Pecan Pie Cookies
Pecan Pie Cookies are a delightful fusion of classic pecan pie flavors and the comforting texture of a cookie. This recipe captures the rich, buttery essence of pecan pie in a bite-sized treat, perfect for sharing during festive gatherings or enjoying as a sweet indulgence any time of the year.
The combination of a tender, buttery cookie base with a luscious pecan pie filling makes these cookies irresistibly delicious. With a balance of sweetness from granulated and brown sugar, complemented by the deep, nutty flavor of pecans, these cookies offer a satisfying crunch and a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will have you reaching for more.
Whether served at a holiday party or as an afternoon snack, Pecan Pie Cookies are sure to become a cherished favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Decadent and Indulgent: These cookies capture the rich, buttery flavors of traditional pecan pie in a convenient, handheld form. The combination of sweet and nutty elements creates a luxurious taste that feels like a special treat with every bite.
Perfect Balance of Texture: The cookies offer a delightful contrast of textures, with a soft, chewy cookie base paired with a crunchy, caramelized pecan topping. This combination makes them a truly satisfying snack or dessert.
Simple and Versatile: Despite their sophisticated flavor profile, Pecan Pie Cookies are straightforward to make, requiring common ingredients found in most kitchens. They are versatile enough to serve at holiday gatherings, casual get-togethers, or as a delightful homemade gift.
Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies bring together the beloved flavors of pecan pie in a format that appeals to both pie enthusiasts and cookie lovers alike. Their unique twist on a classic dessert makes them a standout hit at any event.
Nostalgic and Comforting: For many, pecan pie evokes warm memories of family gatherings and festive occasions. These cookies encapsulate that nostalgic essence, bringing comfort and joy to those who savor them, making them a beloved choice for any dessert spread.
Key Ingredients:
All-Purpose Flour: This essential ingredient forms the base of the cookie dough, providing structure and a soft, tender texture that complements the rich filling.
Unsalted Butter: Used for both the dough and to add richness to the cookies, the butter ensures a melt-in-your-mouth quality and enhances the overall flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the light, crisp edges of the cookies. A portion is reserved for rolling the dough balls, creating a delightful sugary coating.
Egg and Egg Yolk: These provide moisture and help bind the dough, ensuring the cookies hold their shape while baking. The additional yolk adds richness and depth to the flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Infuses the cookies with a warm, aromatic note that enhances the sweetness and pairs beautifully with the pecan filling.
Pecan Pie Filling: Composed of beaten egg, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and chopped pecan halves, this filling mimics the classic pecan pie topping. It adds a caramel-like sweetness and a satisfying crunch to each cookie.
Pecan Pie Cookies
Ingredients:
2½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
2 sticks unsalted butter, at cool room temperature
1¼ cups granulated sugar, plus ¼ cup for rolling
1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Whisk them together until fully blended.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer with a paddle attachment to beat the butter and 1¼ cups of granulated sugar on medium-high speed.
Continue until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Incorporate the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Gradually add the flour mixture, beating slowly until a dough forms.
Step 4: Form Cookies
Pour the remaining ¼ cup of sugar into a shallow dish.
Use a large (3-tablespoon) spring-loaded scoop to portion the dough into balls.
Roll each ball in the sugar to coat it evenly.
Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a measuring cup.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are set and just beginning to brown.
Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pecan Pie Filling:
1 egg, beaten
⅓ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup corn syrup
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cups coarsely chopped pecan halves
Notes:
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps them blend more smoothly into the dough, resulting in a more uniform texture.
Measuring Flour: For best results, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents packing, which can lead to overly dense cookies.
Sugar Rolling Tip: Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking adds a delightful crunch and helps create a beautifully crackled surface on the cookies.
Pecan Substitutes: If pecans aren’t available, walnuts or almonds can be used as an alternative. Each nut variety will impart a slightly different flavor, allowing for some experimentation.
Corn Syrup Alternative: If you prefer not to use corn syrup in the filling, you can substitute it with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup. This will slightly alter the flavor but still provide that sticky sweetness.
Storage Advice: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If the filling becomes too sticky, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Freezing Options: The unbaked dough can be frozen for up to three months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking as directed.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 24 cookies
Calories: 200 | Protein: 2 grams | Fat: 12 grams | Carbohydrates: 25 grams | Fiber: 1 grams | Sugars: 15 grams | Sodium: 100 mg | Cholesterol: 35 mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
This can enhance the flavor and make it easier to handle, especially if the dough is too soft to shape immediately.
What can I use as a substitute for corn syrup in the filling?
If you prefer not to use corn syrup, you can substitute it with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup.
While this may slightly alter the flavor, it will still provide the necessary sweetness and stickiness for the pecan pie filling.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
To minimize spreading, ensure that your dough is chilled before baking.
If your cookies still spread too much, try adding a tablespoon or two of additional flour to the dough.
Also, avoid placing the dough on hot baking sheets.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you might want to reduce the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.
Typically, reduce the salt by about ¼ teaspoon if using salted butter.
How should I store these cookies to keep them fresh?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
If you stack them, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking together due to the filling.
They can also be frozen for longer storage; just thaw them at room temperature before serving.
How do I ensure the cookies have a uniform shape and size?
To achieve uniform cookies, use a spring-loaded scoop to portion the dough evenly.
This not only helps with consistent size but also ensures even baking.
Flatten each dough ball slightly with the bottom of a measuring cup to maintain a uniform thickness.
Why is it important to use room temperature butter?
Room temperature butter blends more easily with sugar, creating a smooth, creamy mixture.
This helps incorporate air into the dough, which contributes to the cookies’ light and tender texture.
If the butter is too cold, it won’t mix well; if it’s too warm, the cookies may spread excessively.
What should I do if the dough is too soft to roll into balls?
If the dough is too soft, refrigerate it for about 15-30 minutes to firm it up.
This makes it easier to handle and shape without sticking to your hands or spreading too much during baking.
How can I tell when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are set and just beginning to brown.
They may still look slightly soft in the center, but they will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Overbaking can cause them to become too dry and crumbly.
Is there a way to make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent to help maintain the cookies’ structure.
As different blends behave differently, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.