If you’re searching for a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie, look no further than this irresistible Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe. These little morsels pack all the rich, buttery flavor of pecan pie into a perfectly bite-sized cookie. The combination of a tender, buttery cookie base with a luscious pecan filling creates a treat that is both comforting and impressive. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just craving something sweet, these cookies bring warmth and joy to every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a rich, flavorful cookie. Each component plays its part, from the creamy butter that adds softness to the delicate crunch of pecans that gives each bite texture and depth.

Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup, softened: This creates a silky dough base with a rich flavor and tender crumb.
Granulated sugar, 1/3 cup: Sweetens the dough while helping it brown beautifully.
Egg yolk, 1 large: Adds moisture and richness to the cookie dough.
Vanilla extract, 1 tsp: Infuses the dough with warm, aromatic notes.
All-purpose flour, 1 1/4 cups: The foundational ingredient for structure and texture.
Salt, 1/4 tsp: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Chopped pecans, 1/2 cup: Provides the signature crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Brown sugar, 1/4 cup: Adds a deep caramel sweetness to the filling.
Corn syrup, 2 tbsp: Helps create a glossy, soft filling that holds together perfectly.
Unsalted butter, 1 tbsp, melted: Enriches the pecan filling with a smooth finish.
Vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp: Enhances the sweet filling with an extra layer of flavor.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the filling for perfect harmony.

How to Make Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Bakeware and Oven

Before diving into the deliciousness, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to grease your mini muffin tin thoroughly; this is essential to prevent the delicate cookie cups from sticking and helps them release easily once baked.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving a cookie base that’s tender and melt-in-your-mouth. Then, mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract, combining everything until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Form the Cookie Dough

Gradually add the flour and salt into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix as that will create tougher cookies. This dough should hold together nicely and feel luscious yet manageable.

Step 4: Shape the Cookie Cups

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then gently press each ball into the greased mini muffin tin to form small cups. This is where your Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe starts to really take shape, as these cups will cradle the delicious filling that comes next.

Step 5: Mix the Pecan Filling

In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything until evenly mixed into a sticky, sweet mixture that will ooze with every bite.

Step 6: Fill the Cookie Cups

Spoon about a teaspoon of the pecan filling into each cookie cup. Don’t be shy—make sure they’re well filled but not overflowing. This little tip ensures that every cookie delivers that iconic gooey pecan pie feel.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for golden brown edges on the cookie cups and a filling that’s set but still soft to the touch. The smell wafting through your kitchen at this stage is simply heavenly.

Step 8: Cool and Remove

Allow the cookies to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes to set further. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures they hold their shape and are ready to enjoy without losing any of their delightful texture.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Elevate your pecan pie cookies with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar. A small dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also bring out the flavors beautifully while making them look irresistible.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte. For a festive twist, serve alongside spiced cider or a warm mug of hot chocolate. The rich flavors complement each other perfectly, creating a cozy moment.

Creative Ways to Present

Create a charming dessert platter by arranging the cookies with fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears and some nuts scattered around. You can also pack them in decorative tins as thoughtful homemade gifts that are sure to impress any cookie lover.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your pecan pie cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. This prevents them from drying out and keeps that perfect chewy-crisp texture intact.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these treats later on, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

Warm the cookies briefly in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to bring back the gooey filling and crisp the edges slightly. Avoid microwaving as it can make the texture a bit chewy instead of perfectly tender and crisp.

FAQs

Can I substitute the corn syrup in this recipe?

Yes, you can use honey or maple syrup as a natural alternative to corn syrup; however, the texture of the filling might be slightly different, becoming a little less glossy and set.

Can I use whole pecans instead of chopped?

Chopped pecans are preferred to evenly distribute the nutty crunch throughout the filling. Whole pecans will make it harder to bake evenly and enjoy bite-sized texture, but you can use halves for a more dramatic appearance on top.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but be sure to check the dough consistency and adjust liquid if needed.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before shaping into cookie cups. This can even improve the flavor depth and make shaping easier.

How long do Pecan Pie Cookies last?

Stored properly, these cookies remain fresh and delicious at room temperature for about 3 to 4 days. Beyond that, their texture and flavor start to diminish, so enjoying them sooner is best.

Final Thoughts

This Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe is a cozy hug in cookie form, effortlessly combining the nostalgic flavors of pecan pie with a tender, buttery base. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself whenever a sweet craving hits. Give it a try, and I promise these cookies will become one of your all-time favorites.