Pecan Pie Cookies – Don’t Lose This Recipe 😋

Introduction

Imagine all the gooey, nutty goodness of a classic pecan pie in a perfectly portioned cookie. These Pecan Pie Cookies are the ultimate treat for any occasion, combining a buttery cookie base with a sweet, caramelized pecan filling. My grandma used to make these during the holidays, and they quickly became the star of the dessert table. Perfectly soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, these cookies are a must-try!

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Pecan Filling:

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
4. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

2. Preheat the Oven and Shape the Cookies:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
3. Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, create an indentation in the center of each cookie to hold the filling.

3. Make the Pecan Filling:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

4. Fill and Bake the Cookies:

1. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the pecan filling into the center of each cookie.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
3. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve these cookies as a delightful holiday treat, or pair them with coffee or tea for a cozy snack.

Tips for Success

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
• Don’t Overfill: Avoid overloading the cookies with filling to prevent spilling during baking.
• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Why You’ll Love It

These Pecan Pie Cookies bring all the rich, buttery, and nutty flavors of pecan pie into a handheld, bite-sized treat. They’re easy to make, look impressive, and are perfect for sharing. Whether for a holiday cookie exchange or a sweet indulgence, these cookies will have everyone asking for the recipe!