If you’re a fan of pecan pie — that sweet, nutty, caramel-like perfection that graces so many holiday tables — you’re going to fall head over heels for these Pecan Pie Cookies. Imagine everything you love about traditional pecan pie — the buttery crust, the toasty pecans, that rich brown sugar flavor — reimagined into soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.

They’re tender, buttery, and bursting with nostalgic flavor. Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these comforting cookies that taste like pure Southern sunshine.

Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in, a holiday cookie swap, or just craving something sweet to go with your coffee, these cookies are the perfect choice. Let’s dive into this golden, nutty goodness together. 🍁

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a closer look at what makes these cookies so irresistible — each ingredient plays its own delicious role.

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: The foundation of a great cookie. Butter adds richness, moisture, and that classic melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds deep caramel notes that give these cookies their signature pecan pie flavor.
• 1 large egg yolk: Makes the cookies soft and tender while adding richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the sweet, buttery flavors.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure and balances the dough’s moisture.

Pecan Filling (for topping):

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk
• 1 tablespoon corn syrup or maple syrup ✅
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

That’s it — simple pantry staples that combine into cookie magic.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps and you’ll have warm, golden pecan pie cookies ready in no time!

“(Note: After shaping the cookie dough, you’ll add a pecan-sugar filling into the center before baking — full details below.)”

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) — this is the perfect temperature for even baking without burning the edges. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process whips air into the butter, creating that perfect cookie texture — crisp at the edges, soft in the middle.

Step 3: Add the Egg Yolk and Vanilla

Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined. This adds flavor and richness, giving the cookies a slightly custard-like taste reminiscent of pecan pie filling.

Step 4: Mix in the Flour

Gradually stir in the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be smooth and slightly pliable but not sticky.

Step 5: Shape and Place

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out small mounds of dough and place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one to allow for spreading.

“In a small bowl, whisk together pecans, syrup (or corn syrup / maple syrup), additional brown sugar, and cinnamon to make the pecan filling.”

Make a small indentation in the center of each dough ball using your thumb or a spoon.
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the pecan filling into each indentation before baking.
Then bake as directed.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to make a small indentation in the center of each cookie dough ball. In a small bowl, whisk chopped pecans + syrup + brown sugar + cinnamon. Spoon a bit of this pecan filling into each cookie’s well before baking

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the edges turn a delicate golden brown. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes — they can go from perfect to overbaked quickly.

“Spoon a bit of the pecan filling into each cookie’s center while still warm, then let the cookies cool so the topping sets.”

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cooling step helps them firm up slightly while keeping the centers soft and buttery.

And there you have it — the simplest, most delightful Pecan Pie Cookies you’ll ever make! 🍪

Why You’ll Love These Cookies ❤️

There are so many reasons these cookies will steal your heart (and your sweet tooth):

• Quick & Easy: You only need 6 ingredients and less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Full of Flavor: Brown sugar and butter come together to create that rich, pecan-pie-like flavor.
• Soft Yet Buttery: They’re crisp on the edges, tender in the middle — the perfect texture combo.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for holidays, bake sales, tea parties, or cozy afternoons.
• Customizable: Add pecans, drizzle with caramel, or sandwich two cookies together with frosting for a fun twist.

These cookies taste like the essence of autumn in one sweet bite — warm, nutty, buttery, and completely satisfying.

You may like as well : Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe – A Sweet and Cozy Treat for Every Occasion

Add a Healthy Touch (Optional)

If you want to lighten these cookies up just a bit or add some extra nutrients without sacrificing flavor, here are a few easy swaps and additions:

• Whole Wheat Flour: Swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat for a bit more fiber.
• Coconut Sugar: Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a slightly lower glycemic option and a subtle caramel flavor.
• Chopped Pecans: Stir ½ cup of finely chopped pecans into the dough for protein, healthy fats, and crunch.
• Oat Flour: Replace a quarter of the flour with oat flour to give the cookies a tender texture and a heartier feel.
• Reduced Sugar Option: If you prefer a milder sweetness, use ¼ cup brown sugar instead of ⅓.

You can enjoy these cookies guilt-free with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack — they’re as wholesome as they are delicious.

Flavor Variations You’ll Love 🍫

These cookies are the perfect canvas for creativity! Try one of these irresistible variations:

• Classic Pecan Topping: Press a whole pecan half into the center of each cookie before baking.
• Maple Pecan Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon maple extract or a drizzle of maple syrup for a cozy twist.
• Salted Caramel Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle cookies with caramel sauce and sprinkle lightly with sea salt.
• Chocolate-Dipped: Dip half of each cookie in melted dark or milk chocolate and let them set.
• Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Roll the dough balls in a cinnamon-sugar mix before baking for an extra burst of warmth.

Each variation adds a new dimension to these already dreamy cookies — and the best part? You can mix and match!

Recommended recipes :

7 Simple Steps to Make Dixie’s Pecan Pie Cobbler at Home
Brown Sugar Pecan Sweet Potato Cobbler

Serving Suggestions

Pecan Pie Cookies are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Here are some ideas:

• With Coffee or Tea: Their buttery sweetness pairs perfectly with a hot beverage.
• Dessert Platter: Add them to a holiday cookie tray alongside chocolate crinkles, sugar cookies, or snickerdoodles.
• Gift Idea: Stack a few cookies in a mason jar, tie with ribbon, and gift to friends or coworkers.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies with a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream in between.
• After-Dinner Treat: Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel and a dollop of whipped cream for an easy plated dessert.

However you serve them, they’ll always be a crowd-pleaser.

Pecan Pie Cookies 🍪

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• Author: Lora
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes

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Description

🍪🥧 A cozy, bite-sized twist on a holiday classic! These Pecan Pie Cookies bring the nutty, caramel sweetness of traditional pecan pie into soft, buttery cookies that melt in your mouth. Perfect for dessert tables, gifting, or enjoying with a cup of coffee! ☕💛

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 large egg yolk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

• 2 tablespoons corn syrup or maple syrup (for topping)

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for topping)

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). (⏱️ 5 minutes)
  Get your oven ready — the perfect temperature for golden, chewy cookies.

• In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. (⏱️ 3 minutes)
  This step creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves! 💛

• Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. (⏱️ 2 minutes)
  The batter should look smooth and velvety. ✨

• Gradually add the flour, stirring until a soft dough forms. (⏱️ 3 minutes)
  The dough should be pliable but not sticky.

• Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each. (⏱️ 5 minutes)
  Press the center of each cookie gently with your thumb to form a small well. 🍪

• In a small bowl, mix the chopped pecans, syrup, brown sugar, and cinnamon. (⏱️ 2 minutes)
  This sweet nutty filling is the heart of the cookie! 🥧

• Spoon a small amount of the pecan mixture into each cookie well. (⏱️ 3 minutes)
  Be generous but careful not to overfill.

 

• Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. (⏱️ 12 minutes)
  Your kitchen will smell heavenly! 😍

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Notes

Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. (⏱️ 5 minutes)
Cooling helps them set perfectly.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12 cookies
• Calories: 160 kcal

Baking Tips for Perfect Results Every Time

Even though these cookies are simple, a few tips can take them from good to exceptional:

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg yolk are at room temperature — this helps the dough mix evenly.
2. Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid adding too much.
3. Don’t Overmix: Mix just until the dough comes together. Overmixing can make cookies tough.
4. Watch the Bake Time: Every oven varies — check at 9 minutes and adjust as needed.
5. Cool on the Pan First: This allows the cookies to set and prevents breakage.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

These cookies store beautifully — making them perfect for prepping ahead!

• At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• In the Fridge: Keep for up to 7 days for a slightly firmer texture.
• In the Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Freeze the Dough: Roll dough into balls and freeze on a tray. When ready to bake, simply bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

They’re just as delicious days later — which makes them great for gifting or batch baking before the holidays.

Nutritional Breakdown (Approx. per cookie)

• Calories: 160 kcal
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 2g
• Sugar: 8g
• Fiber: 1g

Note: Values may vary slightly based on ingredients or add-ins (like nuts or chocolate).

Why These Cookies Are the Ultimate Comfort Bake 💛

There’s something about the combination of butter, brown sugar, and vanilla that feels like a warm hug in cookie form. Add a sprinkle of nostalgia and the cozy aroma of baking — and you’ve got the perfect comfort food.

These Pecan Pie Cookies aren’t just a treat; they’re a reminder of simple pleasures:

• The smell of cookies baking on a chilly evening.
• The joy of sharing homemade sweets with people you love.
• The satisfaction of creating something beautiful with just a few ingredients.

Baking these cookies is a small act of happiness — one that fills your kitchen with warmth and your heart with sweetness.

FAQs 🍪

1. Can I add chopped pecans directly into the dough?
Absolutely! Stir in ½ cup of chopped toasted pecans for extra crunch and flavor.

2. Can I double the recipe?
Yes — this recipe doubles easily, making it perfect for parties or holiday baking.

3. What if I only have salted butter?
You can use salted butter — just omit the pinch of salt you’d normally add to sweet bakes.

4. Can I use white sugar instead of brown?
You can, but the cookies won’t have that signature pecan pie flavor. Brown sugar adds moisture and caramel depth.

5. How do I know when the cookies are done?
They’re ready when the edges are golden brown and the centers look just set. They’ll firm up as they cool.

Conclusion 🍁

These Pecan Pie Cookies are the definition of comfort baking — simple ingredients, effortless preparation, and results that taste like a slice of homemade pecan pie in every bite. Soft, buttery, and full of that brown sugar magic, they’re the kind of cookie that makes any moment a little sweeter.

So the next time you want to treat yourself or share something special, bake a batch of these cookies. Pair them with a mug of coffee, gift them to someone you love, or keep them all to yourself (we won’t tell 😉).

Because sometimes, all you need is a warm cookie to make the world feel a little cozier.

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