If you love the rich, nutty sweetness of pecan pie but don’t want to bake a whole pie, these pecan pie cookies are the perfect solution. They combine the buttery tenderness of a sugar cookie with a gooey pecan filling, giving you all the flavors of the classic Southern dessert in a handheld treat. With crisp edges, soft centers, and caramelized pecans baked right in, they’re ideal for fall gatherings, holiday cookie trays, or simply a cozy afternoon snack.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Filling
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup corn syrup
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Whole pecan halves for topping (optional)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
Add the flour and salt to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Roll the dough into 1.5-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball and use your thumb to press an indent in the center to form a small well.
In another bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, egg, vanilla, and melted butter. Stir in the chopped pecans.
Spoon about one teaspoon of the pecan filling into each cookie well. If desired, place a pecan half on top for decoration.
Bake the cookies for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal
Servings: 20 cookies
Tips
Chill the dough before shaping so the cookies keep their form during baking.
Avoid overfilling the centers; a teaspoon of filling is enough to keep it from spilling over while baking.
Use toasted pecans for an even deeper nutty flavor.
Serving Ideas
Pecan pie cookies are delicious on their own, but they can also be dressed up. Serve them warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a pie-and-cookies mashup dessert. They also go beautifully with coffee or hot apple cider, making them a cozy autumn afternoon treat.
Holiday Uses
These cookies shine on holiday cookie trays. Their rustic look, shiny pecan tops, and sweet filling make them stand out among sugar cookies and chocolate chip varieties. For Thanksgiving, they’re a bite-sized nod to pecan pie that guests can grab without needing a fork or plate. Around Christmas, their warm flavors pair perfectly with other festive bakes like gingerbread and snickerdoodles.
Variations
Chocolate Pecan Pie Cookies – Add a few mini chocolate chips to the pecan filling for a rich, gooey twist.
Maple Pecan Cookies – Swap the corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a deeper, earthy sweetness.
Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies – After baking, drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt for a gourmet finish.
Mini Pecan Tart Cookies – Instead of thumbprints, press the dough into mini muffin tins and fill the wells with the pecan mixture. Bake as directed for bite-sized tartlets.
Storage
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll last for about 2 months in the freezer and can be thawed at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pecan pie cookies are simple to make yet feel special. The dough requires no rolling or cutting, just a quick chill and shaping. The filling mixes together in minutes, and each cookie emerges from the oven looking like a miniature pie. They’re great for novice bakers and impressive enough for gifting to friends, neighbors, or coworkers.
Final Thoughts
These pecan pie cookies are a perfect blend of buttery, nutty, and sweet. They take all the best parts of pecan pie and turn them into a portable, shareable cookie that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you serve them during the holidays, bring them to a potluck, or make a batch just because, they deliver comfort and flavor in every bite.