Everything you love about pecan pie is captured in these rich, buttery Pecan Pie Cookies! Ideal for any occasion, these cookies are easy to make and sure to impress your friends and family. Their chewy texture, combined with the delightful crunch of pecans, makes them a standout treat that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or just a cozy afternoon snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious cookies ready in no time.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and butter creates a deep, caramel-like flavor that pairs perfectly with the pecans.
- Crowd-Pleasing: These cookies are sure to be a hit at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as part of your dessert platter; they fit perfectly in any setting.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, you won’t need to hunt down any special ingredients to whip up these treats.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into baking your Pecan Pie Cookies, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in achieving the perfect cookie.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
- Whisk attachment
- Medium mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Cookie sheets
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or large mixing bowl: Essential for beating ingredients together until smooth and fluffy.
- Spatula: Perfect for folding in pecans without overmixing the dough.
- Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the sheets, ensuring easy removal and clean-up.
Ingredients
For these amazing Pecan Pie Cookies, you will need:
- 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
How to Make Pecan Pie Cookies
Step 1: Cream Together Sugar and Butter
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat together the brown sugar, salted butter, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes.
Step 2: Add Eggs
Add the two large eggs to the mixture. Beat on low speed until just combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Use a spatula to fold in the pecan halves gently.
Step 4: Chill Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. During this time, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Step 5: Shape Cookies
Using a small cookie dough scoop or your hands, form approximately 1.25-inch dough balls. Place them at least 3 inches apart on the lined cookie sheets to allow for spreading during baking.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the center of the oven for about 8 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden brown. For an extra touch, top with thick flakes of sea salt immediately after removing them from the oven.
Enjoy your freshly baked Pecan Pie Cookies! They are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Cookies
Pecan pie cookies are incredibly versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these cookies can fit any occasion perfectly.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair your pecan pie cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic treat that enhances the rich flavors.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Arrange these cookies on a dessert platter alongside brownies and mini cheesecakes for an impressive display at parties.
With Ice Cream
- Top warm pecan pie cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm and cold creates a delicious contrast.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- Add extra indulgence by drizzling caramel sauce over the top for a sweet touch that complements the pecans beautifully.
Alongside Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these cookies with your favorite coffee or tea. The nutty flavor pairs well with both beverages, making for a cozy snack time.
How to Perfect Pecan Pie Cookies
To achieve the perfect pecan pie cookies, follow these tips to enhance their texture and flavor.
Use room temperature butter – This helps to create a light and fluffy mixture, ensuring your cookies have the right texture.
Chill the dough – Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
Measure flour correctly – Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off. This prevents using too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.
Don’t overbake – Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.
Add sea salt on top – A sprinkle of sea salt right after baking enhances the sweet and nutty flavors, making each bite even more delicious.
Best Side Dishes for Pecan Pie Cookies
Pairing side dishes with pecan pie cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider.
Fresh Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the cookies.
Chocolate Mousse – Serve chocolate mousse for a decadent dessert pairing that chocolate lovers will adore.
Cheese Platter – An assortment of cheeses can provide savory relief from the sweetness of the cookies.
Whipped Cream – A dollop of whipped cream is simple yet delightful, enhancing the cookie experience without overpowering it.
Pumpkin Spice Latte – This seasonal favorite pairs wonderfully with pecan pie flavors, creating a cozy autumn vibe.
Homemade Hot Chocolate – Rich hot chocolate complements these cookies perfectly, especially in colder months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making pecan pie cookies can be fun, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
ingredients measurement: Using incorrect measurements can change the texture of your cookies. Always use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
skipping chilling time: Chilling the dough is crucial for the right consistency. Don’t skip this step; refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
not preheating the oven: Starting with a cold oven can lead to uneven baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F before placing the cookies inside.
overcrowding the baking sheet: Placing too many cookies on one sheet can result in them sticking together. Leave at least 3 inches between each cookie.
ignoring baking time: Overbaking can dry out your cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove when edges are golden brown.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking cookies.
Freezing Pecan Pie Cookies
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 1-2 hours.
- Transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers and store for up to 3 months.
Reheating Pecan Pie Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat cookies for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Warm cookies individually for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making pecan pie cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries:
How to make pecan pie cookies more flavorful?
You can enhance flavor by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into your dough.
Can I use different nuts in my pecan pie cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds based on your preference.
What’s the best way to store pecan pie cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you want them to last longer.
Can I freeze pecan pie cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the dough before baking. Just shape into balls and freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag.
How long do pecan pie cookies last?
When stored properly, they can last up to 5 days at room temperature or up to 3 months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
These pecan pie cookies are a delightful twist on a classic dessert! Their rich, buttery flavor combined with a chewy texture makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize by adding chocolate chips or other nuts for extra fun. Try making these delicious treats today!
Pecan Pie Cookies
Indulge in the sweet comfort of Pecan Pie Cookies, a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie. These rich, buttery treats capture all the flavors you love in a traditional pecan pie but come in a convenient cookie form. With a chewy texture and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans, they make for an irresistible dessert perfect for any occasion—be it holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons at home. Plus, they require minimal effort to prepare, making them an easy yet impressive choice for your next get-together.
- 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 (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
Instructions
- Cream together the brown sugar and butter using a stand mixer or large bowl until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add to the wet mixture on low speed until just incorporated. Gently fold in pecans.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes, then preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape into 1.25-inch balls and place on sheets, ensuring space between each.
- Bake for about 8 minutes until edges are golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (28g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
