Pecan Pie Cookies

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Why Make This Recipe

Pecan Pie Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie. They combine the rich, buttery flavor of pecans with the sweetness of brown sugar in a cookie form. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple afternoon treat. Plus, they are easy to make and require just a few simple ingredients.

How to Make Pecan Pie Cookies

Ingredients

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

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until well combined.
5. Fold in the chopped pecans.
6. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet.
7. If using, drizzle some maple syrup over each cookie before baking.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
9. Let cool before serving. Enjoy your Pecan Pie Cookies!

How to Serve Pecan Pie Cookies

Serve Pecan Pie Cookies warm or at room temperature. They pair well with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delicious dessert.

How to Store Pecan Pie Cookies

Store Pecan Pie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months.

Tips to Make Pecan Pie Cookies

• Make sure to cream the butter and sugar well for a smooth cookie dough.
• Chop the pecans finely for an even distribution in the cookies.
• If you like a sweeter cookie, add the optional maple syrup.
• Don’t overbake; keep an eye on the cookies and take them out when the edges are just golden.

MAKE-AHEAD & FREEZING TIPS FOR PECAN PIE COOKIES

PECAN PIE COOKIES ARE PERFECT FOR MAKE-AHEAD BAKING, ESPECIALLY AROUND THE HOLIDAYS. YOU CAN PREPARE THE DOUGH UP TO 2–3 DAYS IN ADVANCE, WRAP IT TIGHTLY IN PLASTIC WRAP, AND STORE IT IN THE REFRIGERATOR. WHEN YOU’RE READY TO BAKE, JUST SCOOP, PLACE ON THE BAKING SHEET, AND BAKE AS DIRECTED. YOU CAN ALSO FREEZE THE SCOOPED, UNBAKED COOKIE DOUGH BALLS ON A TRAY, THEN TRANSFER THEM TO A FREEZER BAG ONCE FROZEN. BAKE FROM FROZEN, ADDING 1–2 EXTRA MINUTES TO THE BAKING TIME. THIS MAKES IT EASY TO HAVE FRESH, WARM PECAN PIE COOKIES ANYTIME YOU WANT WITH MINIMAL EFFORT.

Variation

You can add chocolate chips or dried fruit to the dough for a fun twist on the flavor. You can also replace the pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.

FAQs

1. CAN I MAKE THESE COOKIES VEGAN?
   YES! YOU CAN EASILY MAKE PECAN PIE COOKIES VEGAN BY USING VEGAN BUTTER IN PLACE OF REGULAR BUTTER AND MAKING SURE YOUR BROWN SUGAR IS VEGAN-FRIENDLY. THE OPTIONAL MAPLE SYRUP ADDS EXTRA SWEETNESS AND HELPS GIVE A “PECAN PIE” VIBE WITHOUT USING HONEY OR EGGS. IF THE DOUGH FEELS A LITTLE DRY WITH VEGAN BUTTER, YOU CAN ADD 1–2 TABLESPOONS OF PLANT-BASED MILK TO HELP IT COME TOGETHER.

2. HOW CAN I TELL WHEN THE COOKIES ARE DONE?
   THE COOKIES ARE DONE WHEN THE EDGES ARE LIGHTLY GOLDEN BROWN AND THE CENTERS LOOK JUST SET. THEY MAY STILL SEEM A LITTLE SOFT IN THE MIDDLE WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OUT, BUT THAT’S PERFECT—THEY WILL CONTINUE TO FIRM UP AS THEY COOL ON THE BAKING SHEET. IF YOU WAIT UNTIL THE WHOLE COOKIE IS DARK BROWN, THEY MAY TURN OUT TOO CRISPY OR DRY INSTEAD OF CHEWY AND TENDER.

3. CAN I ADD MORE NUTS?
   ABSOLUTELY! IF YOU LOVE A NUTTY TEXTURE, YOU CAN INCREASE THE PECANS TO 1 1/2 CUPS OR EVEN MIX PECANS WITH OTHER NUTS LIKE WALNUTS OR ALMONDS. JUST KEEP IN MIND THAT ADDING A LOT MORE NUTS CAN MAKE THE DOUGH A BIT CRUMBLER, SO YOU MAY NEED TO GENTLY PRESS THE DOUGH BALLS TO HELP THEM HOLD TOGETHER. YOU CAN ALSO SPRINKLE A FEW EXTRA PECAN PIECES ON TOP OF EACH COOKIE BEFORE BAKING FOR A PRETTY, BAKERY-STYLE LOOK.

Pecan Pie Cookies

Pecan Pie Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie, combining rich, buttery pecans with sweetness in a cookie form. Perfect for any occasion!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 24 cookies

Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup butter (or vegan butter) Can use vegan butter for a vegan version.
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup pecans, chopped Chop finely for even distribution.
• 1/2 cup maple syrup (optional for vegan version) Add for extra sweetness.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth.
• Stir in the vanilla extract.
• In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until well combined.
• Fold in the chopped pecans.
• Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet.
• If using, drizzle some maple syrup over each cookie before baking.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
• Let cool before serving.

Notes

Serve cookies warm or at room temperature. They pair well with coffee or tea. For longer storage, freeze for up to three months. Tips: Cream butter and sugar well, chop pecans finely, and don’t overbake.

Keyword Baking, Cookies, Dessert, Pecan, Pecan Pie Cookies

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