Name: Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; 1 tsp cornstarch; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes; 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 large egg yolk, room temperature; 6 Tbsp unsalted butter; 1/3 cup dark brown sugar, packed; 1/3 cup pure maple syrup; 2 cups pecans, chopped; 1/3 cup heavy cream; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/8 tsp salt; flaky sea salt, for finishing

If you’re a fan of comforting desserts and you swoon at the mention of gooey, nutty pecan pie, this Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe is about to become your new kitchen obsession. Imagine everything you love about classic pecan pie — the rich caramelized filling, buttery crust, toasted pecans, and that irresistible sweet-salty finish — but transformed into compact, handheld cookies with crisp edges and chewy centers. This recipe is pure joy for bakers and cookie lovers alike, offering the soul of pecan pie without the fuss of rolling pastry. Get ready to savor that nostalgic flavor with an easy twist you’ll want to make again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe lies in the harmony of simple pantry staples and a few cozy spices. Each ingredient is chosen to create a cookie that’s chewy around the edges, delightfully soft in the middle, and bursting with flavor in every bite.

All purpose flour: Serves as the backbone of the dough, giving your cookies just the right amount of structure and tenderness.
Cornstarch: Adds an ultra-tender texture, making your cookies softer and thicker.
Baking soda & baking powder: Help the cookies rise just enough, ensuring a pleasing, bakery-style chew.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps your cookies from tasting flat or cloyingly sweet.
Unsalted butter (for dough and filling): Lends luscious richness and that melt-in-the-mouth texture you expect from great cookies and classic pecan pie filling.
Dark brown sugar: Brings deep molasses notes and a hint of caramel that pairs perfectly with the pecans.
Granulated sugar: Provides classic sweetness and helps the cookies brown in the oven.
Vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor; pure vanilla is best for warmth and aroma.
Egg + egg yolk (room temperature): These bind the dough and add luxurious richness, especially with the extra yolk for chew.
Maple syrup: Adds a gentle, natural sweetness and that classic pie vibe to the filling.
Pecans, chopped: The star of the show; buttery and toasty, they bring crunch and nutty depth to every bite.
Heavy cream: Makes the filling extra creamy and luscious, balancing the sugar and nuts.
Ground cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg: This trio of warm spices gives the cookies their signature cozy aroma.
Flaky sea salt (for finishing): Sprinkled on top, it transforms each bite and brings all the flavors into perfect harmony.

How to Make Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that your rising agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dough, so every bite is as fluffy and flavorful as the last.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Using the paddle attachment of your stand mixer, beat the cubed unsalted butter with both dark brown and granulated sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This not only dissolves the sugars but also introduces air, helping your cookies puff up beautifully in the oven.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the whole egg, extra yolk, and vanilla extract. Don’t skip scraping down the sides of the bowl — it ensures everything blends together so your dough is silky-smooth and packs maximum flavor.

Step 4: Bring the Dough Together

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet, mixing slowly so the dough doesn’t get overworked. The result should be a cohesive, scoopable dough that holds its shape.

Step 5: Shape the Cookie Dough

Scoop out roughly two-tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them gently in your hands. Use a floured tablespoon to press an indent into each — this is where all that gooey pecan filling will nestle. Chill the shaped dough in your fridge for at least 30 minutes; this keeps the cookies thick and chewy as they bake.

Step 6: Prepare the Pecan Pie Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, simmer butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, and chopped pecans. Once the mixture’s bubbling, stir in heavy cream, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt; let it thicken for another couple of minutes. Remove from heat and let the filling cool while your dough chills — it’ll thicken up to the perfect spoonable consistency.

Step 7: Fill and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment. Spoon a generous teaspoon or two of the cooled pecan filling into each cookie cavity. Bake in batches of six for about 10–12 minutes. For picture-perfect cookies, gently swirl the filling with a toothpick just after baking.

Step 8: Finishing Touches

As soon as your cookies come out of the oven, top them with a little extra filling and, while still warm, sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a rack to finish setting — this rest makes the filling glossy and the texture just right.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an impressive finish, always add a last sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving. You might also drizzle a little extra maple syrup over the warm cookies, or top with a whole pecan for extra flair and crunch. These small touches add visual appeal and an extra pop of flavor that elevates each bite of your Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe.

Side Dishes

Pair your Pecan Pie Cookies with creamy vanilla ice cream or a scoop of cinnamon gelato for a dreamy dessert plate. If you want a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies are sensational alongside a mug of spiced chai, hot chocolate, or freshly brewed coffee. Their rich flavor also balances nicely with tart fruit salads or roasted stone fruits, if you want to lighten up your dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them in a glass jar tied with ribbon for a delightful edible gift, or set out on a rustic wood serving platter at holiday gatherings for instant charm. Layer them into cookie tins for shipping or packaging, or even build an eye-catching cookie pyramid centerpiece for your dessert table. The Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe shines whether you serve them casually or all dressed up!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If your kitchen is especially warm, refrigerate them to keep the filling fresh and the cookie texture perfect. The flavors tend to meld over a day or two, making the Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe even more irresistible as time goes on!

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! After cooling, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag (with parchment between layers). The Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe can be frozen for up to two months — just thaw at room temperature when cravings strike.

Reheating

If you’d like to serve them slightly warm, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or reheat in a low oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes. The cookies regain their soft-chewy magic, and the pecan pie filling gets beautifully melty all over again!

FAQs

Can I make the dough or filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and pecan filling up to a day in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to bake, let both sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before shaping and filling for the best texture in your Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Chilling is essential! This step firms up the fats in the dough, reduces spread, and ensures those classic thick, chewy centers that set this Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe apart from the rest.

What if I don’t have maple syrup?

No problem — while real maple syrup adds unique flavor, you can substitute honey or light corn syrup in a pinch. The cookies will still deliver that signature gooey, nutty pecan pie filling you crave.

How do I get perfectly round cookies?

After baking, gently shape warm cookies with a large round cookie cutter or the back of a spoon to corral any spread and give those neat bakery-style edges associated with a professional Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe.

Can I use a different type of nut?

Pecans truly make this dessert special, but you can absolutely swap in walnuts if you prefer. For a fun twist, try mixing in a handful of chopped macadamias or hazelnuts for your own spin on this cookie classic!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wished you could put pecan pie in your pocket, this Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe is your ticket to snacking bliss. Share them with friends, bake a batch for your family, or save every last crumb for yourself — these cookies are guaranteed to win hearts and bring a touch of homemade comfort to any occasion. Give them a try and let the baking magic begin!