Pecan Pie Cookies

While browsing through recipes for the coming months I came upon one that seemed like a perfect fit for Thanksgiving. And with it being just a few short weeks away, what better time to share it than now? It’s quick to whip up and generally super easy to make. There is absolutely nothing scary about making these cookies, unlike what I hear occasionally of pies and other desserts. So as I’ve said in many previous posts… if you’re scared of pies (even though you shouldn’t be) this is an excellent alternative that anyone can make.

I’ve honestly never had pecan pie so I don’t know how these compare outside of what I’ve been told. The cookie itself has a wonderful light flavor to it. It’s perfect. Then you have this delicious creamy and crunchy topping, oh my. Really there is no way to fully explain the tastes of this cookie, you just have to make them. Trust me, they will be a huge hit. Infact, you may not even want to share them!

Pecan Pie Cookies

Soft and fluffy pecan pie cookies! A fun twist on a classic seasonal dessert!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time32 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cookie

Ingredients

Cookie Ingredients:

  • 3/4 C unsalted butter softened
  • 1 C brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 C all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder

Filling Ingredients:

  • 1 C pecans chopped
  • 1/2 C brown sugar
  • 1/4 C whipping cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla. Scrape bowl as needed. Add flour and baking powder, mix well making sure all dry ingredients are incorporated well into batter. Transfer bowl to refrigerator to chill for at least 15 minutes.
  • Begin making filling by chopping pecans. There are many ways to do this: chop in a food processor, use a knife and cutting board, or toss pecans in a plastic bag and beat with a meat tenderizer or other heavy object such as a rolling pin. I chose the bag and meat tenderizer method. Add chopped pecans to a medium bowl. Add brown sugar, whipping cream and vanilla to bowl with pecans. Stir well.
  • Remove cookie dough from the fridge. With a medium cookie scoop, scoop balls of dough into your hand and roll into a smooth ball. Transfer balls to a baking sheet lined with a silpat or piece of parchment paper. Place balls at least 2 inches apart. Using a measuring spoon (or your thumb), press down on the center of each ball of dough to create a nice cavity.
  • Return remaining dough to fridge until you are ready to bake the next batch - chilled dough is far easier to work with, at least with this particular dough. Or package and label to store in the freezer for up to several months.
  • Fill each cookie with pecan filling. I used a small cookie scoop for this. The handy dandy little eject feature of cookie scoops is what makes them so awesome for so many things, including adding filling to the top of a thumbprint cookie. Scoop enough pecan mixture to fill the small scoop halfway full, no more than that or you'll have oozy dripping overfilled cookies.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 8-12 minutes or until just lightly golden around the edges. Cool on the pan for 1-2 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
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9 Responses to “Pecan Pie Cookies”

  1. #
    1
    Cheryl Arkison — November 11, 2010 at 9:34 am

    I bet my husband would love these.

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    2
    Melinda — November 11, 2010 at 1:32 pm

    I can’t wait to make these for my Christmas Cookie plates! Yum!

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    3
    natalie (the sweets life) — November 11, 2010 at 1:41 pm

    definitely making these this fall or winter! they look heavenly!

  4. #
    4
    Carol Peterman/TableFare — November 13, 2010 at 2:36 pm

    Pecan pie can be sweet-overkill. These look like the perfect solution!

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    5
    Sara — November 14, 2010 at 5:14 pm

    You should try pecan pie … I bet you like the cookie version much better. I agree with Carol. Pecan pie can def be overkill.

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      5.1
      Rachel — November 14, 2010 at 8:08 pm

      I haven’t tried pecan pie but my husband has and said he definitely liked these cookies so much better. They’re much lighter and very enjoyable.

  6. #
    6
    Paula — November 15, 2010 at 2:52 pm

    Oh my these look too good not to try. I love chopped pecans in tarts so I know I’m going to love these little guys.

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    7
    Caren — November 16, 2010 at 2:36 pm

    Making these next week for Thanksgiving. I don’t have time to make a pie so these will be perfect!

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    8
    Caren — November 22, 2010 at 5:40 pm

    Just made these cookies. They were quick, easy, and taste delicious! I doubled the recipe so I could bring them to work, home, and for my family on Thanksgiving. Thanks for the great recipe Rachel! You are great!!!!!

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