Want the rich, gooey flavor of pecan pie in a handy cookie? Soft and Easy Pecan Pie Cookies are Pecan Pie Cookie Bites that pair a buttery cookie base with a sweet, nutty filling, perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy treat at home. These nutty cookie treats are quick to whip up and sure to delight with their comforting taste. Let’s bake these buttery pecan cookies and bring some Southern sweetness to your table!
Why You’ll Love Soft and Easy Pecan Pie Cookies
- Rich Flavor: A blend of buttery dough and gooey pecan filling in every bite.
- Quick to Make: Ready in about 30 minutes for fast nutty cookie treats.
- Shareable: Ideal pecan-filled cookies for parties or gifting.
- Versatile: Great for holidays, snacks, or dessert platters.
- Easy Ingredients: Uses pantry staples for simple buttery pecan cookies.
Ingredients for Soft and Easy Pecan Pie Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need for these pecan-filled cookies (makes ~24 cookies):
For the Cookie Base:
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) packed brown sugar
- 1 tbsp plant-based milk (or dairy milk)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups (150g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Pecan Filling:
- 1 cup (100g) chopped pecans
- ½ cup (120ml) light corn syrup
- ¼ cup (50g) packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Equipment
- Two baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Large and medium mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Cooling rack
Ingredient Tips
- Pecans: Fresh pecans enhance the flavor of these nutty cookie treats.
- Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free blend for dietary-friendly pecan-filled cookies.
- Corn Syrup: Keeps the filling gooey; don’t skip it for buttery pecan cookies.
- Butter: Plant-based butter works for vegan nutty cookie treats.
- Baking Powder: Ensure it’s fresh to avoid flat pecan-filled cookies.
Directions for Soft and Easy Pecan Pie Cookies
Let’s whip up these pecan-filled cookies—a delightful treat!
Preheat and Prep
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking of these buttery pecan cookies.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, I beat ½ cup softened butter and ¾ cup brown sugar with a mixer until fluffy, about 2–3 minutes, creating a soft base for nutty cookie treats.
Add Wet Ingredients
I mix in 1 tbsp plant-based milk and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth, forming a rich dough for pecan-filled cookies.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, I whisk 1¼ cups flour, ½ tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt. I slowly add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms for these buttery pecan cookies.
Shape Cookies
I scoop tablespoon-sized portions, roll into balls, and place 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. I flatten each slightly and make a thumbprint indentation for the filling in these nutty cookie treats.
Prepare Pecan Filling
In a medium bowl, I combine 1 cup chopped pecans, ½ cup corn syrup, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp melted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla, stirring until well-mixed for pecan-filled cookies.
Fill and Bake
I spoon 1–2 tsp of filling into each cookie’s indentation, careful not to overfill. I bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden, cool on the sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack for Soft and Easy Pecan Pie Cookies.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: ~25–30 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies (1 cookie per serving)
- Calories: ~120–150 kcal per cookie
- Macros per Serving: 18g carbs, 1g protein, 7g fat, 1g fiber
Variations for Soft and Easy Pecan Pie Cookies
Try these twists on these nutty cookie treats:
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and milk for vegan buttery pecan cookies, inspired by LaylaCooks’ Vegan Breakfast Cookies.
- Gluten-Free: Swap flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend for dietary-friendly pecan-filled cookies.
- Salted Twist: Sprinkle sea salt after baking for a sweet-salty nutty cookie treat.
- Chocolate Touch: Drizzle with melted dark chocolate for richer buttery pecan cookies.
- Spiced Flavor: Add ¼ tsp nutmeg to the filling for warm pecan-filled cookies.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with LaylaCooks’ Cucumber Blueberry Feta Salad for a fresh contrast.
- Serve with LaylaCooks’ Vanilla Raspberry Iced Latte for a sweet pairing.
- Enjoy with LaylaCooks’ The Best Peach Sorbet for a festive dessert.
Storage
I store leftover buttery pecan cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, I freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months, thawing at room temperature. I reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3–5 minutes for warm nutty cookie treats.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Display Soft and Easy Pecan Pie Cookies on a festive platter for gatherings.
- Garnish: Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or sea salt for a nutty cookie treat.
- Pairing: Serve with hot coffee or LaylaCooks’ Coconut Cooler for balance.
- Portion Size: 1–2 cookies per person for a sweet snack.
- Occasions: Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or homemade gifts.
FAQs About Soft and Easy Pecan Pie Cookies
Here are answers to common questions about this dish:
Should I chill the dough?
Chill for 15–20 minutes if sticky to shape Soft and Easy Pecan Pie Cookies easily.
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Yes, but pecans give the best flavor for buttery pecan cookies.
How do I keep cookies from spreading?
Use fresh baking powder or add 1–2 tbsp flour for thicker nutty cookie treats.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for dietary-friendly pecan-filled cookies.
How do I prevent filling spills?
Bake the base for 5 minutes, then add filling for neat Soft and Easy Pecan Pie Cookies.
More Cookies Recipe You’ll Love
- Raspberry Lemonade Cookies
- Maple Brown Sugar Cookies
- Cookie Dough Brownies
- Fudgy Mint Chocolate No-Bake Cookies
- White Chocolate and Pistachio Blondies
Conclusion
Soft and Easy Pecan Pie Cookies bring the gooey comfort of pecan pie into a delightful cookie, perfect for any occasion. These buttery pecan cookies are a sweet, shareable treat. Bake these nutty cookie treats, share with friends, and savor their cozy, Southern charm!
Soft and Easy Pecan Pie Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base:
- ½ cup 115g unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup 150g packed brown sugar
- 1 tbsp plant-based milk or dairy milk
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups 150g all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Pecan Filling:
- 1 cup 100g chopped pecans
- ½ cup 120ml light corn syrup
- ¼ cup 50g packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp 30g unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat and Prep
- I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking of these buttery pecan cookies.
Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, I beat ½ cup softened butter and ¾ cup brown sugar with a mixer until fluffy, about 2–3 minutes, creating a soft base for nutty cookie treats.
Add Wet Ingredients
- I mix in 1 tbsp plant-based milk and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth, forming a rich dough for pecan-filled cookies.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, I whisk 1¼ cups flour, ½ tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt. I slowly add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms for these buttery pecan cookies.
Shape Cookies
- I scoop tablespoon-sized portions, roll into balls, and place 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. I flatten each slightly and make a thumbprint indentation for the filling in these nutty cookie treats.
Prepare Pecan Filling
- In a medium bowl, I combine 1 cup chopped pecans, ½ cup corn syrup, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp melted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla, stirring until well-mixed for pecan-filled cookies.
Fill and Bake
- I spoon 1–2 tsp of filling into each cookie’s indentation, careful not to overfill. I bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden, cool on the sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack for Soft and Easy Pecan Pie Cookies.
Notes
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