These Pecan Pie Cookies are the perfect combination of sweet, nutty, and buttery flavors—all the goodness of a classic pecan pie packed into a bite-sized treat! Easy to make and impossible to resist, they’re ideal for holiday baking, cookie swaps, or just satisfying your sweet tooth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the flavors of pecan pie in a cookie!
- Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!).
- Customizable with optional toppings or mix-ins.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans (plus extra for topping, if desired)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup (optional but recommended!).
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for achieving the perfect cookie texture!
- Pro Tip: Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for best results.
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
Stir in the chopped pecans, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
4. Form the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Optional: Press a pecan half onto the top of each cookie for a beautiful, bakery-worthy finish.
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may look slightly soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This ensures the perfect cookie texture.
- Chopped Pecans: For extra flavor, toast the pecans before chopping them.
- Storage: Keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They also freeze well for up to 2 months!
- Serving Suggestion: Pair these cookies with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for the ultimate treat.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but omit any additional salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter isn’t too soft or melted, and chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking.
Why These Cookies Are a Must-Try
These Pecan Pie Cookies are like a mini vacation for your taste buds! They’re soft, chewy, and packed with the rich, caramel-like flavor of brown sugar and the crunch of toasted pecans. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday gathering or just because, they’re sure to be a hit.
Let’s Bake Together!
I’d love to hear how your cookies turn out! Share your results in the comments below or tag me on social media with #LivelyDish. Happy baking! 🍪✨