Name: Pecan Pie Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled); 1 tsp cornstarch; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes; 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 large egg (room temperature); 1 large egg yolk (room temperature); 6 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/3 cup dark brown sugar, packed; 1/3 cup pure maple syrup; 2 cups pecans, chopped; 1/3 cup heavy cream; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/8 tsp salt; Flaky sea salt (for finishing)

Jump to Recipe

Pecan Pie Cookies combine all the flavors of a traditional pecan pie into a bite-sized treat that’s perfect for any occasion. These soft, chewy cookies feature a buttery, slightly sweet dough and are topped with a decadent, gooey pecan pie filling that adds a rich, nutty flavor. With the addition of warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, these cookies bring the best of autumn and the holiday season into every bite. They’re ideal for sharing with friends and family or bringing to a party, and they’re even easier to enjoy than a full pecan pie.

What makes these cookies truly special is their balance of textures—soft and buttery on the bottom, with a crunchy, caramelized pecan topping. They’re simple to make but look and taste impressive, making them a perfect option for cookie exchanges or any festive occasion. These pecan pie cookies give you all the cozy, comforting flavors of pecan pie without the hassle of a full pie.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pecan Pie in a Bite: Enjoy the flavors of classic pecan pie in a fun, easy-to-eat cookie form.

Buttery Dough: The cookie dough is rich and buttery, providing the perfect foundation for the sweet and nutty topping.
Warm Spices: A hint of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg adds depth and warmth to the filling, making these cookies perfect for the fall and winter seasons.
Crunchy and Gooey: The filling is gooey and caramelized, with toasted pecans providing a satisfying crunch in every bite.

Great for Holidays and Parties: These cookies are sure to impress and are an easy-to-make treat for sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1 tsp cornstarch

½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt

½ cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
½ cup dark brown sugar, packed
⅓ cup granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg, room temperature
1 large egg yolk, room temperature

For the Pecan Pie Filling

6 tbsp unsalted butter
⅓ cup dark brown sugar, packed
⅓ cup pure maple syrup

2 cups pecans, chopped
⅓ cup heavy cream
½ tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
⅛ tsp salt

Flaky sea salt, for finishing

Variations

Chocolate Lovers: Add some mini chocolate chips to the dough or sprinkle them over the pecan pie filling before baking.
Nut-Free Option: If you prefer, you can skip the pecans and add other mix-ins like dried cranberries or chopped chocolate.

Spice Variations: Adjust the spices to your liking—add more cinnamon for a spicier flavor or include a bit of ginger for an extra kick.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract, egg, and egg yolk, and continue mixing until fully incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Form the Cookie Dough

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to form cookie dough balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press each ball down slightly to form a flat disk.

Step 4: Make the Pecan Pie Filling

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the dark brown sugar, maple syrup, heavy cream, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans.

Step 5: Add the Pecan Pie Filling to the Cookies

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the pecan pie filling onto the center of each cookie dough disk. Make sure the filling stays centered and doesn’t spill over the edges.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden and the filling is bubbly. Be sure not to overbake, as the cookies should remain soft in the center.

Step 7: Cool and Finish

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, sprinkle the cookies with flaky sea salt for a touch of flavor and garnish.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing and better cookie texture.

Chill the Dough: If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before forming the dough balls for easier handling.
Watch the Filling: Keep an eye on the pecan pie filling while baking—it should be bubbly, but not burned. If it overflows, remove it from the oven promptly.
Use Fresh Spices: Ground spices lose potency over time, so using fresh cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg will bring out the best flavors in the filling.

How to Serve

Perfect for Holiday Gatherings: These cookies are perfect for serving at holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or Thanksgiving dinners.
With a Cup of Coffee: Enjoy these cookies alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
Packaged for Gifts: These cookies make a wonderful homemade gift. Package them in a decorative tin or box for a thoughtful, edible present.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The cookies will stay soft and fresh.

Freezing

To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 1 month. To serve, let them thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

If you prefer warm cookies, microwave them for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use pecan halves instead of chopped pecans?

Yes, you can use pecan halves, but chopped pecans are better for spreading the filling evenly on the cookies.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just allow it to soften a little before forming the dough balls.

3. Can I substitute maple syrup with honey or agave syrup?

Yes, honey or agave syrup can be used in place of maple syrup, but the flavor will be slightly different.

4. How do I prevent the filling from overflowing?

Be sure not to overfill the cookies with the pecan pie filling. If you’re worried about overflow, you can slightly press the dough around the edges of the filling before baking.

5. Can I make these cookies without eggs?

Yes, you can use an egg substitute, such as a flax egg or applesauce, for a vegan version of these cookies.

6. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough balls. Just scoop and freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

7. Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?

Yes, light brown sugar will work, but dark brown sugar adds a deeper, richer flavor that complements the pecan pie filling.

8. Can I use pre-chopped pecans?

Yes, pre-chopped pecans are fine to use, but make sure they’re fresh for the best flavor.

9. How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Chill the dough before baking to help it maintain its shape and avoid spreading too much.

10. Can I add other nuts to the filling?

Yes, you can add other nuts like walnuts or almonds to the filling for variety.

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Cookies are a delightful fusion of two classic desserts—pecan pie and cookies—in one convenient and delicious treat. With a rich, buttery dough and a gooey, spiced pecan filling, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, these pecan pie cookies will impress and satisfy. Perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you want a taste of the season, these cookies are a must-try!