Pecan Pie Cookies – Easy Recipe

Looking for the perfect blend of a buttery cookie and the gooey richness of pecan pie? These Pecan Pie Cookies are your dream dessert. They combine everything we love about traditional pecan pie—sweet, nutty, and caramelized—with the handheld convenience of a cookie. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday platter or just want a cozy treat with your coffee, this easy recipe hits all the right notes. With a crisp edge, soft center, and rich pecan filling, it’s no surprise these cookies are a crowd favorite.

Why You’ll Love These Pecan Pie Cookies

These pecan pie cookies aren’t just delicious—they’re also practical. They bake quickly, use pantry staples, and offer a fresh twist on a traditional Southern dessert.

• Quick and easy: No pie crust needed, just classic cookie dough.
• Perfect for holidays: Bite-sized treats that are festive and indulgent.
• Great for gifting: Their texture holds well, making them ideal for cookie exchanges.
• Comfort food reimagined: Think gooey pecan pie but less messy and more portable.

This recipe balances the warm, sugary notes of pecan pie filling with the buttery base of a sugar cookie — creating the ultimate dessert hybrid.

What You’ll Need to Make Pecan Pie Cookies

Understanding the role of each ingredient helps you appreciate the textures and flavors these cookies deliver.

• Unsalted Butter (softened): Adds rich, creamy flavor and creates a tender cookie base.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps the cookie spread slightly during baking.
• Brown Sugar (packed): Adds a deep, molasses-like flavor and moisture.
• Egg: Binds the dough together and adds structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances both the dough and the filling with warm, aromatic depth.
• All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone of the cookie.
• Baking Powder: Offers a subtle lift, making the cookies soft rather than dense.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Chopped Pecans: Provide nutty crunch and classic pecan pie flavor.
• Corn Syrup or Maple Syrup: Adds gooey texture and a caramelized note to the filling.
• Melted Butter (for filling): Enriches the filling and helps it bind.

Ingredient Substitutions and Dietary Options

Need to adjust this pecan pie cookie recipe to fit your pantry or dietary needs? Here are some smart substitutions:

• Maple Syrup for Corn Syrup: If you want a richer, naturally sweet taste, maple syrup is a great swap.
• Vegan Butter: For a dairy-free version, opt for a plant-based butter substitute.
• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Coconut Sugar for Brown Sugar: A lower glycemic index sweetener that still offers caramel-like depth.
• Almonds or Walnuts: If you’re low on pecans, other nuts can work well, though flavor and texture will vary.

How to Make Pecan Pie Cookies – Step-by-Step

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cookie Dough: Cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing just until combined.
3. Shape the Dough: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared sheets about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create a shallow indentation in each ball.
4. Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, stir together chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup or maple syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract. The mixture should be thick but spoonable.
5. Fill the Cookies: Carefully spoon the pecan mixture into the indentation of each cookie. Don’t overfill—leave a little space to prevent spillage during baking.
6. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden. Keep an eye on them — the filling should bubble slightly but not overflow.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow cookies to cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the filling set properly.

Expert Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Cookies

Achieving the ideal pecan pie cookie is all about balance. Here’s how to make yours bakery-quality:

• Don’t overfill the center: Too much filling can spill during baking and burn.
• Use room-temperature butter: It creams better and leads to even cookie texture.
• Avoid overmixing the dough: Once the flour is added, mix only until combined to prevent tough cookies.
• Cool before storing: Store in an airtight container only after the cookies are fully cool to maintain texture.
• Use fresh pecans: Rancid or old nuts can ruin the flavor of the entire batch.

Serving Suggestions and Flavor Twists

These pecan pie cookies are versatile and pair beautifully with various dishes and drinks.

What to Serve With Them

• A scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream for an indulgent dessert
• A hot cup of spiced chai or coffee with cinnamon
• Alongside other holiday cookies like snickerdoodles or gingerbread

Flavor Variations to Try

• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a touch of melted dark chocolate over cooled cookies.
• Spiced Version: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for a fall-inspired twist.
• Bourbon Pecan Filling: Add a teaspoon of bourbon to the pecan mixture for a rich depth of flavor.
• Mini Tart Version: Bake the cookie dough in mini muffin tins for a more tart-like presentation.

Storage Tips

• Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat gently before serving.

The Charm of Southern Pecan Pie in Cookie Form

Pecan pie is a cherished staple in Southern kitchens, especially around the holidays. By turning it into a cookie, you get all the nostalgic flavor in a simpler, faster form. These cookies make Southern comfort portable—perfect for potlucks, gift boxes, or a cozy night in.

They’re also a great introduction to baking pecan-based desserts, especially for those intimidated by making pie crust from scratch. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet nutty centers, pecan pie cookies bring tradition into everyday life—one delicious bite at a time.

Conclusion: A Cookie That Captures the Heart of a Classic

If you’re craving the warmth and richness of pecan pie but want something quicker and more sharable, pecan pie cookies are the perfect solution. With a buttery base, gooey pecan center, and the convenience of finger food, these cookies are a holiday must-have—and equally enjoyable year-round. Whether you’re baking a batch for a cookie swap or just indulging in nostalgic flavors, this recipe is a delicious way to honor a Southern classic with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pecan Pie Cookies

More Relevant Recipes

• Homemade Pecan Pie Cobbler: A decadent Southern dessert that captures the gooey richness of pecan pie in a cobbler-style bake. This comforting treat makes a great warm alternative to pecan pie cookies, with a similar flavor profile in a different format.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies: These melt-in-your-mouth cookies offer a buttery, nutty experience much like pecan pie cookies, making them a perfect choice for holiday cookie trays or festive gifting.
• Cream Cheese Pistachio Cookies: Rich and nutty with a smooth texture, these cookies feature a similar balance of sweetness and crunch, offering a unique twist with pistachios while remaining in the same indulgent, homemade cookie family.

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