Pecan Pie Cookies

There’s something magical about pecan pie: its rich, nutty filling, buttery crust, and the delightful sweetness that fills your mouth with each bite. But what if you could enjoy that beloved pecan pie flavor in a bite-sized, cookie form? Well, that’s exactly what these Pecan Pie Cookies offer – all the warm, comforting flavors of the classic pie, with none of the fuss of a traditional pie crust.

These cookies are the perfect balance of buttery richness, nutty goodness, and just the right amount of sweetness. With every bite, you get a crisp exterior, a soft, chewy interior, and a delightful crunch from the toasted pecans. They’re the perfect treat for the holidays, afternoon tea, or whenever you’re craving something sweet and comforting. Let’s dive into how to create these irresistible little morsels that are guaranteed to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire!

Why You’ll Love Pecan Pie Cookies:

Pecan Pie Flavors in Cookie Form – If you’re a fan of pecan pie but prefer something a bit easier to serve and eat, these cookies are for you. They combine all the familiar flavors you love about pecan pie, but in a more portable and fun-to-eat version.

Buttery and Nutty – The rich, buttery dough is paired with crunchy, toasted pecans to create a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Each bite is a perfect combination of crispy edges and chewy, nutty centers.

Perfect for the Holidays – These cookies make an excellent addition to your holiday baking lineup. They’re great for cookie trays, gift boxes, or just enjoying with family and friends.

Quick and Easy – These cookies are simple to make, and you don’t have to worry about rolling out dough or dealing with pie crusts. They come together in one bowl and bake in no time!

🧾 Ingredients for Pecan Pie Cookies

These cookies require just a few ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The base of the cookie dough, giving it structure.

1 tsp baking soda – To help the cookies spread and rise as they bake.

¼ tsp salt – A small amount of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.

1 cup unsalted butter (softened) – Butter gives these cookies their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

½ cup brown sugar (packed) – Brown sugar gives the cookies their signature molasses flavor, making them extra sweet and delicious.

1 egg – The binding agent that helps hold the dough together.

1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds that warm, sweet aroma that pairs so well with pecans.

1 cup pecans (chopped and lightly toasted) – The star ingredient! Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch to the cookies.

¼ cup corn syrup – This will give the cookies that familiar, sticky sweetness that mimics the pecan pie filling.

🥣 How to Make Pecan Pie Cookies

Making these cookies is straightforward and requires no special equipment other than a mixing bowl and a baking sheet. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy clean-up.

While the oven heats up, toast your pecans. Simply spread them out on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant. Watch them closely, as they can burn quickly. Once toasted, chop them into small pieces and set them aside.

Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined. Then, add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.

Step 3: Add the Corn Syrup and Pecans

Once the dough is formed, stir in the corn syrup and toasted pecans. The corn syrup will give the dough a slight stickiness and a rich, sweet flavor that mirrors the filling of a pecan pie.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press the tops of the dough balls to flatten them slightly, as these cookies don’t spread much during baking.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. The cookies should still be soft when you take them out of the oven, but they’ll firm up as they cool.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

🍽️ How to Serve Pecan Pie Cookies

Pecan Pie Cookies are perfect for any occasion, and you can enjoy them in a variety of ways:

Holiday Treats – These cookies are an excellent addition to any holiday cookie platter. Their nutty, buttery flavor pairs beautifully with other festive treats like gingerbread or shortbread.

Gifts for Friends and Family – Package these cookies in a cute box or tin for a homemade gift that anyone would love to receive. They’re perfect for gifting during the holiday season or for special occasions like birthdays.

Afternoon Tea – Pair these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a relaxing afternoon treat. The buttery texture and rich pecan flavor are the perfect complement to your favorite hot beverage.

With Ice Cream – For a decadent dessert, serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm cookie and cold ice cream is irresistible.

🌿 Tips for Perfecting Your Pecan Pie Cookies

Use Fresh, High-Quality Pecans – Since pecans are the star ingredient, make sure to use fresh, high-quality nuts. Toasting them brings out their natural oils and flavors, making them even more delicious.

Chill the Dough – If you prefer thicker cookies, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help the cookies retain their shape and prevent spreading.

Don’t Overbake – Pecan Pie Cookies should be soft and chewy in the center, so be careful not to overbake them. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden.

Add a Touch of Salt – A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie before baking adds a contrast of flavor that enhances the sweetness and nuttiness of the cookies.

🍪 Final Thoughts: The Perfect Sweet Bite

Pecan Pie Cookies are an ideal fusion of comfort and indulgence. They offer all the flavors of classic pecan pie, but in a much easier and more portable form. Whether you’re sharing them at a holiday party, enjoying them with a cup of coffee, or gifting them to someone special, these cookies are sure to impress.

With their rich, buttery dough, toasted pecans, and sweet corn syrup filling, they’re everything you love about pecan pie – in the perfect cookie bite. So go ahead and bake up a batch – these Pecan Pie Cookies are bound to become your new favorite treat!

Happy baking! 🍪✨

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