Soft and Easy Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
If you’ve been on the hunt for a treat that feels like a warm hug in cookie form, then you’ve struck gold with this Soft and Easy Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe. Imagine the rich, buttery base of a classic cookie paired with the gooey, nutty topping of pecan pie, all in perfect bite-sized goodness. These cookies bring together the best of both worlds—soft, chewy texture with that irresistible pecan filling—making them an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s for holiday festivities or just a cozy afternoon indulgence, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to bake and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the things that makes this Soft and Easy Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe so special is how straightforward and essential the ingredients are. Each component plays its part beautifully—whether it’s the butter lending richness, the brown sugar adding deep caramel notes, or the chopped pecans bringing that satisfying crunch and earthy flavor. Getting these right sets the stage for a perfectly balanced cookie that’s soft, sweet, and simply unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup / 1 stick): Use softened butter to achieve a creamy, rich texture that forms the perfect cookie base.
- Brown sugar (3/4 cup + 1/4 cup packed): Adds natural sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor that deepens the cookie’s taste.
- Plant-based milk (1 tablespoon): This keeps the dough moist and tender; feel free to substitute with dairy milk if preferred.
- Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): A small but mighty ingredient that enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): The foundation of the dough, giving structure without toughness.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft and fluffy.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and highlights the buttery notes.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): The star topping—adds crunch and that classic pecan pie flavor.
- Light corn syrup (1/2 cup): Creates the glossy, gooey filling that holds the pecans together.
- Unsalted butter, melted (2 tablespoons): Boosts richness in the pecan topping and helps everything meld perfectly.
How to Make Soft and Easy Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your baking sheets are lined with parchment paper or silicone mats to avoid sticking and for easy cleanup. Having all your ingredients measured and ready to go will make the mixing process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Mix The Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air into the butter, giving your cookie base a tender texture. Once creamy, add the plant-based milk and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is seamlessly combined.
Step 3: Make A Dough
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on a low speed until the dough comes together softly. If your dough feels too sticky, you can add an extra tablespoon of flour to keep things manageable. Roll tablespoon-sized portions into balls and place them spaced apart on your baking sheets.
Step 4: Shape The Cookies
Flatten each dough ball gently with your palm, then create a shallow well in the center using your thumb or the back of a spoon. This indentation is crucial because it holds the pecan filling in place, preventing the cookie from flattening out too much and giving that classic pecan pie look.
Step 5: Make the Pecan Filling
In a medium bowl, mix the chopped pecans, light corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. The result is a sticky, nutty mixture that will top each cookie perfectly. Be careful when spooning the filling into the cookie wells—not too much or it will spill over during baking.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden and the pecan filling sets with a beautiful glaze. To keep the filling from running, you can partially bake the cookie bases first, then add the topping halfway through baking. Once done, let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack, allowing the cookies to firm up just right.
How to Serve Soft and Easy Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the baked pecan filling to enhance the flavors with a salty-sweet contrast. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a delicate sweetness and a festive look that’s perfect for special occasions.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience. A cup of hot coffee or spiced chai tea complements the buttery pecan flavors and keeps the cozy vibes going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, arrange the Soft and Easy Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe on a rustic wooden board alongside whole pecans and cinnamon sticks. You can also serve them in individual dessert cups with layers of whipped cream and caramel sauce for a stunning mini-trifle twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling completely, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy days.
Freezing
These pecan pie cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to 3 months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat the cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This softens the cookie and refreshes the luscious pecan topping without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes and will give you a different but equally delicious flavor and texture in the pecan pie filling.
Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, ensuring that nice thick cookie base to hold the pecan filling. If you’re in a hurry, you can bake right away, but the results may be a bit thinner.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes! By using plant-based butter and milk, along with ensuring your corn syrup is vegan-friendly, you can enjoy these Soft and Easy Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe without any animal products.
What’s the best way to prevent the pecan topping from spilling over?
Creating a well in the cookie dough and not overfilling with topping are key. You can also try baking the base slightly before adding the filling and finishing the bake, which helps keep everything in place.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Definitely! Their festive look and crowd-pleasing flavor make them an excellent homemade gift. Package them in pretty tins or cellophane bags with a ribbon, and you’re all set to impress.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the way this Soft and Easy Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe captures the spirit of a classic holiday dessert in a simple, easy-to-share cookie. Baking these will fill your home with comforting aromas and fill your heart with joy as you and your loved ones savor every soft, sweet bite. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe soon—you’ll find these cookies quickly becoming a sweet staple for all your celebrations and cozy moments.
Print
Soft and Easy Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft and Easy Pecan Pie Cookies combine a buttery, tender cookie base with a sweet, gooey pecan topping that captures the essence of traditional pecan pie in a delightful handheld treat. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are simple to make and sure to impress with their rich flavors and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon plant-based milk (or regular dairy milk)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Topping:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and enable easy cleanup.
- Mix The Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar using a hand or stand mixer. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Then add the plant-based milk and vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
- Make A Dough: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Shape The Cookies: Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand to create a small indentation in the center. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to deepen the indentation, forming a shallow well for the filling.
- Make the Pecan Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped pecans, light corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is evenly coated. Carefully spoon about 1–2 teaspoons of the pecan filling into the well of each cookie, taking care not to overfill.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. The edges of the cookies should be lightly golden while the filling sets. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chill the dough before baking to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Ensure your baking powder is fresh to help the cookies rise properly.
- If cookies spread too much or become too flat, reduce the butter slightly or add an extra 1–2 tablespoons of flour.
- For a neater topping, consider partially baking the cookie bases first, then adding the pecan filling halfway through baking.
- You can substitute plant-based milk with regular dairy milk as preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: pecan pie cookies, soft pecan cookies, easy pecan pie cookies, pecan dessert, holiday cookies, homemade cookies
