Everything you love about pecan pie is captured in thin, chewy, rich, buttery pecan pie cookies! Perfect for any occasion, these delightful treats are quick and easy to make. Their unique blend of flavors makes them a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, holiday parties, or simply as a sweet snack at home. You’ll love how these cookies combine the classic taste of pecan pie with the convenience of cookie form!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can whip up these cookies in just 18 minutes. Perfect for last-minute cravings!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and butter creates a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with crunchy pecans.
- Versatile Treat: Great for holidays, potlucks, or casual family gatherings. They suit every occasion!
- Texture Delight: With their chewy texture and buttery richness, these cookies will satisfy all your dessert cravings.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add chocolate chips or spices for an extra twist on this classic recipe.
Tools and Preparation
To make the best pecan pie cookies, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment. Having the right tools ensures that your baking process goes smoothly and that your cookies turn out just right.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
- Whisk attachment (if using a stand mixer)
- Medium mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Cookie sheets
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Saves time and energy while achieving perfectly mixed dough.
- Spatula: Great for folding in ingredients without overmixing and helps scrape down the sides of the bowl efficiently.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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
For the Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
For the Pecan Filling
- 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 together brown sugar, butter, and vanilla until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Step 2: Add Eggs
Add the eggs to your mixture. Beat on low speed until just combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients on low speed until just incorporated.
Step 4: Incorporate Pecans
Using a spatula, gently fold in the pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow it to chill.
Step 6: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
While waiting for the dough to chill, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Step 7: Scoop Dough Balls
Using a small cookie dough scoop or your hands, make 1.25-inch dough balls. Drop them at least 3 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets to allow room for spreading.
Step 8: Bake Cookies
Bake in the center of the oven for about 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 freshly baked pecan pie cookies!
How to Serve Pecan Pie Cookies
Pecan pie cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just indulging at home, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.
With a Scoop of Ice Cream
- Vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of pecan pie cookies.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
- A warm drizzle of chocolate sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness and elegance.
Accompanied by Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these cookies with your favorite brew for a comforting afternoon snack.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- A dollop of whipped cream on top makes for an indulgent dessert presentation.
Served on a Dessert Platter
- Arrange cookies on a platter alongside other desserts for a beautiful spread at gatherings.
How to Perfect Pecan Pie Cookies
To ensure your pecan pie cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allowing butter and eggs to reach room temperature ensures better blending and texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies; mix until ingredients are just combined.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; remove them when edges are slightly golden for chewy perfection.
- Experiment with Nuts: Try using different nuts like walnuts or almonds for unique flavors in your pecan pie cookies.
Best Side Dishes for Pecan Pie Cookies
Pecan pie cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavor. Here are some great options to consider.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits offers a refreshing contrast to the rich cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Pairing with cheeses like brie or gouda adds a savory touch that balances the sweetness.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of pecan pie cookies into warm chocolate for a decadent combination.
- Nutty Granola: Serve crunchy nutty granola on the side for added texture and flavor contrast.
- Ice Cream Floats: Combine soda and ice cream for a fun float that pairs well with sweet treats.
- Spiced Hot Cider: A warm cup of spiced cider creates a cozy atmosphere when enjoyed alongside your cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making pecan pie cookies can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls. Avoid these mistakes to ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time.
- Skipping the chilling step – Not refrigerating the dough can lead to flat cookies. Chilling helps the butter firm up, resulting in a better texture.
- Using cold ingredients – Cold butter and eggs can affect how well they blend. Always use room temperature ingredients for a smooth dough.
- Overmixing the flour – Mixing too much after adding flour can make your cookies tough. Mix just until combined for chewy pecan pie cookies.
- Incorrect oven temperature – Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven properly before baking.
- Not spacing cookies correctly – Placing cookie dough balls too close together can cause them to stick. Make sure to leave enough space on the baking sheet.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store pecan pie cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Pecan Pie Cookies
- Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to three months without losing flavor.
Reheating Pecan Pie Cookies
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
- Microwave – Heat for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make them chewy.
- Stovetop – Place a pan on low heat and warm cookies for a couple of minutes, flipping halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making pecan pie cookies that might help you!
How to make pecan pie cookies perfectly chewy?
To achieve perfectly chewy pecan pie cookies, avoid overmixing after adding flour and ensure you chill the dough before baking.
Can I use different nuts in pecan pie cookies?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. However, it will change the flavor profile slightly.
What if my pecan pie cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough is overly sticky, add a little more flour until it reaches a manageable consistency.
Can I customize my pecan pie cookie recipe?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips or dried fruits for additional flavors and textures.
Final Thoughts
Pecan pie cookies are a delightful treat that combines all the flavors of traditional pecan pie into a fun bite-sized snack. They’re quick and easy to make while offering plenty of room for customization based on your preferences. Give these delicious cookies a try; they might just become your new favorite dessert!
Pecan Pie Cookies
Indulge in the delightful world of Pecan Pie Cookies, where all the cherished flavors of traditional pecan pie come together in a chewy, buttery treat. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon snack at home. With a quick preparation time of just 18 minutes, these irresistible cookies combine rich brown sugar and crunchy pecans for a flavor that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Easy to make and customizable with chocolate chips or spices, Pecan Pie Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
- 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 (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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Beat brown sugar, butter, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl until fluffy.
- Add eggs and mix until just combined.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, salt, and baking soda; gradually blend into wet ingredients.
- Fold in pecans gently.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes before scooping onto prepared sheets.
- Bake for about 8 minutes until edges are golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
