Pecan Pie Cookies Dessert

Bringing the rich flavors of classic pecan pie into a soft, buttery cookie has become a favorite tradition in my kitchen. Pecan pie cookies offer that deep, nutty sweetness you crave at the holidays, but with the ease and portability of cookies. This recipe makes beautifully golden treats with a generous pecan filling tucked into a brown sugar cookie base. If you are looking for something impressive yet simple for your next gathering or cookie box, these cookies will steal the show.

The first time I brought these to a holiday party, everyone wanted the recipe before dessert was even finished. Even my friends who do not bake often felt confident making them after seeing how approachable the steps are.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: creates structure for the cookie and ensures a tender crumb
• Unsalted butter: gives a rich flavor and perfect texture use high quality butter for best taste
• Light brown sugar: brings deep caramel notes and keeps the cookie moist look for soft packed sugar
• Chopped pecans: deliver the signature nutty taste chop pecans small for easy mixing and measuring
• Heavy whipping cream: enriches the filling and adds creaminess use fresh cream
• Large egg: binds the dough and helps the cookies rise choose eggs with bright yolks
• Pure vanilla extract: enhances warmth and sweetness pure extract brings authentic flavor
• Baking powder: helps the cookies puff up and stay light check freshness so dough rises properly
• Salt: balances all the sweetness and rounds out flavors
• Optional spices: ground cinnamon ground cloves and ground ginger add subtle warmth to the filling I cannot resist this touch at the holidays

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

In a mixing bowl cream together unsalted butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy about three minutes This makes the dough base soft and helps the cookies hold together

Add Wet Ingredients:

Beat in the large egg and pure vanilla extract until fully blended The dough should look smooth and glossy at this stage

Add Dry Ingredients:

Scatter baking powder and salt evenly then add all purpose flour Mix just until everything comes together The dough should not feel sticky If it does add a tablespoon of flour at a time

Mix the Filling:

In a small bowl combine chopped pecans light brown sugar and spices if using Stir in heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract until everything is coated and looks like chunky pie filling

Shape the Cookies:

Roll the cookie dough into balls about one and a quarter inches across Set them on a parchment lined baking sheet with space between Press your thumb into each ball to create a deep well then gently pinch the sides to look like a mini pie crust

Fill and Bake:

Spoon about one teaspoon of the pecan filling into each cookie well Take care not to overfill Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for ten to twelve minutes until the edges look golden and set

Cool Completely:

Let cookies cool on the baking tray for five minutes then move gently to a wire rack These cookies are delicate when warm Cooling makes them easier to handle and store

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My favorite part is the pecan filling I could honestly eat it by the spoonful The warm spice blend brings out so much character and always reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen when she would let me sneak a bite of pecan pie filling before the holidays

Storage Tips

Once the pecan pie cookies are fully cool store them in an airtight container at room temperature They keep well for up to a week For longer storage or prepping ahead freeze baked cookies in layers with parchment between them They thaw quickly and taste just as good as fresh

Ingredient Substitutions

No heavy cream Reach for half and half or even whole milk in a pinch If you are out of pecans walnuts work but the flavor is less sweet For gluten free baking use a one to one gluten free flour blend with great success

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Serving Suggestions

These cookies look gorgeous on a holiday tray alongside cranberry bars and gingerbread You can also serve them slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert For an extra festive touch dust with a little powdered sugar just before presenting

Cultural Context

Pecan pie is a Southern dessert staple loved across North America Turning it into cookies honors the tradition while making it easy to bring to parties potlucks and gift boxes This recipe has been passed around friends family and even old cake forums where bakers traded their best holiday treats

Recipe FAQs

→ What texture can I expect from these cookies?

Expect a soft, chewy cookie base with a rich, nutty pecan center that's slightly crisp on top and tender inside.

→ Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, they can be baked in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ How do I prevent the dough from becoming sticky?

If your dough feels sticky, add a bit of extra flour or chill it for 30 minutes before shaping.

→ Is there a way to chop pecans easily?

Pecan halves or pieces can be pulsed in a food processor until they're finely chopped but not powdery.

→ What optional spices work well in the filling?

Cinnamon, cloves, or ginger add warmth and depth—just a pinch of each enhances the pecan flavor.