Pecan Pie Cookies
Ingredients
- 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
- 2 cups pecan halves
Directions
- 1
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).
- 2
Add eggs and beat on low until just combined.
- 3
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk to combine flour, salt and baking soda. Gradually add into wet mixture on low speed until just incorporated. Using a spatula, fold in pecans.
- 4
Cover dough and refrigerate to chill for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F and line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- 5
Using a small cookie dough scoop or your hands, make 1.25" dough balls and drop at least 3" apart onto 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.
- 6
Preheat oven to 300ºF. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 7
Spread pecans in a single layer and place in the center of the oven. Toast 10-15 minutes, turning them every 5 minutes to toast evenly.
Pecan Pie Cookies
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About this Recipe
Craving the comforting, rich taste of pecan pie but short on time? These Pecan Pie Cookies deliver everything you adore about the classic dessert in a convenient, chewy cookie format. Perfect for when you want that nostalgic flavor without the fuss of a pie crust, these cookies are a true crowd-pleaser that come together with remarkable ease.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic behind these cookies lies in their perfectly balanced ingredients, designed to recreate that iconic pecan pie experience. By leaning on generous amounts of brown sugar and creamy salted butter, you’re building a foundation of deep, caramelized flavor. This simple yet effective combination, paired with hearty pecan halves, ensures that satisfyingly rich and chewy texture, mirroring a slice of pie in every bite. With only 10 minutes of prep, it’s a remarkably quick way to achieve such a decadent result.
What to Expect
Prepare yourself for a truly delightful cookie that lives up to its name. You’ll find these cookies to be thin and wonderfully chewy, yielding to a tender interior that's bursting with rich, buttery sweetness. The deep notes of brown sugar create a molasses-like complexity, perfectly complemented by the crunchy texture and earthy flavor of the pecans. Each cookie offers that distinct pecan pie essence—sweet, nutty, and incredibly satisfying, without ever feeling overly heavy. It's a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will transport you straight to a holiday table.
Customization & Variations
While these cookies are perfect as is, you have options to tailor them slightly. The recipe calls for light or dark brown sugar; choosing dark brown sugar will intensify the molasses notes, resulting in an even deeper, chewier cookie. For a subtle flavor twist, consider adding a dash of bourbon or maple extract alongside the vanilla. You could also lightly toast the pecan halves before incorporating them for an enhanced nutty aroma.
Serving & Context
These Pecan Pie Cookies are ideal for dessert platters, bake sales, or simply as a comforting treat with your afternoon coffee or tea. They make a fantastic addition to any holiday spread or a thoughtful gift for friends and family.