Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Pecan Pie Cookies bring the rich, nutty flavors of classic pecan pie into a delightful handheld treat. These cookies are chewy, buttery, and loaded with chopped pecans and optional mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence. Perfect for holiday baking or anytime you want a sweet nutty snack.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Step 6: Gently fold in the chopped pecans and mini chocolate chips, if using, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
7. Step 7: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart.
8. Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden; the centers may look slightly underbaked, which is fine.
9. Step 9: Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Step 10: Enjoy your homemade pecan pie cookies!

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, toast the pecans lightly before folding them into the dough.
• Swap mini chocolate chips for butterscotch or white chocolate chips for a different twist.
• If you prefer a crispier cookie, bake an extra 2-3 minutes, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and achieve thicker cookies.

Storage

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly in a low oven or microwave if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit any added salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.

Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 122 reviews

Delight in these Pecan Pie Cookies, a perfect blend of buttery sweetness and crunchy pecans with an optional touch of mini chocolate chips. These cookies capture the nostalgic flavors of classic pecan pie in an easy-to-make cookie form, ideal for holiday treats or any time you’re craving a delicious homemade dessert.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert, Cookies
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Add-ins

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until everything is fully incorporated.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
6. Fold in Pecans and Chocolate Chips: Carefully fold in the chopped pecans and mini chocolate chips (if using) so that they are evenly dispersed throughout the cookie dough.
7. Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
8. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. The centers might look slightly underbaked but will firm up as they cool.
9. Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes to set. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.
10. Enjoy: Once cooled, serve and enjoy your homemade Pecan Pie Cookies with a cup of coffee or milk.

Notes

• You can omit chocolate chips if you prefer a classic pecan pie flavor without the chocolate.
• For extra chewiness, slightly underbake the cookies and let them cool on the baking sheet.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Chopping pecans unevenly can provide a better texture contrast.

Keywords: Pecan Pie Cookies, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Nutty Cookies, Easy Cookie Recipe