Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe – Sweet, Nutty & Easy to Bake

Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe – Sweet, Nutty & Easy to Bake

Have you ever wondered if you could capture the rich, buttery flavor of pecan pie in a convenient, handheld cookie? That perfect balance of caramelized sweetness and nutty crunch that makes pecan pie a holiday favorite can be yours any day of the week with these delightful treats.

These pecan pie cookies combine all the flavors you love about the classic dessert but in a portable, shareable form that’s perfect for gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with your afternoon coffee. The buttery shortbread base cradles a gooey pecan filling that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

Ingredients List

Gathering quality ingredients is the first step to creating these irresistible pecan pie cookies. Each component contributes to the perfect balance of textures and flavors that make these cookies so special.

For the Cookie Base:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup (133g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Pecan Filling:

• 1 cup (110g) chopped pecan cookies
• 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon honey or corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Ingredient substitutions: For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut oil for butter and full-fat coconut milk for heavy cream. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce brown sugar to 1/3 cup and add an extra 2 tablespoons of pecans for more nutty flavor.

Timing

Preparation Time: 25 minutes (including dough chilling)

Baking Time: 15-18 minutes

Cooling Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

This recipe comes together in just 75 minutes, which is approximately 30% faster than making a traditional pecan pie from scratch. The hands-on time is only about 25 minutes, making these cookies an efficient way to enjoy pecan pie flavors without the extended baking and cooling time of a full pie.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create perfect pecan pie cookies every time. Each step builds toward that perfect combination of buttery cookie and gooey pecan topping.

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add vanilla extract and mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt, then gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough.

Step 2: Shape and Chill the Dough

Roll the dough into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial as it prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and helps develop flavor. For perfectly round cookies, rotate the log every 10 minutes while chilling.

Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Filling

While the dough chills, make the filling. In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, honey (or corn syrup), vanilla, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook for 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans. Allow the mixture to cool slightly while you prepare the cookies.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Using your thumb or the back of a measuring teaspoon, make an indentation in the center of each cookie to create a well for the filling.

Step 5: Add the Filling and Bake

Fill each indentation with about 1 teaspoon of the pecan mixture. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling will bubble slightly during baking. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The filling may still look slightly soft but will set as the cookies cool.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This gradual cooling process helps prevent the delicate cookies from breaking. Once completely cool, store in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional content of these delicious treats can help you enjoy them mindfully. Each pecan pie cookies (based on a yield of 24 cookies) contains approximately:

Calories: 175 per cookie
Fat: 12g (6g saturated)
Carbohydrates: 16g
Sugar: 9g
Protein: 1.5g
Fiber: 0.7g
Sodium: 50mg

Pecans contribute heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and essential minerals like manganese and copper. According to nutrition data, pecans rank among the top 15 foods with the highest antioxidant content, making these cookies a slightly more nutritious option than many other sweet treats.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

These cookies can be adapted to suit various dietary needs while maintaining their delicious flavor profile:

For reduced sugar: Replace half the granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener and use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar. This modification reduces the glycemic impact while preserving sweetness.

For gluten-free needs: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum. Add 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract to enhance the nutty flavor that sometimes gets lost in gluten-free baking.

For vegan version: Use plant-based butter, coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and maple syrup instead of honey. These substitutions maintain the rich texture while making the cookies entirely plant-based.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your pecan pie cookies with these creative serving ideas:

Create a dessert charcuterie board featuring these cookies alongside fresh fruit, chocolate dipping sauce, and complementary treats like mini cheesecake bites or chocolate truffles.

Serve warm cookies with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an elevated dessert. The contrast between warm cookie and cold ice cream creates a delightful sensory experience.

Pair with beverages: These cookies complement bourbon-spiked hot chocolate, spiced chai tea, or a rich espresso. The nutty flavors in the cookies enhance these warming beverages.

For holiday gifting, stack cookies in a decorative tin separated by parchment paper and include a handwritten recipe card. This personal touch makes for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the dough – This develops gluten and results in tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a tender, shortbread-like texture.
• Skipping the chilling step – Room temperature dough spreads too quickly in the oven. According to baking science, chilled dough allows fats to solidify, creating a more structured cookie that holds its shape.
• Making indentations too shallow – If the wells aren’t deep enough, the filling will overflow during baking. Create a substantial indentation that can hold about a teaspoon of filling.
• Overcooking the filling – The pecan mixture should be just slightly thickened when removed from heat. It will continue to thicken as it cools and will set completely after baking.
• Moving cookies too soon – Fresh-from-the-oven cookies are fragile. Allow them to set on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Proper storage ensures these cookies maintain their delicious flavor and texture:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps maintain moisture and prevents cookies from hardening.

Refrigeration: These cookies can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. The cooler temperature solidifies the filling, creating an interesting textural contrast that some people prefer.

Freezing: Both baked cookies and raw dough freeze exceptionally well. For baked cookies, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.

Make-ahead option: Prepare the dough log up to 3 days in advance and keep refrigerated. You can also freeze the shaped dough log for up to 2 months. Slice and bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

These delightful pecan pie cookies transform a beloved classic dessert into a convenient, shareable treat that captures all the rich, nutty goodness of traditional pecan pie. With their buttery shortbread base and gooey pecan filling, they offer the perfect balance of textures and flavors that will satisfy your sweet tooth any time of year.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, preparing homemade gifts, or simply treating yourself to something special, this recipe delivers consistent, impressive results. We’d love to hear how your cookies turn out! Share your baking experience in the comments below, or tag us in your cookie photos on social media. Happy baking!