Pecan Pie Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie. These soft, chewy cookies pack all the rich, nutty flavor of pecan pie in a bite-sized form. Made with brown sugar, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract, they’re the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. Whether you’re preparing for the holidays or just craving a cozy treat, these cookies are a great option to satisfy your sweet tooth. They offer all the delicious flavors of pecan pie but without the mess of a traditional pie crust.

The combination of brown sugar and chopped pecans gives these cookies a deep, caramelized flavor, while the soft, buttery texture makes each bite irresistible. They’re perfect for gifting, holiday cookie exchanges, or just enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea. If you’re a fan of pecan pie, these cookies will quickly become one of your favorite desserts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pecan Pie Cookies are an easy, delicious alternative to the traditional pecan pie. They are perfect for anyone who loves the flavors of caramel, butter, and toasted nuts but prefers a simpler, more portable dessert. These cookies are simple to make and require just a few basic ingredients. The perfect mix of sweet and nutty, they are sure to impress family, friends, and guests. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or looking for a snack to enjoy any time of day, these cookies are the answer.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Chopped pecans

Variations

Add Chocolate Chips

If you love chocolate, you can easily add chocolate chips to the dough for a decadent twist. Dark chocolate or milk chocolate both pair wonderfully with the nuts.

Make Them Gluten-Free

For a gluten-free version of this recipe, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free as well.

Use Other Nuts

While pecans are the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts if you prefer. You can also create a mix of your favorite nuts for added texture and flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure they bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside while you work on the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or a whisk. Beat the mixture until it’s smooth and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, making sure the mixture is smooth and well-blended.

Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually stir in the dry flour mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft and tender.

Step 6: Fold in the Pecans

Fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Form the Cookies

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.

Step 8: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven.

Step 9: Cool

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft or sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before scooping out the cookies. This will help them hold their shape while baking.
Butter at Room Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing. Cold butter can result in unevenly mixed dough.
Evenly Chop Pecans: To ensure a consistent texture in each cookie, chop the pecans evenly into small pieces before adding them to the dough.
Check for Doneness: The cookies may appear soft in the center when you take them out of the oven, but they will firm up as they cool. If they are golden on the edges, they are done.

How to Serve

These Pecan Pie Cookies are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. They make an excellent addition to any holiday dessert table or cookie exchange.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the cookies are completely cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks if you prefer a firmer texture.

Freezing

To freeze these cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy the cookies warm, simply microwave them for 10-15 seconds or reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter in this recipe?

It’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the dough. If you only have salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe.

2. How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown, and they have set slightly in the center. They will firm up as they cool.

3. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough. Roll it into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze for about an hour. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. You can bake them directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

4. Can I make these cookies without pecans?

Yes, you can leave out the pecans if you prefer or substitute them with another type of nut such as walnuts or almonds.

5. How should I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you need more cookies for a party or holiday gathering. Just be sure to use two baking sheets and rotate them halfway through baking.

7. Can I use a different type of sugar?

You can substitute the brown sugar with more granulated sugar, but the flavor and texture may slightly change. Brown sugar gives the cookies a caramel-like richness.

8. Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips can be added along with the pecans for an extra layer of flavor.

9. Can I use a stand mixer?

Yes, a stand mixer will work great for creaming the butter and sugar. Just be sure not to overmix the dough once you add the flour.

10. How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

If you find that your cookies are spreading too much while baking, try chilling the dough before baking or adding a little more flour to thicken the dough.

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Cookies are the perfect combination of two beloved desserts – pecan pie and cookies. These treats are easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to become a favorite at any gathering. With their rich, buttery texture and sweet, nutty taste, they’re perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday cookie exchanges. Try these delicious cookies today and enjoy a little bite of pecan pie in every bite!