Homemade pecan pie cookies topped with pecans and caramel drizzle

Pecan Pie Cookies: A Sweet Twist on Tradition

Craving something cozy, chewy, and irresistibly nutty? Meet Pecan Pie Cookies—a delightful mashup of the classic Southern pecan pie and everyone’s favorite handheld treat. These cookies are buttery, crunchy, and sweet with a gooey center that captures all the charm of pecan pie in portable form.

Perfect for holidays or anytime you need a comforting dessert, they’re simple to make, family-friendly, and guaranteed to disappear quickly. If you love traditional cookies like chocolate chip but want something a little extra special, these pecan-packed delights are about to become your new favorite.

What Makes Pecan Pie Cookies Special?

Think of them as bite-sized pies you can enjoy any time of year. By combining a chewy cookie base with the nutty filling we all know and love, you get the best of both worlds—sweet, rich, and deeply satisfying. They’re proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Nutty & sweet: A perfect balance of buttery pecans and caramel-like richness.

  • Budget-friendly: Cheaper (and fresher) than store-bought cookies.

  • Customizable: Add chocolate chips, sea salt, or even a caramel drizzle for extra flair.

  • Portable pie: All the flavors of pecan pie, no fork required!

Quick Recipe Overview

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Bake Time: 10–12 minutes

  • Total Time: ~25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • ½ tsp baking soda

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • ½ cup packed brown sugar

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 cup chopped pecans

  • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Homemade pecan pie cookies topped with pecans and caramel drizzle

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.

  4. Beat in egg and vanilla until smooth.

  5. Gently mix in dry ingredients until just combined.

  6. Fold in pecans (and chocolate chips, if using).

  7. Scoop dough into tablespoon-sized balls, spacing 2 inches apart.

  8. Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.

  9. Let cool 5 minutes on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.

Serving Ideas

Enjoy these cookies warm with:

  • A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream

  • Freshly whipped cream

  • A hot cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa

For an indulgent twist, sandwich two cookies with a layer of buttercream or drizzle them with caramel sauce.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

  • Swap nuts: Walnuts or almonds work if pecans aren’t available.

  • Switch chips: Try white chocolate or butterscotch for variety.

  • Don’t overmix: Stop mixing once the dough comes together to keep cookies chewy.

  • Watch bake time: Pull them out when edges are golden—cookies keep cooking as they cool.

Storage & Freezing

  • Room temp: Store in an airtight container up to 1 week.

  • Freeze baked: Keep in freezer bags up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp or warm briefly in the oven.

  • Freeze dough: Scoop portions, freeze on a tray, then store in bags. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes.

These Pecan Pie Cookies are cozy, versatile, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you bake them for a gathering, a holiday, or just because, they’re sure to win hearts (and taste buds) every single time.

Pecan Pie Cookies

Pecan Pie Cookies are delightful treats that blend traditional pecan pie flavors with chewy cookie goodness, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional) Feel free to substitute with other types of chocolate chips.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
  6. Fold in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips, if using, until evenly distributed.
  7. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Baking
  1. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
  2. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For best results, don't overmix the dough. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.

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