Irresistible Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe for the Holidays

It’s that time of year again—when the leaves turn golden, and the air is filled with the sweet scent of pecan pie cookies. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that tastes like a slice of your favorite nutty pie, complete with caramel flavors that dance on your tongue. These pecan pie cookies are not just a treat; they’re an experience that will transport you straight to grandma’s kitchen during the holidays.

I can still hear my Aunt Betty’s laughter as she whisked away in her kitchen, preparing her famous pecan pie cookies. She had this magical ability to fill any room with warmth and delicious smells, and every holiday gathering was marked by these delightful morsels. The smell of toasted pecans and buttery goodness lingered long after the last cookie had vanished!

I remember once serving these cookies at a family gathering, and they disappeared faster than I could say “pecan pie.” Everyone kept asking for the recipe, but little did they know it was one of Aunt Betty’s best-kept secrets!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Unsalted Butter: Use soft butter for easy mixing; it helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness; feel free to adjust based on your taste preference.

• Brown Sugar: Adds depth and richness to the flavor profile; light or dark works well here.

• Eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients together; make sure they’re at room temperature.

• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of your dough; measure correctly for best results.

• Baking Powder: Helps your cookies rise to perfection; don’t skip this step!

• Salt: A pinch enhances all flavors; it’s like the secret handshake in baking.

• Pecans: Toast them lightly before adding for extra crunch and flavor; you won’t regret it!

• Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla for a richer taste; it elevates the whole cookie experience.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking when your beautiful cookie dough hits those hot sheets.

Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, combine softened butter with granulated and brown sugar. Beat until fluffy—about 3 minutes should do it! It should be light and almost airy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Crack in two eggs and pour in some vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined—you want a smooth batter without any lumps.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into your wet ingredients until just combined—don’t overdo it!

Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in your toasted pecans to keep them intact. You want those lovely chunks throughout; they’re essential for that iconic pecan pie flavor.

Scoop and Bake!: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dollops of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown but centers remain soft—trust me on this!

These pecan pie cookies will fill your kitchen with an aroma so delightful that even your neighbor might knock on the door asking what’s cooking! Serve warm with a glass of milk or coffee, or take them to your next gathering where they’ll surely become a hit! Enjoy this culinary journey with each bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by toasting the pecans for extra flavor, then mix the dry ingredients. Cream the butter and sugar before incorporating them into the dough for a smooth texture.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap pecans with walnuts or add chocolate chips for a twist. You can also sprinkle sea salt on top for an unexpected burst of flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

I still remember the first time I baked these pecan pie cookies. My friends devoured them so fast that I didn’t even get to taste my own creation!

FAQ

Can I freeze pecan pie cookies?

Yes, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

They should be golden brown around the edges but soft in the center when done.

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work well as tasty alternatives in this recipe.

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Pecan Pie Cookies

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Pecan pie cookies are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, combining the rich flavors of pecan pie with the soft, chewy texture of cookies. With toasted pecans, buttery goodness, and caramel notes, each bite transports you to warm holiday gatherings. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to make and will surely impress friends and family alike!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup pecans, chopped and toasted
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy (about 3 minutes).
3. Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients until just combined.
5. Fold in the toasted pecans gently.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers stay soft.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 95mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg