I remember the first time I made Pecan Pie Cookies. It was autumn, and I sat in my cozy kitchen, the smell of spices and nuts filling the air. My grandmother used to bake pecan pie every Thanksgiving, and each bite brought back sweet memories of family gatherings. I decided to create a cookie version, blending the flavors of pecan pie into a bite-sized treat. The joy on my children’s faces when they took their first bite reminded me of those moments from my childhood, creating new memories that feel just as special. Pecan Pie Cookies now hold a cherished spot in my family’s recipe book, bringing warmth and happiness to our home.

why make this recipe

Making Pecan Pie Cookies is not just about baking; it’s about creating joy and warmth in your home. These cookies hold all the flavors of a traditional pecan pie but are easy to make and share. Your family and friends will feel the love in each bite, and honestly, what could be more comforting than a fresh cookie with a crispy edge and chewy center? When you serve these cookies, you do more than treat someone to a snack; you offer them a piece of warmth from your oven and heart.

Moreover, these cookies are wonderfully versatile. You can enjoy them as a sweet treat after dinner, a special addition to holiday gatherings, or simply as a comforting snack during your afternoon tea. They offer the perfect balance of flavors, with buttery richness from the pecans and a hint of sweetness from the maple syrup. Equally important, they are easy enough for anyone to make, even if you’re new to baking. Once you taste them, you’ll want to share the joy with everyone you know.

how to make Pecan Pie Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter (or vegan butter)
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in the maple syrup and vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
Fold in the chopped pecans.
Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

how to serve Pecan Pie Cookies

When serving Pecan Pie Cookies, let them shine on a beautiful plate. You can present them warm or let them cool completely; both ways taste delightful. Try arranging them in a simple stack with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them perfect for an afternoon treat. They also serve as a lovely dessert after a hearty meal, adding a sweet end to your dinner. Imagine gathering your friends and family around, sharing stories, while everybody enjoys these delectable cookies. The warmth and love you put into baking will certainly shine through!

how to store Pecan Pie Cookies

To keep your Pecan Pie Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, where they can last up to two weeks.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Lay them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will maintain their best quality for about three months. Remember to let them thaw at room temperature before serving, ensuring they remain soft and delicious.

Tips to Make Pecan Pie Cookies

Use Room Temperature Butter: Always use room temperature butter for a fluffy texture. Cold butter will not cream well, leaving you with dense cookies. Let it sit out for about 30 minutes before making the dough.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see no flour. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, which is not what you want. Remember, gentle mixing is key!
Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies that don’t spread too much, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before scooping. This small step results in a better texture that your family will love.
Toast the Pecans: Toasting your pecans before adding them to the cookie dough enhances their flavor. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 8-10 minutes. Just be careful not to burn them!
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar slightly. The maple syrup already adds sweetness, so feel free to experiment until you find your favorite balance.
Add Chocolate Chips: For a twist, mix in some chocolate chips with the pecans. This addition creates a delightful contrast to their nutty flavor and gives you a richer taste experience.
Use a Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop makes it easy to portion out even-sized cookies, promoting uniform baking. This tool helps ensure each cookie bakes evenly; this makes for a more visually appealing presentation.
Check for Doneness Early: Every oven is different. Start checking your cookies a minute or two before the recommended baking time. The edges should be golden, while the center can remain soft for a chewy texture.

Variation of Pecan Pie Cookies

Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a rich chocolate flavor combined with the nuttiness of pecans. This version introduces a delicious contrast that’s hard to resist!
Spiced Pecan Pie Cookies: Adding 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg along with the cinnamon gives these cookies a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for fall and winter. It enhances the cozy atmosphere that these cookies are great for.
Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies: Drizzle melted salted caramel over finished cookies to add a sweet and salty flavor punch. This extra step turns your ordinary cookies into a decadent treat!
Maple Pecan Pie Cookies: Replace granulated sugar with 1/2 cup of extra maple syrup for a gooier texture. The stronger maple flavor makes these cookies a delightful twist on traditional pecan pie.
Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Cookies: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. It works well while maintaining that delicious, buttery flavor you love in traditional cookies.
Holiday Spiced Pecan Pie Cookies: Add a dash of ginger and cloves to the dough for a festive flavor. This variation makes your cookies perfect for holiday gatherings, enchanting everyone with their delightful aroma and taste.

FAQs Of Pecan Pie Cookies

How long do Pecan Pie Cookies last?
Pecan Pie Cookies last about one week at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them for up to two weeks. For freezer storage, ensure they are in a sealed bag and they can last for about three months. Always remember to let them return to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, you can easily adapt these cookies to be vegan. Use vegan butter instead of regular butter and ensure the sugars used are vegan-friendly. The recipe remains just as delicious without compromising on flavor!

Can I freeze Pecan Pie Cookies?
Absolutely! Freezing works well for these cookies. To freeze, bake the cookies and let them cool completely. Then, lay them in one layer on a baking sheet, freeze for about an hour, and transfer them to a freezer-safe container for storage. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw.

What can I use instead of pecans?
If you don’t have pecans, try using walnuts or almonds instead. You can also experiment with other nuts you enjoy to see how the flavors blend. This allows you to create your own twist on the classic cookie.

Why are my cookies flat?
Flat cookies often happen when your butter is too warm or you’ve used too much liquid in the recipe. Be sure to measure your ingredients accurately and chill your dough if necessary to achieve a thicker cookie.

Can I add extra toppings to these cookies?
Yes! You can add different toppings like a drizzle of chocolate or caramel, or sprinkle some sea salt on top for a sweet and salty combination. This creative touch can elevate the simple cookie to a new level of deliciousness.

By following this guide, you will create wonderful memories and delicious Pecan Pie Cookies that everyone will love. Enjoy your baking journey!

Pecan Pie Cookies

Author: imrane
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious cookies that capture the classic flavors of pecan pie in a bite-sized treat, perfect for sharing and creating warm memories.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter (or vegan butter)
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in the maple syrup and vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
Fold in the chopped pecans.
Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Let cookies cool before serving for the best texture. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: pecan pie cookies, holiday cookies, fall baking, dessert recipes