cake stand for a centerpiece-worthy display, or nestle them into rustic baskets lined with parchment for your next potluck.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, keep your Pecan Pie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay deliciously fresh and soft for up to four days—just the right reason to bake a double batch!

Freezing

Want to stash some away for a rainy day? Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months and make spontaneous treats a breeze.

Reheating

If you’d like to enjoy that fresh-baked warmth, simply pop a cookie or two into the microwave for about 10 seconds. You can also warm them in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes. This revives the gooey filling and gives you that just-made comfort.

FAQs

Can I toast the pecans before using them in the filling?

Absolutely! Toasting the pecans brings out their deep, nutty flavor and adds a total wow factor to the filling. Just toss them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant—watch them closely, they go from toasty to burnt quickly.

Can I use store-bought pie filling instead of making the pecan filling?

While homemade filling gives you more control over flavor and texture, store-bought pecan pie filling can be a shortcut in a pinch. Just use a small spoonful for each cookie, as you don’t want them to overflow during baking.

How do I keep the cookie dough from sticking to my hands?

If the dough is a bit sticky, lightly dust your hands with flour between rolling each ball. Chilling the dough for fifteen minutes also helps make shaping even easier!

Are Pecan Pie Cookies gluten-free?

This recipe as written isn’t gluten-free, but you can substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for similar results. Just keep in mind texture may vary slightly depending on your blend.

Can I make the dough or filling ahead of time?

Definitely! The dough can be prepared and refrigerated (well-wrapped) for up to 2 days in advance. The pecan filling can also be made ahead—just gently rewarm it before spooning onto the cookies if it thickens as it sits.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a sweet project that captures all the spirit of classic comfort baking, Pecan Pie Cookies never disappoint. They pack so much nostalgia, crunch, and melt-in-your-mouth flavor into each little round, you’ll wonder how you ever celebrated a holiday without them. Grab your apron, invite someone to help, and enjoy turning a few simple pantry staples into something magical. Give these a try—you’re about to find your next baking obsession!

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