The Most Heavenly Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe for Sweet Treats

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen spark when you bite into these delightful pecan pie cookies that capture pure Southern comfort.

Crisp edges and gooey centers create a magical dessert experience that feels like a warm hug.

Classic pecan pie reimagined as a handheld treat, packed with rich caramel and nutty goodness.

Buttery cookie dough serves as the perfect canvas for those signature pecan pie flavors we all adore.

Clusters of toasted pecans nestle into a golden, sugary base that promises irresistible texture in every single bite.

Each cookie tells a story of tradition and indulgence, inviting you to savor a moment of pure culinary bliss.

These little gems will quickly become your new favorite dessert that everyone will beg you to make again and again.

Why Pecan Pie Cookies Are So Addictive

• Craft Mini Pecan Pie Delights: Transform classic pecan pie into adorable, bite-sized cookie cups that pack all the rich, sweet flavors into one irresistible treat.
• Enjoy Hassle-Free Baking: These cookies require minimal prep time, use simple ingredients, and come together easily in a mini muffin tin, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Indulge in Textural Perfection: Experience a delightful contrast between the buttery, crumbly cream cheese cookie base and the gooey, caramelized pecan filling that delivers a satisfying crunch.
• Serve for Any Occasion: Versatile enough for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or casual dessert cravings, these mini pecan pie cookies will impress guests and family with their elegant yet approachable charm.

Everything That Goes Into Pecan Pie Cookies

• Flour: The foundation for the cookie structure, providing a tender and crisp texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie browning.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Cold Butter: Creates flaky texture and adds rich flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Provides moisture and tender crumb to the cookie base.

• Maple Syrup: Classic pecan pie flavor with natural sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like flavor and moisture.
• Egg Yolk: Binds the filling and provides richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the sweet filling.

• Pecans: Signature nut for the pie-inspired cookie, offering crunch and nutty flavor. Best when freshly chopped and toasted for maximum taste.

How to Bake Pecan Pie Cookies from Scratch

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Turn the oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Grab your mini muffin tin and give it a quick spritz of nonstick spray so these delightful treats won’t stick.

Step 2: Craft the Cookie Base

• Flour
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Cold butter
• Cream cheese

Pulse until the mixture transforms into a smooth, cohesive dough. Divide the dough into 24 little balls, each about a tablespoon in size. Gently press each ball into the muffin tin, creating a cute little well in the center. Pop the tin into the freezer for a quick 5-minute chill to firm up the dough.

Step 3: Whip Up the Gooey Filling

• Maple syrup
• Brown sugar
• Melted butter
• Egg yolk
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Stir in some chopped pecans until everything is beautifully mixed.

Step 4: Fill and Prepare

Carefully spoon about a teaspoon of the pecan filling into each dough well. Be gentle – these little guys can bubble up during baking, so don’t overfill!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cookie edges turn a lovely golden brown and the filling sets just right.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies hang out in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, using a small knife, carefully coax each cookie out and transfer to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely – if you can resist the temptation!

Top Tricks for Baking Pecan Pie Cookies Just Right

• Perfectly Prep Dough: Chill the dough in the freezer for 5 minutes to help maintain its shape and prevent spreading during baking, ensuring neat and compact cookie cups.
• Prevent Overflow: Fill the dough wells sparingly with pecan mixture to avoid bubbling over, which can create messy edges and make cleanup challenging.
• Smooth Removal Technique: Use a small knife to gently loosen the cookies from the muffin tin, ensuring they come out intact without breaking or crumbling.
• Customize Nut Options: Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile, making the recipe adaptable to personal preferences or pantry availability.
• Storage Savvy: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and maintaining their delicate texture.

Store and Warm Up Your Pecan Pie Cookies the Right Way

• Refrigerate: Store cooled pecan pie cookies in an airtight container layered between parchment paper. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent pecan filling from becoming too soft.
• Freeze: Carefully place cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Ensure complete cooling before freezing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Reheat: Warm cookies at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore crisp texture. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the cookie base soggy and compromise the delicate pecan filling.
• Thaw: Remove frozen cookies from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Gently bring to room temperature to preserve original taste and texture.

What to Serve with Pecan Pie Cookies

• Brew Complementary Coffee Companions: Pair these delightful pecan pie cookies with a rich, medium-roast coffee that balances their sweetness. A smooth Colombian or Ethiopian brew will enhance the nutty pecan flavors and provide a warm, comforting contrast.
• Sip Dessert Wines Perfectly: Select a sweet dessert wine like Sauternes or a late-harvest Riesling to match the cookie's caramel-like maple notes. These wines echo the rich, sugary profile while adding a luxurious complementary experience.
• Create Creamy Ice Cream Matchups: Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean or butter pecan ice cream. The cool, creamy texture will beautifully highlight the warm, crisp cookie base and create a delightful temperature contrast.
• Explore Bourbon Beverage Pairings: Enjoy a small glass of smooth bourbon or bourbon-based cocktail with these cookies. The whiskey's caramel and oak undertones will wonderfully complement the pecan's nutty essence and the maple syrup's sweetness.

Ways to Switch Up Your Pecan Pie Cookie Recipe

• Chocolate Pecan Delight: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough and mix dark chocolate chips into the pecan filling for a rich, decadent version of the classic cookie.
• Bourbon-Infused Classic: Replace part of the maple syrup with bourbon whiskey and add a touch of cinnamon to the filling for a sophisticated adult-friendly flavor profile.
• Salted Caramel Crunch: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the cooled cookies and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top to enhance the sweet and nutty flavors.
• Coconut Pecan Fusion: Mix shredded coconut into the filling and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a tropical-inspired variation that adds extra texture and depth.

Answers to Popular Pecan Pie Cookie Questions

• What makes these Pecan Pie Cookies different from traditional pecan pie?

These cookies combine the classic flavors of pecan pie in a bite-sized, portable form. Instead of a traditional pie crust, you get a tender cream cheese dough that creates a perfect little cup for the rich, gooey pecan filling.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling in advance. The dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, and the filling can be made earlier and stored separately. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve.

• Are these cookies good for holiday gatherings?

These Pecan Pie Cookies are perfect for holiday parties and gatherings. They’re easy to serve, look impressive, and capture all the beloved flavors of a traditional pecan pie in a convenient, individual-sized treat that guests will love.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these cookies?

You’ll need a mini muffin tin and a food processor. If you don’t have a food processor, you can also use a pastry cutter or two knives to mix the dough. A small knife helps in removing the cookies from the tin after baking.

Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delectable pecan pie cookies blend Southern comfort with sweet sophistication, offering a delightful twist on classic dessert traditions. Crisp cookie edges and rich caramel-like filling invite dessert enthusiasts to savor each memorable bite.

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Ingredients

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Crust Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 10 tablespoons (141 grams) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 5 ounces (142 grams) cream cheese, cold and cubed

Filling Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup maple syrup (or light corn syrup)
• ¼ cup (50 grams) packed light brown sugar
• ¾ cup finely chopped pecans

Binding Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 350F (175C) and lightly coating a mini muffin tin with nonstick spray to ensure effortless cookie removal.
2. Create the delicate dough by pulsing flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a food processor. Incorporate cold butter and cream cheese until a cohesive mixture forms. Portion the dough into 24 equal balls, gently pressing each into the muffin tin cavities to create delicate wells. Briefly chill in the freezer to solidify the dough’s structure.
3. Craft the rich pecan filling by whisking maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and salt in a small mixing bowl. Fold in the chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the sweet mixture.
4. Carefully spoon approximately one teaspoon of the pecan filling into each dough cavity, taking care not to overflow, as the mixture will expand slightly during baking.
5. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for lightly golden cookie edges and a set filling as indicators of perfect doneness.
6. After removing from the oven, allow the cookies to rest in the tin for 10 minutes. Delicately loosen each cookie using a small knife, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring a crisp texture and easy removal.

Notes

• Chill the dough briefly before pressing into muffin tins to maintain the perfect cookie cup shape and prevent spreading during baking.
• Use room temperature egg yolk and butter for smoother, more evenly distributed filling that blends seamlessly with the pecan mixture.
• For a gluten-free version, swap traditional flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same tender texture and rich flavor.
• Toast pecans lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty depth and add an extra layer of complexity to the cookie’s overall taste profile.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 204
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 98 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg