When you’re craving a treat that wraps up all the cozy flavors of classic pecan pie into a handheld delight, look no further than Pecan Pie Cookies – Buttery, Nutty, and Perfectly Sweet! These cookies bring the caramelized goodness of pecan pie filling together with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base, making them the ultimate indulgence for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just because you deserve something special, these cookies promise to brighten your day and make every bite memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for these cookies couldn’t be easier, yet each one plays a starring role in delivering flavor, structure, and the irresistible aroma that makes Pecan Pie Cookies – Buttery, Nutty, and Perfectly Sweet! the hit of any dessert table. Let’s take a closer look at how each ingredient shines.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): The foundation of a rich, tender cookie—softened butter ensures a smooth, creamy dough and that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Brown Sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds caramel notes and extra moisture, while helping to create a soft, chewy finish in the cookie base.
- Egg Yolk (1 large): Provides richness and structure, binding the dough without making it cakey.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Amplifies the warmth and sweetness, rounding out all the flavors beautifully.
- All-Purpose Flour (1¼ cups): The backbone of the dough, giving just enough sturdiness while keeping the cookies tender.
- Salt (¼ tsp): A dash of salt balances out all the sweetness and enhances the nutty flavors.
- Chopped Pecans (⅓ cup): Chopped pecans bring crunch and classic pecan pie flavor into every bite.
- Brown Sugar (¼ cup, for filling): Infuses the pecan filling with a deep, molasses-like sweetness.
- Heavy Cream (2 Tbsp): Adds luscious creaminess to the gooey pecan center.
- Melted Unsalted Butter (1 Tbsp): Brings richness and helps the filling meld together.
- Cinnamon (¼ tsp): A hint of baking spice lifts the nuts and sugar, giving warmth and comfort.
- Pinch of Salt: Just a touch to perfectly balance the sweet, nutty filling.
How to Make Pecan Pie Cookies – Buttery, Nutty, and Perfectly Sweet!
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies will bake evenly and makes cleanup a total breeze. Getting organized now sets you up for sweet success!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This not only blends your ingredients but also whips air into the dough, which helps the cookies bake up perfectly tender and soft.
Step 3: Add the Egg Yolk and Vanilla
Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until everything’s smooth and combined. The egg yolk gives richness, while the vanilla brings out the cozy, sweet notes we love in Pecan Pie Cookies – Buttery, Nutty, and Perfectly Sweet!
Step 4: Stir in Dry Ingredients
Add in the flour and salt, stirring until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Don’t over-mix—stop as soon as the dough comes together so your cookies stay wonderfully tender.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press an indentation in the center of each dough ball. This step is all about making room for that dreamy pecan filling!
Step 6: Make the Pecan Filling
In a separate bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, heavy cream, melted butter, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until the filling is glossy and sticky—that’s how you know it’s ready to nestle into the cookies.
Step 7: Fill and Bake
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the pecan mixture into the center of each cookie. Pop them in the oven and bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden and the filling is bubbling with caramel goodness. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes to set up before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Cookies – Buttery, Nutty, and Perfectly Sweet!
Garnishes
For a simple finishing touch, try dusting your cooled cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar, or for an extra flourish, drizzle melted chocolate across the tops. Both add a touch of elegance and contrast to the warm, nutty centers that make Pecan Pie Cookies – Buttery, Nutty, and Perfectly Sweet! so inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, or serve alongside a cup of bold coffee or rich hot cocoa. Their buttery, nutty flavor plays especially well with creamy or bold drinks and desserts, making them right at home on any treat tray.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them in a pretty tin lined with parchment for a homemade gift, or arrange them on a rustic wooden board with other bite-sized treats for a show-stopping dessert platter. Mini cupcake liners also make it easy (and charming) to set these Pecan Pie Cookies – Buttery, Nutty, and Perfectly Sweet! out at parties or gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll taste just as good for up to a week, and the flavor might even deepen with a day or two of mellowing.
Freezing
Want to bake ahead? Layer cooled cookies between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container. They’ll hold up wonderfully for up to three months, ready to satisfy your craving for Pecan Pie Cookies – Buttery, Nutty, and Perfectly Sweet! at a moment’s notice.
Reheating
Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature, and if you prefer a warm treat, pop them in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes. This revives their tender crumb and brings back that just-baked aroma, making them taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pecans or do I need to toast them first?
You can absolutely use store-bought pecans as-is, but toasting them for a few minutes in a dry skillet enhances their flavor and adds extra crunch to your Pecan Pie Cookies – Buttery, Nutty, and Perfectly Sweet!
Can I make these cookies gluten free?
Yes, simply substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. If the dough feels a bit dry, add a splash of milk until it comes together nicely.
What’s the best way to get even-sized cookies?
Using a small cookie scoop or measuring spoon helps keep your dough balls uniform. This ensures that your Pecan Pie Cookies – Buttery, Nutty, and Perfectly Sweet! bake evenly and look extra professional.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Doubling works perfectly, just be sure to space the cookies well on the baking sheets or bake in batches so each batch gets plenty of room to spread.
Is it possible to make the pecan filling in advance?
Yes, the pecan filling can be mixed up and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before using so it’s easy to spoon into your cookie centers.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give these Pecan Pie Cookies – Buttery, Nutty, and Perfectly Sweet! a try and share them with people you love. Every batch is packed with comfort and joy—warm, nutty, and irresistibly sweet. Happy baking, and enjoy every last crumb!
Print
Pecan Pie Cookies – Buttery, Nutty, and Perfectly Sweet! Recipe
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pecan Pie Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie, featuring a buttery and nutty cookie base filled with a sweet pecan mixture. They are perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a delicious, easy-to-make treat.
Ingredients
For the cookie dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the pecan filling:
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the cookie dough: Cream together the softened butter and brown sugar. Add egg yolk, vanilla, flour, and salt. Form dough into balls and make an indentation in each.
- Prepare the pecan filling: Mix pecans, brown sugar, cream, butter, cinnamon, and salt. Fill each cookie with the pecan mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 12–14 minutes until golden.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
- For a delicious variation, drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
