There’s something utterly magical about Pecan Pie Cookies: they capture all the buttery, nutty, caramelized bliss of a classic pecan pie, but in one irresistible, hand-held bite. These crowd-pleasing treats are golden, gooey, and gloriously simple to make—perfect for holiday gift boxes, bake sales, or just as an afternoon treat to share with loved ones. Picture a soft, flaky crust with a pecan-studded, sweet filling in the center… if that doesn’t tempt you, just wait until you try the first warm bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of pantry staples come together for big flavor in these Pecan Pie Cookies. Each ingredient shines in its role, creating that unmistakable, nostalgic taste reminiscent of Southern gatherings and cozy family holidays.
- Refrigerated pie crust: The secret shortcut! It creates flaky, buttery bases for your cookies and makes this recipe quick and approachable.
- Chopped pecans: The star of the show, bringing crunch and rich, toasty flavor to every bite. Toasting them first heightens their nuttiness.
- Packed brown sugar: Adds sweetness and caramelly depth, perfectly complementing the pecans.
- Light corn syrup: Binds the filling while adding that classic glossy finish found in traditional pecan pie.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Gives richness and helps the filling set up as it bakes.
- Large egg: Essential for binding the filling and creating that luscious, custardy texture.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with warm, inviting notes.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
How to Make Pecan Pie Cookies
Step 1: Prep The Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you are. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this ensures your Pecan Pie Cookies bake evenly and slide off easily for a perfect finish, with zero sticking.
Step 2: Cut Out the Pie Crust Circles
On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the pie crust and use a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut as many circles as you can. These will form the bases for your cookies. Gather any scraps, re-roll, and cut more circles so you get the most out of your dough.
Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Pie Cookie Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. You want everything well combined, so each cookie gets a touch of that gooey, sticky, nutty goodness.
Step 4: Assemble the Cookies
Arrange your pie crust circles on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each for spreading. Spoon roughly one teaspoon of the pecan filling into the center of each crust circle. Try to keep the filling away from the very edges to prevent overflow during baking—neatness counts here!
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set
Bake your Pecan Pie Cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden and the filling is bubbly and set. The kitchen will smell like the holidays! Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, so the filling firms up just right.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Cookies
Garnishes
Sometimes, a pretty finish makes all the difference! For an extra-special touch, dust your Pecan Pie Cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar, or drizzle a bit of melted chocolate across the tops. A few extra pecan pieces artistically placed on each cookie make them look bakery-worthy.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies with classic comforts like vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re feeling cozy, pair them with a mug of hot coffee, spiced cider, or decadent hot cocoa to complement their sweet, nutty richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Pecan Pie Cookies in a cellophane bag tied with ribbon for a homemade gift, or line them neatly in a pretty tin for the ultimate holiday treat. For parties, arrange them on a tiered dessert stand alongside other bite-sized goodies—these show-stoppers are sure to be the first to go!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Pecan Pie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll stay fresh and chewy, ready for snacking whenever a craving strikes. If you live in a humid climate, you can store them in the refrigerator for a little extra insurance against sogginess.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Once cooled, layer Pecan Pie Cookies between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to two months. Simply allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.
Reheating
If you love that just-baked, warm gooeyness, pop a Pecan Pie Cookie in the microwave for 8-10 seconds. Or, reheat a few on a baking sheet in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a couple of minutes—this revives the crust’s delightful flakiness and gives the filling a heavenly warmth.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pie crust instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade pie crust will take these cookies to new heights if you have the time or enjoy making pastry from scratch. Just make sure it’s rolled to the same thickness as a ready-made crust for best results.
Do I have to toast the pecans first?
No, but lightly toasting the pecans before chopping really amps up their flavor and texture. It’s a tiny step with a tasty payoff, but if you skip it, your Pecan Pie Cookies will still be deliciously satisfying.
Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?
Definitely! A sprinkle of mini chocolate chips, a touch of orange zest, or even a pinch of cinnamon can bring a fun twist to your Pecan Pie Cookies. Keep mix-ins small so they don’t overwhelm the filling.
How do I keep the filling from spilling over?
The key is to use just a small teaspoon of filling and keep it neatly in the center of the pie crust round. Don’t overfill—the filling will spread as it bakes! Also, baking on parchment paper helps catch any little drips for easy cleanup.
Are these suitable for holiday cookie swaps?
Absolutely! Pecan Pie Cookies travel excellently and stand out with their beautiful look and classic flavor, making them a top pick for sharing (if you can bear to let any out of your kitchen!).
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to bring a little extra sweetness into your day, Pecan Pie Cookies are that perfect blend of charming and indulgent. Bake up a batch and get ready for smiles all around—these miniature treats are hard to resist, and guaranteed to become a new tradition!
Print
Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pecan Pie Cookies are a delightful twist on classic pecan pie, featuring a buttery crust filled with a sweet, nutty pecan mixture. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet treat any time of year!
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 refrigerated pie crust (from a 14 oz package)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the crust: Roll out pie crust on a lightly floured surface and cut out circles using a 3-inch round cookie cutter. Place circles on the baking sheet.
- Make the filling: In a bowl, combine pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and salt. Spoon mixture onto each crust circle.
- Bake: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until golden and set. Cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, toast the pecans before chopping.
- You can use homemade pie crust if preferred.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
