Pecan Pie Cookies
Everything you love about pecan pie is now in cookie form with these Pecan Pie Cookies! Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or just a sweet treat at home, these cookies are thin, chewy, and rich with buttery flavor. With their delightful texture and nutty taste, they bring a unique twist to a classic favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These cookies come together in just 18 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for last-minute cravings!
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and pecans creates a deliciously sweet and nutty taste that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile Treat: Great for any occasion—whether it’s a holiday party or an afternoon snack, these cookies fit right in.
- Chewy Texture: Enjoy the same beloved chewy texture of pecan pie in cookie form, making them irresistible.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with common pantry staples, this recipe is easy to whip up anytime.
Tools and Preparation
Before getting started, gather your tools to make the process smooth and efficient. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
- Whisk attachment (if using stand mixer)
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Cookie sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie dough scoop (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing ingredients to get a fluffy batter.
- Spatula: Perfect for folding in pecans without overmixing the dough.
- Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet for easier cleanup.
Ingredients
Everything you love about pecan pie in thin, chewy, rich, buttery pecan pie cookies! These crowd pleasing cookies are quick, easy and absolutely amazing!
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 Batter
- 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: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda.
- Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet mixture on low speed until just incorporated.
- Using a spatula, gently fold in the pecans.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Using a small cookie dough scoop or your hands, make approximately 1.25 dough balls.
- Drop them onto the prepared cookie sheets at least 3 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake in the center of the preheated oven for about 8 minutes or until edges are slightly golden brown.
- Optional: Top with thick flakes of sea salt immediately after removing them from the oven.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Pecan Pie Cookies!
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 enjoying them at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your cookie experience.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair your pecan pie cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination. The creaminess of the milk complements the rich flavors of the cookies perfectly.
As Dessert Sandwiches
- Create dessert sandwiches by adding a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two pecan pie cookies. This indulgent treat is sure to impress guests.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Serve your pecan pie cookies topped with a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant touch. This adds a light, airy contrast to the chewy texture of the cookies.
With Fresh Fruit
- Offer fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples alongside your cookies. The freshness will balance the sweetness and add a refreshing element to your dessert table.
How to Perfect Pecan Pie Cookies
To ensure your pecan pie cookies come out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother dough and better texture in your cookies.
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Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and prevents spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining dry ingredients with the wet mixture, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Watch Your Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.
Best Side Dishes for Pecan Pie Cookies
Pecan pie cookies can be complemented with a variety of side dishes that enhance their flavor profile and create an enjoyable meal experience. Here are some great options:
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Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served with fruits or marshmallows provides a rich dipping option that pairs beautifully with the nutty flavors of pecan pie cookies.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic side, vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and coolness that contrasts well with warm pecan pie cookies.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cookies for an extra layer of sweetness and richness that enhances their flavor.
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Coffee or Espresso: A cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso pairs wonderfully, balancing out the sweetness of the cookies while enhancing their nutty taste.
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Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad brings brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the cookies for a well-rounded dessert experience.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide savory notes that complement sweet desserts like pecan pie cookies, creating an interesting contrast on your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Pecan Pie Cookies, there are a few common mistakes that can lead to disappointing results. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
- Boldly measuring ingredients: Using too much or too little of an ingredient can ruin the texture of your cookies. Always use precise measurements for the best results.
- Boldly skipping chilling time: If you skip refrigerating the dough, your cookies may spread too much while baking. Allowing the dough to chill helps maintain their shape.
- Boldly overcrowding the cookie sheet: Placing cookies too close together can cause them to stick and bake unevenly. Make sure to leave enough space between each cookie on the sheet.
- Boldly ignoring baking times: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as necessary to prevent over-baking or under-baking.
- Boldly overlooking salt: Salt enhances flavor, even in sweet recipes. Don’t skip it; it balances the sweetness of the brown sugar and adds depth to your cookies.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Pecan Pie Cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Pecan Pie Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Pecan Pie Cookies
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Pecan Pie Cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.
How do I make my Pecan Pie Cookies chewier?
To achieve chewier cookies, consider using more brown sugar than white sugar. Brown sugar adds moisture, contributing to a chewy texture.
Can I use chopped pecans instead of halves in Pecan Pie Cookies?
Yes, chopped pecans work just as well! They will distribute more evenly throughout the cookie dough.
What if I don’t have salted butter for Pecan Pie Cookies?
You can use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt to your mixture. This maintains balanced flavors in your cookies.
How do I prevent my Pecan Pie Cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling your dough before baking is essential. It helps solidify the fats and keeps the cookies from spreading excessively.
Final Thoughts
Pecan Pie Cookies offer all the delightful flavors of classic pecan pie in a fun, handheld treat. Their chewy texture and rich taste make them an instant favorite among family and friends. Feel free to customize with chocolate chips or other nuts for added flair!
Pecan Pie Cookies
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Delight in the irresistible charm of Pecan Pie Cookies, where classic pecan pie flavors meet a chewy, cookie form. These delectable treats are perfect for any occasion, from festive gatherings to cozy afternoons at home. With a rich buttery taste and a nutty crunch from toasted pecans, they provide that comforting feeling of nostalgia with every bite. Quick and easy to prepare, these cookies will surely become your go-to dessert option. Enjoy them alone, or elevate your experience by pairing them with ice cream or fresh fruit.
Ingredients
- 2 cups light or dark brown sugar
- 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
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat brown sugar, butter, and vanilla until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add eggs and mix on low until just combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add to the wet mixture on low speed until incorporated. Gently fold in pecans using a spatula.
- Cover dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Form approximately 1.25" dough balls and place them on the prepared sheets at least 3 inches apart. Bake for about 8 minutes until edges are golden brown.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating chocolate chips or using chopped pecans for a different texture. Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature to create a smoother dough.
