Everything you love about pecan pie in thin, chewy, rich, buttery pecan pie cookies! These crowd-pleasing cookies are quick, easy, and absolutely amazing! Perfect for any occasion, these delightful treats will satisfy your sweet tooth while delivering the classic flavors of pecan pie in a fun cookie form. Whether for a holiday gathering or a simple family dessert, Pecan Pie Cookies will impress everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: With just 18 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up a batch of these delicious cookies in no time.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and butter creates a deep, rich flavor that mimics traditional pecan pie perfectly.
- Versatile Treat: These cookies are perfect for holidays, parties, or just a cozy night at home with family.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves cookies! These pecan pie cookies are sure to be a hit with friends and family alike.
- Easy to Customize: Add chocolate chips or drizzle with caramel for an extra special treat.
Tools and Preparation
To make these delicious Pecan Pie Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in your baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
- Whisk attachment (if using a stand mixer)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper
- Cookie sheets
- Cookie dough scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: A stand mixer saves time and ensures your ingredients mix evenly for perfect cookie dough.
- Parchment paper: This prevents sticking and helps with even baking, making cleanup easier.
- Cookie dough scoop: Using this tool ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
Ingredients
Everything you love about pecan pie in thin, chewy, rich, buttery pecan pie cookies! These crowd-pleasing cookies are quick, easy and absolutely amazing!
For the Dough
- 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
For the Topping
- 2 cups pecan halves
How to Make Pecan Pie Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat brown sugar, butter, and vanilla until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add eggs and beat on low until just combined.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk to combine flour, salt, and baking soda.
- Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed until just incorporated.
- Using a spatula, fold in pecans.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
- Cover dough and refrigerate to chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Using a small cookie dough scoop or your hands, make 1.25 dough balls.
- Drop them at least 3 apart onto the cookie sheet to allow room for spread.
- Bake in the center of the oven for 8 minutes or until edges are slightly golden brown.
- Optional: Top with thick flakes of sea salt immediately after removing them from the oven.
Enjoy your delicious batch of Pecan Pie Cookies!
How to Serve Pecan Pie Cookies
Pecan pie cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, these cookies can fit seamlessly into any occasion.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair your pecan pie cookies with a chilled glass of milk for a classic combination that enhances their rich flavors.
As Dessert on a Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter to serve as a sweet ending to any meal. Consider adding some fresh fruit for color and contrast.
With Ice Cream
- Top warm pecan pie cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warmth of the cookie melts the ice cream slightly, creating a delicious dessert experience.
Dusted with Powdered Sugar
- Lightly dust the cookies with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant touch that adds sweetness and visual appeal.
Alongside Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these cookies with your favorite coffee or tea. The nutty flavors of the pecans complement both beverages beautifully.
How to Perfect Pecan Pie Cookies
To ensure your pecan pie cookies are absolutely amazing, follow these helpful tips.
Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter blends better with sugar, creating a fluffy texture essential for chewy cookies.
Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in perfectly shaped cookies.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add flour, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
Watch Baking Time Closely: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Remove them when the edges are golden brown for the best texture.
Experiment with Nuts: While pecans are traditional, try mixing in walnuts or even chocolate chips for added flavor variations!
Best Side Dishes for Pecan Pie Cookies
Pecan pie cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their sweetness. Here are some great options:
Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the richness of the cookies and adds a healthy touch to your dessert spread.
Cheese Platter: Include assorted cheeses like brie or cheddar. The savory notes will enhance your experience of the sweet cookies.
Chocolate Fondue: Serve melted chocolate alongside fruits and pretzels for dipping, creating an interactive dessert experience that pairs well with pecan pie cookies.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream can elevate your cookie experience by adding lightness and sweetness alongside their rich flavors.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that contrasts nicely with your chewy cookies.
Homemade Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel over your pecan pie cookies for an indulgent addition that enhances their taste profile beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Pecan Pie Cookies can be fun, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Incorrect Measuring: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Use dry measuring cups for flour and sugar, and liquid measuring cups for wet ingredients.
- Skipping Chilling Time: Don’t rush the chilling process. Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances flavor.
- Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
- Ignoring Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is properly preheated. An incorrect temperature can result in uneven baking.
- Not Spacing Cookies Properly: Give your cookies enough space on the baking sheet. This prevents them from spreading into each other during baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Pecan Pie Cookies
- Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Pecan Pie Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making Pecan Pie Cookies.
How do I make Pecan Pie Cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.
Can I use different nuts in my Pecan Pie Cookies?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with walnuts or almonds if you want a different nutty flavor.
How long will Pecan Pie Cookies last?
When stored properly, these cookies can last up to one week at room temperature or three months if frozen.
What is the best way to serve Pecan Pie Cookies?
These cookies are delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a cup of coffee.
Final Thoughts
These Pecan Pie Cookies offer all the delightful flavors of traditional pecan pie in a convenient cookie form. They’re perfect for gatherings, holidays, or simply as a sweet treat any time of year. Feel free to customize them by adding chocolate chips, spices, or even drizzling caramel on top!
Pecan Pie Cookies
Indulge in the delightful world of Pecan Pie Cookies, where the classic flavors of pecan pie are transformed into chewy, buttery cookies. Perfect for any occasion—from holiday gatherings to cozy family nights—these crowd-pleasing treats are quick and easy to make, taking just 18 minutes from start to finish. The rich combination of brown sugar and butter provides a deep flavor reminiscent of traditional pecan pie, while the crunchy pecans add that signature nutty goodness. Customize them with chocolate chips or a drizzle of caramel for an extra special touch. Enjoy these fantastic cookies warm with a glass of milk or topped with ice cream for a truly decadent dessert experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups light or dark brown sugar
- 1 cup salted butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups pecan halves
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat together brown sugar, butter, and vanilla until fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add eggs and mix until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually incorporate into the wet mixture until just mixed. Fold in pecans.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line cookie sheets with parchment.
- Form dough balls (1.25 inches) and place them on the cookie sheet with space in between.
- Bake for about 8 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
