Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

Name: Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 48 min
Yield: 24
Ingredients: 2 cups light or dark brown sugar lightly packed; 1 cup salted butter at room temperature; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 1½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 2 cups pecan halves

By funsmagcom@gmail.com

August 8, 2024

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Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

Imagine the rich, buttery flavor of a classic pecan pie in a bite-sized form—perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without committing to a full slice of pie. Pecan pie cookies combine all the best elements of pecan pie—crispy, nutty, and sweet—into a delightful cookie that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a new addition to your holiday cookie tray or just want a unique dessert, these cookies are sure to impress.

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Why Pecan Pie Cookies Are a Hit

Pecan pie cookies are the perfect marriage of texture and flavor. The cookie base is buttery and crisp, providing a sturdy foundation for the gooey, caramel-like pecan filling. Each bite offers the perfect blend of crunchy pecans and sweet, rich filling, making these cookies irresistible. Plus, they’re portable and easy to share, making them an ideal treat for any occasion.

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Preparing the Ingredients

Before diving into the baking process, it’s important to have all your ingredients ready:

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Softening the Butter:
Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature, as this will make it easier to cream with the sugars and result in a smoother cookie dough.

Chopping the Pecans:
Use a sharp knife to finely chop the pecans. This ensures they’re evenly distributed in the filling and that each cookie has the perfect amount of nutty goodness.

Making the Cookie Dough

The cookie dough is the foundation of these pecan pie cookies. Here’s how to make it:

Creaming the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process typically takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.

Adding the Egg and Vanilla:
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. These ingredients add moisture and flavor to the dough.

Combining the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.

Chilling the Dough:
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Preparing the Pecan Filling

While the dough chills, it’s time to make the delicious pecan filling:

Mixing the Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped pecans, brown sugar, heavy cream, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is well mixed and the sugar has dissolved.

Consistency Check:
The filling should be thick and sticky, but still spreadable. If it’s too thick, add a little more cream; if too runny, add more pecans.

Shaping and Filling the Cookies

Now comes the fun part—shaping and filling the cookies:

Forming the Cookie Dough Balls:
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the chilled dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Creating Indentations:
Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press into the center of each dough ball to create a small well. This is where the pecan filling will go.

Adding the Pecan Filling:
Spoon a small amount of the pecan filling into each well. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling will spread slightly during baking.

Baking the Pecan Pie Cookies

With the cookies filled and ready, it’s time to bake:

Preheating the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cookies bake evenly and develop a nice golden color.

Baking Time:
Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the filling is set. The cookies should be slightly soft in the center but firm up as they cool.

Cooling the Cookies:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them retain their shape and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Pecan pie cookies are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your cookie experience:

Drizzle with Chocolate:
Melt some dark or milk chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for a decadent touch.
Dust with Powdered Sugar:
A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a festive, snowy appearance, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Serve with Ice Cream:
Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that combines warm and cold textures.

Variations of Pecan Pie Cookies

Want to mix things up? Here are some variations to try:

Maple Pecan Cookies:
Substitute some of the brown sugar in the filling with maple syrup for a delicious maple-flavored twist.
Chocolate Pecan Cookies:
Add mini chocolate chips to the pecan filling for an extra layer of richness.
Spiced Pecan Cookies:
Mix in a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg into the cookie dough for a warm, spiced flavor.

Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Any Occasion

Pecan pie cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed year-round. They’re ideal for holiday cookie exchanges, potlucks, or as a homemade gift. Their unique flavor and texture make them stand out from the usual cookie offerings, and they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them.

Health Considerations

While these cookies are indulgent, there are a few ways to make them a bit healthier:

Use Whole Wheat Flour:
Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
Reduce the Sugar:
Cut back on the sugar in both the dough and filling to reduce the overall sweetness without sacrificing flavor.
Use Unsweetened Pecans:
Opt for unsweetened, raw pecans to control the sugar content in the filling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pecan Pie Cookies

Can I Freeze Pecan Pie Cookies?
Yes! These cookies freeze well. After baking and cooling, place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and filling the cookies.

What if I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even milk, though the filling might be slightly less rich.

How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them.

Can I Use a Different Nut?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of pecans, you can use walnuts or almonds instead. The flavor will be different, but still delicious.

Conclusion

Pecan pie cookies are a delightful twist on a classic dessert. With their buttery base and sweet, nutty filling, they offer all the flavors of a traditional pecan pie in a convenient, bite-sized form. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Yield: 24