If you adore the classic flavors of pecan pie but want something a bit more portable and perfectly bite-sized, this Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe is absolutely for you. Imagine a soft and chewy sugar cookie base cradling a luscious, gooey pecan pie filling that manages to be crunchy, sweet, and spiced all at once. It truly captures the heart of pecan pie in a hand-held treat, making it an instant favorite for holiday cookie exchanges or any cozy, sweet craving. Once you try this pecan pie cookie, it might just become your go-to festive cookie year after year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a flat layout of baking ingredients placed on a white marbled surface. In the center, there is a white bowl filled with brown pecan halves. To the bottom left, a large white bowl holds a heap of white flour. Directly below the flour bowl, two brown eggs rest side by side. Around these main bowls, smaller white bowls contain various ingredients: light brown soft brown sugar, fine white sugar, off-white heavy cream in a small jug, a stick of butter in its yellow wrapper, and separate bowls for vanilla, flaky salt with a small wooden spoon, a brown powder (likely cinnamon), white powder (possibly baking powder), and another small brown spice. Each bowl varies slightly in size and shape, arranged neatly in a grid-like formation. The colors are mostly natural tones—browns, whites, and creams—set against the clean white marbled background, giving a tidy and simple look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe is in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a crucial role. From the soft texture of the cookie dough to the rich, buttery pecan pie filling, each component enhances flavor, texture, and appearance to create a memorable treat.

2 cups all purpose flour, spooned and leveled: Ensures the perfect soft and chewy cookie texture without toughness.
1 tsp. cornstarch: Adds tenderness and lightness to the dough.
1/2 tsp. baking soda: Helps the cookies rise properly while keeping them fluffy.
1/2 tsp. baking powder: Gives a nice lift and prevent heaviness.
1/2 tsp. salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes: The foundation of richness and superior mouthfeel.
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a deep caramel note to your cookie dough.
1/3 cup granulated sugar: Brings crispness and balanced sweetness.
1 tsp. vanilla extract: Essential for that warm, inviting aroma and complexity.
1 large egg, room temperature: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture.
1 large egg yolk, room temperature: Makes the cookie tender and fudgy.
6 Tbsp. unsalted butter (for filling): Creates the rich, glossy pecan pie filling texture.
1/3 cup dark brown sugar, packed (for filling): Infuses the filling with deep sweetness and caramel undertones.
1/3 cup pure maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and a hint of maple complexity to the filling.
2 cups pecans, chopped: Provides that signature crunch and nutty flavor.
1/3 cup heavy cream: Makes the filling luxuriously creamy and smooth.
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon: Warms up the flavor profile fitting the holiday spirit.
1/4 tsp. ground cloves: Adds subtle aromatic spice.
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg: Deepens the spice flavor with earthy notes.
1/8 tsp. salt: Balances and heightens the sweetness of the filling.
Flaky sea salt, for finishing: Gives a trendy, flaky crunch and intensifies all the flavors.

How to Make Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Start by mixing your all purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl. This blend of leavening agents and a touch of cornstarch is the secret for achieving a tender but structured cookie dough that will hold all that gorgeous filling.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the cubed unsalted butter with the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is smooth and light. This actually incorporates air which helps the cookies stay soft but have a lovely chew, an essential base for our Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in your egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until fully combined. The extra yolk brings richness and chewiness, while the vanilla adds that warm background note everyone loves in cookies.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Gradually

Now, slowly add your dry ingredient mixture, about a quarter cup at a time. Mixing gently after each addition ensures that your cookie dough stays soft and avoids overdevelopment of gluten. This careful folding is what keeps your cookies from becoming tough.

Step 5: Scoop and Shape the Cookies

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out dough balls onto a work surface, then press an indent into each one with the back of a floured tablespoon to create a little cavity for the filling. Chill these shaped cookies for at least 30 minutes so they hold their shape and bake evenly—the perfect preparation step for your Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe.

Step 6: Prepare the Pecan Pie Filling

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, dark brown sugar, maple syrup, and pecans together, letting it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This is where the magic happens as the sugars meld into a luscious caramel coated nut filling. Then whisk in the heavy cream, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt, and allow the mixture to bubble again before removing from heat to cool. It will be runny while hot but thickens beautifully as it cools.

Step 7: Bake with Filling

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats. Fill each chilled cookie dough cavity with about 2 teaspoons of the pecan pie filling—just enough to prevent overflow during baking. Bake 6 cookies at a time for 10 to 12 minutes—the shorter bake yields that ideal chewy texture. Once baked, swirl any remaining filling on top and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for that irresistible finishing touch.

Step 8: Cool and Set

Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This resting time lets the filling set perfectly, creating that irresistible gooey and crunchy combo that makes this Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe so special.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

The image shows multiple round cookies laid out on crinkled light brown parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has two layers: the bottom layer is a soft-looking, light golden yellow cookie with a smooth texture, and the top layer is a thick, glossy mix of dark caramel and pecan pieces in various sizes, creating a bumpy and rich topping. The pecans are shiny and dark brown with some lighter highlights, and there is a sprinkle of coarse white salt crystals on top of the caramel-pecan layer. Scattered around the cookies on the parchment paper are whole and halved pecan nuts in a deep reddish-brown color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt atop the fresh warm cookies really makes those sweet and nutty flavors pop. For an extra festive twist, dust them lightly with cinnamon sugar or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate to add elegance and contrast.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee, rich hot chocolate, or a creamy spiced chai latte. If serving at a holiday party, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side makes for a decadent dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of chopped pecans, cinnamon sticks, and a jar of maple syrup for guests to appreciate all the delightful ingredients. Alternatively, stack them in a clear glass jar tied with a festive ribbon to gift a homemade treat that everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your cooled pecan pie cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to keep their chewiness and freshness intact. Layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking and maintain their beautiful shape and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls after shaping and chilling, before adding the filling, for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, just thaw overnight in the fridge, add your filling, and bake as usual. Baked cookies also freeze well—wrap individually and freeze for up to a month for convenient snacking.

Reheating

To revive the gooey softness, reheat your cookies in a warm oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. Avoid the microwave as it may make the cookie chewy or dry from uneven heating. A little warm-up helps the filling soften beautifully again and heightens that fresh-baked charm.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts in this Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! While pecans are traditional and provide that classic flavor, you can swap them for walnuts or even chopped almonds if you prefer. Just consider how the flavor and texture might change slightly.

Is it okay to substitute maple syrup with corn syrup?

Yes, corn syrup can be used if you don’t have maple syrup on hand, but maple syrup adds a distinctive richness and depth that complements the spices and pecans uniquely in this recipe.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make this Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe gluten-free, substitute the all purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend and check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture might vary slightly but still delicious!

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

These cookies are best enjoyed within 4 days when stored properly. Because of the moist filling, they don’t keep well for extended periods, but freezing can help stretch their life.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Definitely! This recipe scales well. Just double all ingredients accordingly and make sure you have enough space to chill and bake your cookies without crowding the pan to keep that perfect shape.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly satisfying about turning beloved holiday flavors into new forms, and this Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe does just that while delivering big on flavor and fun. Whether you’re debuting these at a cookie exchange or baking for a cozy night in, these cookies bring warmth, sweetness, and that wonderful chewy-meets-crunchy magic that’s hard to resist. I hope you dive in and enjoy every bite as much as I do!