Pecan Pie Cookies: A Sweet Slice of Comfort
If you’re anything like me, the thought of baking can either bring joy or a mild panic. Between busy schedules, laundry mountains, and potentially picky eaters scrambling around, who has the time for a traditional pecan pie? Well, my friends, let me introduce you to Pecan Pie Cookies—the delightful answer to all your sweet cravings without the fuss. These cookies are easy to whip up and bring all the comforting flavors of a classic pecan pie into a delightful, bite-sized treat. Trust me, your kitchen will thank you!
Why You’ll Love These Pecan Pie Cookies
These Pecan Pie Cookies combine the delightful nuttiness of pecans with a gooey, caramel-like filling that is simply irresistible. Imagine serving these at a family gathering or holiday party, where everyone is smiling, reminiscing, and inevitably reaching for seconds. If you’re wondering why this recipe should hold a spot in your cookie jar, let’s break it down!
- Easy Prep: No complicated techniques here! We’re all about keeping it simple.
- Family-Friendly: The sweetness and nutty crunch mean kids (and adults) will adore them.
- Perfect for Sharing: Bake these gems and share them with friends as a sweet gesture. Just prepare for the compliments!
Ingredients for Pecan Pie Cookies
Before we dive into mixing and baking, let’s gather our trusty ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Cookies:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
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Filling:
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Steps to Make Pecan Pie Cookies
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). We want things nice and toasty, just like that feeling of coziness on a Sunday morning!
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Mix the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just blended. (Feel free to taste it—no judgment here!)
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Prepare the Filling: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the chopped pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined. This will be the cherry on top—er, pie filling.
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Scoop and Stuff: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop balls of cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space in between. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, make a little well in the center of each ball. Fill that well with a generous scoop of the pecan filling!
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Bake: Pop your tray into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Your kitchen is about to smell heavenly!
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Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking tray before transferring them to a wire rack. You can nibble on them warm, but they’re just as delightful once they’ve cooled.
Cooking Tips for Your Pecan Pie Cookies
- Chill Your Dough: If your cookie dough is too soft to handle, don’t hesitate to pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This little trick will make shaping and filling the cookies so much easier!
- Pecan Choices: Feel free to experiment with different nuts! Walnuts or even chocolate chips could make fantastic fillers if you’re looking to change things up. Because variety is the spice of life, right?
- Sharing is Caring: These cookies are wonderful gifts! Package them up in a cute box, and voila! You’ve got an instant gift that is bound to get you some serious brownie—or should I say cookie—points.
FAQs About Pecan Pie Cookies
Can I substitute the corn syrup?
Yes! You can use maple syrup or honey as an alternative, but keep in mind that it may change the flavor slightly.
How can I store leftovers?
Keep your delicious cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about 3–4 days—if they last that long!
A Sweet Note to End On
So there you have it! Pecan Pie Cookies are your new best friend in the kitchen. Whether you’re treating yourself or surprising your loved ones, these cookies are sure to spark joy and create sweet memories. Go ahead and grab that apron—we’re in for a delightful ride full of laughter and flavor. And just like that, with a bit of love and creativity, you’ve transformed traditional pecan pie into a bite-sized wonder that’s ready for any occasion. Enjoy baking!
Meta Description: Pecan Pie Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion! Quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious—your family will love these sweet bites!
Pecan Pie Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just blended.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the chopped pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract for the filling. Stir until well combined.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop balls of cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make a small well in the center of each ball and fill with a scoop of pecan filling.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking tray before transferring them to a wire rack.