Description
Best Pecan Pie Cookies combine everything you love about classic pecan pie in a soft, buttery cookie form. Each cookie features a tender shortbread-like base filled with a gooey, nutty pecan topping that mimics the rich flavor of pecan pie filling. Perfect for holiday baking or whenever you’re craving a warm, sweet, nutty treat in a bite-sized version.
Ingredients
For the cookie dough
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the pecan filling
1/3 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract and mix until smooth. Gradually add the flour and salt and mix until a soft dough forms.
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball.
To make the pecan filling, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, cream, butter, vanilla extract, and salt in a small saucepan. Heat over low, stirring until the mixture is thickened and combined, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Spoon a small amount of the pecan filling into the center of each cookie, being careful not to overfill.
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are just golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Be sure not to overbake to maintain a soft, tender texture. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or frozen for longer storage. For a deeper flavor, toast the pecans before adding them to the filling. If desired, add a touch of cinnamon or maple extract to the filling for a seasonal twist.