If you are looking to delight your taste buds with a treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of pecans with the soft, chewy texture of the perfect cookie, then you are in for a real treat with the Easy Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe-Soft & Delicious Recipe. This wonderful recipe takes the classic elements of a beloved pecan pie and transforms them into irresistibly soft cookies that melt in your mouth, offering a perfect balance of caramel sweetness and buttery goodness. Whether it’s for a cozy afternoon snack or a festive gathering, these cookies are the kind of comfort food that brings joy to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes the simplest ingredients deliver the most unforgettable flavors, and this recipe is a perfect example. Each component contributes a layer of taste, texture, or color that makes these pecan pie cookies truly spectacular. From creamy butter to crunchy pecans, every item plays its part beautifully.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick): Softened butter adds richness and helps create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Brown Sugar (3/4 cup packed): Provides a deep molasses sweetness that enhances the cookie’s caramel notes.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 1/4 cups): Gives structure to the cookies ensuring they hold their shape but remain soft.
- Chopped Pecans (1 cup): Adds delightful crunch and that signature nutty flavor reminiscent of pecan pie.
- Light Corn Syrup (1/2 cup): Offers the perfect sticky sweetness to mimic the luscious filling of pecan pie.
- Brown Sugar (1/4 cup packed): Combined with corn syrup to create a smooth, caramel-like mixture that binds the cookies together.
How to Make Easy Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe-Soft & Delicious Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Brown Sugar
Start by creaming together the softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup packed brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed. This process takes 2 to 3 minutes, and the goal is to achieve a light and fluffy mixture that acts as the base for your cookie dough. This step infuses air into the batter, setting the stage for irresistibly tender cookies.
Step 2: Incorporate Flour and Pecans
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to your creamed butter and sugar, mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing here can result in tougher cookies, so patience is key. Then, gently fold in the chopped pecans, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough for that perfect nutty surprise in every bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Mixture
In a separate saucepan, blend together light corn syrup and the remaining 1/4 cup packed brown sugar. Heat this mixture over medium heat while stirring constantly until the brown sugar completely dissolves. Allow it to simmer gently, bringing out that lush caramel flavor that defines these cookies, then remove it from the heat to cool slightly.
Step 4: Combine Caramel Mixture with Dough
Pour the warm corn syrup and brown sugar mixture into your cookie dough bowl. Mix either on the lowest speed with your mixer or fold gently with a spatula. Your dough should thicken to a rich, caramel-like consistency, ensuring each cookie will be soft, gooey, and bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto the sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. For an extra touch, press a few additional pecan halves on top of each cookie—they add a beautiful finishing touch and extra crunch.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for lightly golden edges while keeping the centers slightly soft—that is the hallmark of a perfect Easy Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe-Soft & Delicious Recipe. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures the cookies set beautifully without losing their tender texture.
How to Serve Easy Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe-Soft & Delicious Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance these cookies by garnishing with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of melted white chocolate. These little touches complement the sweetness and add a sophisticated layer of flavor that’ll wow anyone you share them with.
Side Dishes
Pair the cookies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert experience. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a warm chai tea also works wonders alongside these soft and delicious treats.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive look, arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden board with scattered pecan halves and a dusting of powdered sugar. Wrapping them in parchment paper tied with twine makes for a charming homemade gift that communicates just how special this Easy Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe-Soft & Delicious Recipe really is.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay soft and moist for up to 5 days. To maintain that freshly baked quality, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transferring them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months—perfect for prepping ahead for the holidays or whenever a sweet craving strikes.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked softness, warm the cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This revives the gooey center and makes every bite taste like you just pulled them from the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute brown sugar with white sugar in this recipe?
While you can use white sugar, brown sugar is preferred because it adds moisture and a rich molasses flavor that is essential for the soft, caramel-like texture in these cookies.
What type of pecans is best for this cookie recipe?
Fresh, raw pecans chopped to a medium size work best. Toasting them lightly before mixing can also enhance their flavor, but it’s optional.
Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?
To adapt this recipe, try using a plant-based butter substitute and ensure your brown sugar and corn syrup are vegan-friendly. The texture might change slightly but should still be delicious.
Is it necessary to use corn syrup in this recipe?
Corn syrup helps create the signature chewy, caramel-like texture of these cookies. If unavailable, you could experiment with honey or maple syrup, but the final texture and flavor may differ.
How thick should I drop the dough on the baking sheet?
Drop rounded tablespoons spaced at least 2 inches apart. The dough is thick and sticky, so the cookies will spread just enough to keep their soft center with gentle golden edges.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Easy Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe-Soft & Delicious Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for a simple yet incredibly satisfying sweet treat. It brings the soul-warming flavors of pecan pie into a cookie that’s perfect any time of year, easy to make, and hard to resist. So go ahead, bake a batch and share the love—your friends and family will thank you!
Print
Easy Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe-Soft & Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Pecan Pie Cookies combine the rich, buttery flavors of classic pecan pie into soft, delicious cookies. Featuring a caramel-like dough packed with chopped pecans and a hint of brown sugar sweetness, these cookies offer a perfect balance of chewy and crisp textures. They’re quick to prepare and bake, making them an ideal treat for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a comforting, nutty dessert.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Syrup Mixture
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream together the softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup packed brown sugar for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Flour and Pecans: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the creamed butter mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Then fold in the chopped pecans evenly throughout the dough.
- Prepare Syrup Mixture: In a separate saucepan, combine the light corn syrup and remaining 1/4 cup packed brown sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the brown sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is smooth. Continue to simmer gently, then remove from heat.
- Combine Syrup with Dough: Pour the warm corn syrup and brown sugar mixture into the cookie dough. Mix on the lowest speed or fold with a spatula until just incorporated and the dough achieves a thick, caramel-like consistency.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Optionally, press a few extra pecans on top of each cookie for added texture and presentation. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while centers remain slightly soft.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For best texture, do not overmix the dough once the syrup mixture is added to preserve the caramel consistency.
- You can toast the pecans lightly before adding for enhanced flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- These cookies freeze well; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- If you prefer a crisper cookie, bake an additional 1-2 minutes but watch carefully to avoid overbaking.
