If you have a soft spot for buttery, nutty delights that bring a slice of Southern charm right into your kitchen, this Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine a tender, crumbly cookie cup filled with the rich, gooey sweetness of pecan pie filling—each bite bursting with buttery pecans, caramel undertones, and a hint of vanilla that makes it irresistibly cozy. These little gems are perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying alongside your afternoon coffee or tea. Let me walk you through making these delightful morsels that marry the classic flavors of pecan pie with the ease of a cookie.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a special role, whether it’s creating a tender dough, adding sweetness, or bringing that signature nutty crunch and caramel flavor. Having quality staples on hand makes all the difference.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides a rich, creamy base for the dough, ensuring a tender texture without overpowering saltiness.
- Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the buttery flavor perfectly.
- Large egg yolk (1): Binds the dough together while contributing to that melt-in-your-mouth softness.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp + 1/2 tsp): Infuses warm, aromatic notes throughout both dough and filling.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): The structure builder for the cookie base, creating just the right crumb.
- Salt (1/4 tsp + pinch): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness in both dough and filling.
- Chopped pecans (1/2 cup): The star ingredient that delivers crunchy texture and that iconic pecan pie flavor.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Brings deep caramel notes to the filling with its molasses richness.
- Corn syrup (2 tbsp): Keeps the pecan filling wonderfully gooey and sticky without crystallizing.
- Unsalted butter (1 tbsp, melted): Adds smooth richness and helps bind the filling together.
How to Make Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it reaches the perfect temperature while you prepare the dough. Grease a mini muffin tin thoroughly; this will help you create those adorable cookie cups that hold the luscious pecan filling without sticking.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy—this will give your cookies a delicate texture. Then, blend in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and combined.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet mixture. Stir gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix here; you want a tender dough that’s easy to shape yet sturdy enough to hold its form.
Step 4: Shape the Cookie Cups
Roll your dough into 1-inch balls—this size is perfect for individual bites. Press each ball firmly into the prepared mini muffin tin, shaping them into little cups that will cradle the filling during baking.
Step 5: Mix the Pecan Pie Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. This mixture will create the signature gooey, caramel-pecan topping that makes this recipe truly shine.
Step 6: Fill the Cookie Cups
Spoon about one teaspoon of the filling into each cookie cup. Don’t overfill, or it might spill over while baking—the goal is a beautifully set golden top with sticky, nutty goodness inside.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop your filled cookie cups in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Look for the edges to turn a lovely golden brown and the filling to firm up slightly. The scent in your kitchen will be absolutely intoxicating at this point!
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Allow the cookies to cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes to firm up a bit, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents breakage and sets the filling just right.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar is a delightful way to dress these cookies up a bit, adding a gentle sweetness and beautiful contrast. If you want to go the extra mile, consider a light drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate for an elegant finish that complements the pecan flavors.
Side Dishes
Serving these pecan pie cookies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream elevates the experience to something very special. For a cozy vibe, pair with a warm cup of spiced chai, coffee, or black tea to balance the sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden board or a pretty tiered serving tray, garnished with fresh pecan halves and a few cinnamon sticks. Tying a festive ribbon around a stack of cookies makes for a charming homemade gift that friends and family will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe treats keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cookies stay soft, and the filling maintains its deliciously gooey texture. For longer storage, refrigeration is also an option, though it may slightly firm the filling.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these cookies ahead of time, freezing is your friend. Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. They will keep their charm for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy these cookies warm, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked softness and gently warms the pecan filling, making each bite heavenly again.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional and classic here, you can swap in chopped walnuts or almonds for a different but equally delicious twist. Just keep the texture in mind—you want nuts that hold up well to baking.
Is corn syrup necessary for the filling?
Corn syrup helps keep the filling smooth and prevents crystallization, lending that sticky, gooey texture characteristic of pecan pie. If you prefer, you can substitute with maple syrup or honey, but the texture might be a bit different.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add a little to help bind the dough properly.
How do I prevent the filling from spilling over?
Be sure to press the dough firmly into the muffin tin to create sturdy cups. Also, only fill each cup with about a teaspoon of filling to give it room to set without overflow during baking.
Can these cookies be made vegan?
With some adjustments, yes. Use vegan butter in place of unsalted butter and replace the egg yolk with a flax egg or a commercial egg replacer. Ensure your corn syrup and other ingredients are vegan-friendly, and you’re good to go!
Final Thoughts
This Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe is truly a celebration of comfort and indulgence baked into bite-sized form. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a thoughtful gift, or a sweet everyday treat, these cookies offer a warm hug of pecan pie perfection you’ll love making and sharing. Give them a try—you might just find yourself reaching for the recipe time and time again!
Print
Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pecan Pie Cookies capture the rich, buttery flavors of traditional pecan pie in a delightful, bite-sized cookie form. With a tender cookie cup filled with a sweet, nutty pecan filling, they are perfect for festive occasions or a comforting treat any time of the year.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
Pecan Filling
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp corn syrup
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Then, mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the dough tender.
- Form Cookie Cups: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and press each ball firmly into the greased mini muffin tin cups to form little cookie cups with raised edges for the filling.
- Prepare Pecan Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until all ingredients are fully integrated into a sticky, sweet mixture.
- Fill the Cookie Cups: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the pecan filling into each cookie cup, spreading it evenly without overfilling.
- Bake: Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookie edges are golden brown and the filling has set, indicating the cookies are done.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool in the pan for 5 minutes to firm up, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better cookie texture.
- If you don’t have mini muffin tins, regular-sized muffin tins can be used but increase the baking time slightly.
- These cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature and consumed within a week for optimal freshness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- You can toast the chopped pecans lightly to enhance their flavor before mixing into the filling.
