Everything you love about pecan pie is packed into these delightful Pecan Pie Cookies! Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat, these cookies are rich, chewy, and buttery. Their unique flavor profile makes them a standout dessert that everyone will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor – The combination of brown sugar and butter creates a deep, rich taste that mirrors classic pecan pie.
- Crowd-Pleasing – These cookies are perfect for sharing at parties or holiday gatherings; everyone loves them!
- Versatile Treat – Enjoy them as a snack or dessert; they fit any occasion beautifully.
- Customizable – Feel free to add chocolate chips or swap out nuts for a twist on the classic recipe.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience seamless, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to create these Pecan Pie Cookies.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
- Whisk attachment (if using a stand mixer)
- Cookie sheets
- Parchment paper
- Small cookie dough scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer – Makes it easy to beat ingredients together quickly and efficiently.
- Parchment paper – Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheets, ensuring perfect results every time.
Ingredients
For those delicious Pecan Pie Cookies, gather the following 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
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 brown sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add the eggs, beating on low until just combined.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda.
- Gradually add this mixture into your wet ingredients on low speed until just incorporated.
Step 3: Fold in Pecans
- Using a spatula, gently fold in the pecan halves, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
- Using a small cookie dough scoop or your hands, form 1.25 dough balls.
- Place them at least 3 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets to allow room for spreading.
- Bake in the center of the oven for about 8 minutes or until edges are slightly golden brown.
- Optional: Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle thick flakes of sea salt on top for an extra touch of flavor.
Enjoy these delightful Pecan Pie Cookies fresh out of the oven!
How to Serve Pecan Pie Cookies
Pecan Pie Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, these cookies can be paired with complementary flavors and presentations.
With a Scoop of Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture and subtle flavor balance the richness of the cookies perfectly.
- Caramel Swirl: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the ice cream for an indulgent treat.
With a Cup of Coffee
- Brewed Coffee: A hot cup of coffee enhances the buttery flavor of pecan pie cookies, making for a comforting pairing.
- Espresso: For a more robust option, serve with a shot of espresso to contrast the sweetness.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Mixed Cookies: Combine with other cookies like chocolate chip or snickerdoodles for variety.
- Fruit Slices: Add fresh fruit slices like apples or pears for a refreshing touch.
With Whipped Cream
- Fresh Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds lightness to the rich flavors, making each bite even more enjoyable.
How to Perfect Pecan Pie Cookies
To achieve the best results when making your Pecan Pie Cookies, follow these helpful tips. They will ensure your cookies come out chewy and delicious every time.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep your cookies tender and chewy.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; they should be golden around the edges but soft in the center.
- Add Sea Salt Topping: A sprinkle of sea salt right after baking enhances flavor and gives a nice contrast to the sweetness.
Best Side Dishes for Pecan Pie Cookies
Pecan Pie Cookies can shine even brighter when served alongside complementary side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Include various cheeses such as brie or cheddar for a savory contrast that pairs well with sweets.
- Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: Offer melted chocolate sauce for dipping or drizzling, enhancing the dessert experience.
- Nutty Granola: Serve crunchy granola on the side to add texture and additional nutty flavors.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with berries and granola for a healthy twist that complements your cookies.
- Hot Chocolate: Pairing with rich hot chocolate creates an indulgent dessert moment perfect for cozy evenings.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: This seasonal drink provides festive flavors that enhance the overall tasting experience.
- Mini Cheesecakes: Small cheesecakes can offer a creamy counterpart to your chewy pecan pie cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Pecan Pie Cookies, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect their taste and texture. Here are common mistakes to steer clear of.
- Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps prevent cookies from spreading too much while baking. Always refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Overmixing the dough: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of chewy ones.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much flour or sugar can alter the cookie’s consistency. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for accuracy.
- Forgetting about oven temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F before baking. An unheated oven can result in unevenly baked cookies.
- Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them when the edges are golden brown, even if they look underbaked in the center.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Pecan Pie Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.
Freezing Pecan Pie Cookies
- For longer storage, freeze cookies for up to 3 months.
- Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag with parchment paper between layers.
Reheating Pecan Pie Cookies
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and heat cookies for about 5 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a soft treat.
- Stovetop: Warm on a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Pecan Pie Cookies.
How do I make Pecan Pie Cookies?
To make Pecan Pie Cookies, follow the recipe steps carefully, ensuring accurate measurements and proper mixing techniques for best results.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pecan Pie Cookies?
Yes, you can substitute light brown sugar with dark brown sugar or even granulated sugar if that’s what you have on hand.
What makes these Pecan Pie Cookies chewy?
The combination of butter, brown sugar, and proper baking time contributes to their chewy texture.
How long do Pecan Pie Cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies can last up to one week in the refrigerator and three months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
Pecan Pie Cookies combine all the wonderful flavors of traditional pecan pie into a delightful cookie form. They are perfect for gatherings or as a sweet treat any time of year. Feel free to customize them by adding chocolate chips or spices like cinnamon for extra flavor!
Pecan Pie Cookies
Pecan Pie Cookies are the perfect treat that captures the rich, buttery flavors of classic pecan pie in a delightful cookie form. Ideal for holiday gatherings or an everyday indulgence, these cookies are quick to prepare and sure to impress everyone with their chewy texture and nutty goodness. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these irresistible cookies that are bound to become a family favorite. Customize them by adding chocolate chips or swapping nuts for a personal twist. Enjoy warm from the oven or paired with your favorite ice cream for an extra special dessert!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat together brown sugar, butter, and vanilla 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 this dry mixture into the wet ingredients on low speed until just incorporated.
- Gently fold in pecan halves with a spatula.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Using a small scoop, form dough balls (about 1.25 inches) and place them at least 3 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets.
- Bake for about 8 minutes or until edges are slightly golden brown. For an added touch of flavor, sprinkle sea salt on top immediately after removing from the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 109
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 53mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
