If you’re a fan of the rich, buttery goodness of pecan pie but want something a little more bite-sized and cookie-friendly, this Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. These cookies pack all the warm, caramel-like flavors of a classic pecan pie with a delightful crunch and soft chewiness in every bite. Whether for a cozy afternoon treat or to impress guests at a gathering, these cookies bring that nostalgic pecan pie charm in an utterly irresistible form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor — from the tender crumb of the cookie base to the rich caramel notes and crunchy pecans that give it personality.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives your cookies structure and tenderness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough and adds to the soft texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the recipe.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and keeps the cookies moist and flavorful.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings deep caramel undertones that mimic pecan pie filling perfectly.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Offers a bit of extra sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s slight crisp edges.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture for the ideal cookie texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and enhances the buttery, nutty flavors.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: The star ingredient for that satisfying crunch and authentic pecan pie taste.
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional): Adds a luscious, melty contrast; feel free to swap with any chocolate chips you prefer.
How to Make Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and salt throughout the dough, which is key for consistent texture and flavor. Setting this aside keeps things efficient as you move on to the more hands-on parts.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using a mixer, cream the softened butter with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the dough, contributing to the cookie’s tender crumb and slightly chewy texture that perfectly complements the crunchy pecans.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. These ingredients add moisture and bring the dough together, making it smooth and ready for the delicious mix-ins.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing slowly until just combined. Overmixing here can toughen the cookies, so take your time and stop as soon as the flour disappears into the dough.
Step 5: Fold in Pecans and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed. The pecans give that authentic pecan pie flavor and delightful crunch, while the chocolate chips add a rich, melty burst of sweetness if you’re using them.
Step 6: Form and Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers still look soft. This ensures a perfect chewy center with slightly crisp edges.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch that wows, sprinkle a little extra chopped pecans on top of the cookies right after baking, so they stick slightly as the cookies cool. You can also drizzle a little warm caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar to echo that authentic pecan pie feel.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to mimic the creaminess that pecan pie often enjoys. A hot cup of coffee, spiced chai tea, or even a rich hot chocolate is a wonderful partner to balance the sweet, nutty flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive occasions, arrange the Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe in a pretty tiered dessert stand or pack them into clear cellophane bags tied with seasonal ribbons as delightful homemade gifts. You can also sandwich them with a thin layer of caramel or cream cheese frosting for a decadent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They remain fresh and chewy for up to 5 days, making them a great treat to enjoy throughout the week or for unexpected guests.
Freezing
If you want to keep these treats longer, you can freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to enjoy, making it easy to have pecan pie flavor on demand.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked warmth and softness, gently warm the cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This little trick restores the cookie’s gooey appeal, especially if you’ve added chocolate chips.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies nut-free?
Absolutely! Simply omit the pecans and consider adding in extra chocolate chips or another crunchy element like toasted oats or sunflower seeds. The cookies will still be delicious but with a different texture and flavor profile.
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can substitute light molasses or make your own brown sugar by mixing granulated sugar with a bit of molasses. Brown sugar is key for that caramel flavor, but a substitute will still keep things tasty.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm. This helps the cookies hold their shape better while baking.
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Definitely! Walnuts or almonds work beautifully and will give the cookies a slightly different but still delightful flavor and crunch.
Are these cookies good for gifting?
Yes, they make wonderful gifts! Packaged in a decorative tin or box, these Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe treats feel special and homemade, perfect for holiday giving or as a sweet surprise for friends and family.
Final Thoughts
These Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe treats are a wonderfully cozy way to enjoy all the flavors of pecan pie without the fuss of making a whole pie. They’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply sneaking one (or two) on a quiet afternoon. I promise once you try them, they’ll become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to bake some happiness into your day!
Print
Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Pecan Pie Cookies that capture the rich, buttery flavor of classic pecan pie in a perfectly bite-sized treat. With a tender cookie base studded with crunchy pecans and optional chocolate chips, these cookies are easy to make and irresistible, perfect for holidays or everyday snacking.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional) – can substitute with other types of chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined to ensure even distribution.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg followed by the vanilla extract until fully incorporated, creating a smooth mixture.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Incorporate pecans and chocolate chips: Fold in the chopped pecans and optional chocolate chips gently using a spatula to evenly distribute throughout the dough.
- Scoop and shape the cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Cool the cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and enjoy: Once cooled, serve these delicious pecan pie cookies with your favorite beverage or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Notes
- The optional chocolate chips add a rich chocolate dimension but can be omitted for a more classic pecan pie flavor.
- For extra flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding to the dough.
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the best cookie texture.
- Do not overbake; the cookies should be slightly soft in the middle when removed from the oven.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
