Pecan Pie Cookies

Everything you love about pecan pie is now available in a delicious cookie form! These Pecan Pie Cookies are thin, chewy, and bursting with rich buttery flavor. Perfect for any occasion, they are bound to impress your friends and family. With their quick preparation time and amazing taste, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These cookies come together in just 18 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute cravings or gatherings.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of brown sugar, butter, and pecans creates a deep, satisfying taste that mimics traditional pecan pie.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Serve them at parties, holiday gatherings, or simply enjoy them as an afternoon treat with coffee or tea.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping make these cookies! It’s a simple recipe that encourages involvement in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: With 24 cookies per batch, there’s plenty to share (or keep all for yourself!).

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes the cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or mixing bowl
• Whisk attachment (if using a stand mixer)
• Spatula
• Parchment paper
• Cookie sheets

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Saves time and effort by quickly beating ingredients to the perfect consistency.
• Spatula: Essential for folding in ingredients without deflating the batter.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, ensuring easy removal.

Ingredients

To create these delightful Pecan Pie Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups light or dark brown sugar (lightly packed)
• 1 cup salted butter (at room temperature)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups pecan halves

How to Make Pecan Pie Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat together the brown sugar, salted butter, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes.

Step 2: Add Eggs

Add the eggs into the mixture and beat on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want just enough incorporation.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda until well combined. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients on low speed until just incorporated.

Step 4: Fold in Pecans

Using a spatula, gently fold in the pecan halves until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Chill Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This step helps improve texture.

Step 6: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while waiting for the dough to chill. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Step 7: Form Cookies

Using a small cookie dough scoop or your hands, make dough balls about 1.25 inches in size. Place them at least 3 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets to allow for spreading during baking.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in the center of the preheated oven for approximately 8 minutes or until edges are slightly golden brown. For an added touch, sprinkle thick flakes of sea salt on top immediately after removing from the oven.

Enjoy your freshly baked Pecan Pie Cookies, perfect for sharing or savoring alone!

How to Serve Pecan Pie Cookies

Pecan Pie Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying them on a cozy night in, these cookies will surely impress everyone.

With Coffee

• Pair your Pecan Pie Cookies with a rich cup of coffee for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up. The flavors complement each other wonderfully.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Create an indulgent dessert by sandwiching a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream between two Pecan Pie Cookies. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and creaminess.

Warm with Whipped Cream

• Serve your cookies warm and top them with freshly whipped cream. This enhances the buttery texture and gives it a delightful finish.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange your Pecan Pie Cookies on a beautiful platter alongside other cookies and treats for an inviting dessert spread at parties or gatherings.

How to Perfect Pecan Pie Cookies

Perfecting Pecan Pie Cookies takes just a few simple steps. With these tips, you’ll create deliciously chewy and rich cookies every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough, resulting in a smoother texture.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, keeping them thick and chewy.
• Don’t overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.
• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Best Side Dishes for Pecan Pie Cookies

Pecan Pie Cookies can pair well with numerous side dishes, enhancing their flavor and making for a balanced dessert experience.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A light and refreshing fruit salad complements the rich flavors of the cookies beautifully.

2. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses, such as brie or aged cheddar, offers a savory contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

3. Chocolate Fondue
   Dip pieces of Pecan Pie Cookies into melted chocolate for an indulgent treat that adds richness.

4. Vanilla Yogurt Parfait
   Layer vanilla yogurt with granola and cookie crumbles for a delightful breakfast or snack option.

5. Nutty Granola Bars
   Serve nutty granola bars alongside your cookies for added crunch and health benefits.

6. Caramel Sauce Drizzle
   Drizzle some warm caramel sauce over your plate when serving to enhance both visual appeal and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Pecan Pie Cookies can be easy, but there are common mistakes that can affect your results. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Bold ingredients choice: Using stale or old pecans can lead to less flavorful cookies. Always use fresh pecans for the best taste and texture.
• Bold neglecting the chilling step: Skipping the refrigeration of the dough can result in flat cookies. Chilling helps them hold their shape and improves texture.
• Bold incorrect baking temperature: Baking at too high a temperature can burn the edges while leaving the center raw. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Bold overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of chewy ones. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and tender.
• Bold skipping parchment paper: Not using parchment paper can cause sticking and uneven baking. Always line your baking sheets for easy removal and even cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Pecan Pie Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezing Pecan Pie Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, where they will last up to three months.

Reheating Pecan Pie Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat; cover briefly until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Pecan Pie Cookies.

How do I make Pecan Pie Cookies from scratch?

To make Pecan Pie Cookies from scratch, follow the provided recipe carefully, ensuring you measure ingredients accurately and chill the dough before baking.

Can I customize my Pecan Pie Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, swap out nuts, or even include dried fruits for variety.

What is the best way to store Pecan Pie Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness. For extended storage, freeze them in a sealed bag.

How long do Pecan Pie Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies can last up to one week at room temperature or three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

These Pecan Pie Cookies combine everything you love about traditional pecan pie into a convenient cookie form. Their chewy texture and rich flavor make them a delightful treat for any occasion. Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins or toppings!