Pecan Pie Cookies

Name: Pecan Pie Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chopped pecans; 1 cup chopped pecans; 1/2 cup corn syrup; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight in the rich flavor of pecan pie in a bite-sized cookie form.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-11-29T20:57:55.557Z

Pecan pie cookies bring the classic flavors of a traditional pecan pie into a delightful, portable cookie format. Perfect for holidays and gatherings!

        Why You'll Love These Cookies
        Crunchy pecans paired with a sweet, buttery cookie base
A perfect blend of flavors reminiscent of classic pecan pie
Easy to make and even easier to enjoy with family and friends

      

The Perfect Snack for Any Occasion

Pecan pie cookies make for a delightful treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Whether you're hosting a family gathering, preparing for the holidays, or simply craving a sweet snack, these cookies fit the bill perfectly. Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to share and even easier to pop into your mouth, making them a favorite for both kids and adults alike.

These cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve them as a dessert after dinner, offer them during coffee breaks, or pack them as a sweet surprise in lunchboxes. Their rich flavor and satisfying crunch ensure that they will be a hit wherever they are served.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with your pecan pie cookies, it's important to measure your ingredients accurately. Using a kitchen scale for dry ingredients can help ensure consistency, leading to perfectly baked cookies every time. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the sugars, which creates a light and fluffy texture.

Additionally, avoid overmixing the dough once you add the dry ingredients. Mixing until just combined helps prevent tough cookies. For an extra touch, feel free to experiment by adding chocolate chips or a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for a unique twist on this classic recipe.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Once your pecan pie cookies are baked and cooled, you may wonder how best to store them. To maintain their freshness, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them for a longer period, consider freezing them. Simply layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they can last for up to three months.

When it comes to serving, these cookies are delightful on their own, but they can also be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. For a festive touch, dust them lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate ganache before presenting them at your next gathering.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pecans

For the Pecan Topping

1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix and match the ingredients to customize your cookies!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans.

Bake the Cookies

Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.

Prepare the Topping

While the cookies are baking, mix together the chopped pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla in a bowl.

Add Topping and Finish Baking

Remove the cookies from the oven, place a spoonful of the pecan topping on each cookie, and return to the oven for another 3-5 minutes until bubbly.

Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Enjoy these delicious treats warm or at room temperature!

Why Pecan Pie Cookies Are a Crowd-Pleaser

The combination of crunchy pecans and a buttery cookie base makes pecan pie cookies an irresistible treat. The texture is perfectly balanced, offering a satisfying crunch from the nuts and a soft, chewy bite from the cookie itself. This dynamic is what sets them apart from traditional cookies, making them a standout option for dessert tables.

Moreover, the flavor profile closely resembles that of a classic pecan pie, which evokes nostalgia for many. This connection to a beloved dessert enhances the experience of enjoying these cookies, making them a memorable part of any celebration.

Customizing Your Cookies

One of the best aspects of baking is the opportunity to make recipes your own. With pecan pie cookies, you can easily customize them to suit your taste preferences. Consider adding different nuts like walnuts or almonds for a unique twist, or incorporate dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for added sweetness and color.

You can also adjust the sweetness level by using less sugar or substituting honey or maple syrup. For those who enjoy a hint of spice, adding a dash of nutmeg or allspice can elevate the flavor and introduce a warm, aromatic note that complements the nuts beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different nut?

Yes, walnuts or hazelnuts can be used instead of pecans.

→ How do I store these cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Just thaw it before baking.

→ What can I serve with these cookies?

These cookies pair well with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.