Irresistible Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe: Sweet Buttery Bliss

Sweet memories of southern gatherings dance through my kitchen whenever pecan pie cookies grace the countertop.

Buttery dough cradles rich caramel-like filling reminiscent of classic dessert traditions.

Crisp edges hint at the delightful crunch waiting inside each small treat.

Nutty aromas will drift through your home, promising pure comfort in every bite.

These miniature delights capture the essence of beloved holiday flavors in one perfect morsel.

Grandmothers’ secret recipes inspired this delectable fusion of cookie and pie.

Why People Rave About Pecan Pie Cookies

• Savor bite-sized pecan pie cookies that bring classic dessert flavors into a compact, irresistible form.
• Create impressive treats with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for novice bakers wanting to wow family and friends.
• Designed for gatherings, these mini cookies offer convenient single-serve portions that guests can easily enjoy without messy slicing.
• Adaptable for holidays or casual weekends, these cookies capture traditional pecan pie taste in a modern, playful presentation.

Pecan Pie Cookie Ingredients

• Flour: Provides the structure and foundation for the cookie dough
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile
• Cold Butter: Creates flaky texture and rich taste
• Cream Cheese: Adds moisture and tanginess to the dough

• Maple Syrup: Delivers classic pecan pie sweetness with deep caramel notes
• Brown Sugar: Provides rich, molasses-like depth and moisture
• Melted Butter: Contributes richness and helps bind filling
• Egg Yolk: Acts as a binding agent and adds smooth texture
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor

• Pecans: Delivers signature crunch and nutty flavor, classic to traditional pecan pie

Notes: Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for best results. Unsalted butter works best for controlling salt levels. Pure maple syrup recommended over artificial versions. Fresh pecans with no rancid smell are crucial for optimal taste.

How to Make Pecan Pie Cookies

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Warm your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Grab a mini muffin tin and give it a quick spritz of nonstick spray so nothing sticks.

Step 2: Craft the Dough

• Flour
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Cold butter
• Cream cheese

Pulse until everything comes together into a soft, delightful dough. Break the dough into 24 tiny portions, rolling each into a cute little ball. Press each ball into the muffin tin, creating a welcoming pocket for the filling. Pop the tin into the freezer for a quick 5-minute chill.

Step 3: Whip Up the Filling

• Maple syrup
• Brown sugar
• Melted butter
• Egg yolk
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Fold in some chopped pecans, stirring until everything looks perfectly combined.

Step 4: Build Your Cookie Treasures

Carefully spoon about a teaspoon of filling into each dough pocket. Be gentle- these little guys will bubble up during baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the tin into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown and the filling looks set.

Step 6: Cool and Celebrate

Let the cookies hang out in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, use a small knife to lovingly release each cookie and transfer them to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Baking Tips for Pecan Pie Cookies

• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for flour and butter to ensure the perfect dough consistency and prevent dry or overly sticky cookies.
• Chill Strategically: Freezing the dough for 5 minutes helps maintain the cookie shape and prevents spreading during baking, creating neat little cups.
• Control Filling Carefully: Add filling sparingly to avoid overflow, which can cause burning or messy edges during baking.
• Test for Doneness: Look for light golden-brown edges and a set filling to know when cookies are perfectly baked, preventing undercooking or burning.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version, or use alternative sugars for those watching sugar intake.

Keeping Pecan Pie Cookies Fresh

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum flavor preservation.
• Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
• Warm cookies briefly in a preheated 300F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore their crisp edges and warm, gooey filling.

What Goes Well with Pecan Pie Cookies

• Craft a smooth bourbon cocktail with maple syrup notes that mirror the pecan pie cookie's rich flavors, creating a harmonious taste experience.
• Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside these cookies, letting the cold, smooth texture contrast beautifully with the warm, nutty cookie.
• Brew a rich caramel cappuccino that enhances the cookie's sweet maple and pecan undertones, providing a luxurious coffee companion to the dessert.
• Drizzle a small amount of butterscotch liqueur over the cookies or serve as a side sip, intensifying the dessert's caramel and nutty profile.

Pecan Pie Cookie Flavors to Explore

• Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals. Use xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients for better texture.
• Vegan Nutty Tartlets: Swap butter and cream cheese with coconut oil or vegan butter alternatives. Use aquafaba or flax egg instead of egg yolk. Substitute maple syrup with agave nectar for plant-based sweetness.
• Chocolate Pecan Mini Pies: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a rich chocolate base. Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies or mix chocolate chips into the pecan filling for extra decadence.
• Spiced Pecan Cookie Cups: Incorporate warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom into the dough or filling. Top with a sprinkle of sea salt or a dash of bourbon for complex flavor profiles.

Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Pecan pie cookies blend Southern charm with classic cookie comfort in one irresistible bite. Crisp edges, gooey centers, and rich caramel-like filling invite sweet indulgence for anyone craving nostalgic dessert magic.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• ¾ cup pecans (finely chopped)
• 10 tablespoons (141 grams) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 5 ounces (142 grams) cream cheese, cold and cubed

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cups (156 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ cup (55 grams) packed light brown sugar

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup (113 grams) maple syrup (or light corn syrup)
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking equipment by coating a mini muffin tin with nonstick spray and heating the oven to 350F (175C).
2. Create the cookie base by combining flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor. Incorporate cold butter and cream cheese, pulsing until a cohesive dough forms.
3. Portion the dough into 24 equal balls, pressing each into the muffin tin cavities to create small wells. Chill the tin in the freezer for 5 minutes to stabilize the dough.
4. Craft the pecan filling by whisking maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, egg yolk, vanilla, and salt in a mixing bowl. Fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
5. Carefully fill each dough cup with approximately one teaspoon of the pecan mixture, taking care not to overflow the delicate wells.
6. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for lightly golden edges and a set filling.
7. Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest in the tin for 10 minutes to firm up. Gently release each cookie using a small knife and transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Notes

• Make dough ahead and chill for enhanced flavor development and easier handling.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, consistent dough texture.
• Toast pecans briefly before chopping to intensify their nutty, rich flavor profile.
• Swap maple syrup with light corn syrup or honey for alternative sweetness options.
• For gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend.
• Prevent filling overflow by using a small measuring spoon and leaving slight space at top of each cookie cup.
• Store cookies in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, maintaining crisp texture.
• Cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and potential soggy bottoms.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 155
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 32 mg