Description
Indulge in these delightful Pecan Pie Cookies that combine the buttery richness of classic pecan pie filling with a soft, chewy cookie base. Featuring a perfectly balanced blend of warm spices, dark brown sugar, maple syrup, and crunchy pecans, these cookies are a festive treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
Pecan Pie Filling
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 cups pecans, chopped
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp salt
- flaky sea salt, for finishing
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside to incorporate into the dough later.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the cubed unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Blend thoroughly to combine. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix again if needed.
- Mix in Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture, about 1/4 cup at a time, blending on low speed until just incorporated after each addition to form a soft cookie dough.
- Shape Cookies: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough into balls. Then press an indent in the center of each ball with the back of a floured tablespoon to create a cavity for the filling. Arrange 14-16 cookies and chill the shaped dough for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
- Prepare Pecan Pie Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the 6 tablespoons butter, 1/3 cup dark brown sugar, maple syrup, and chopped pecans. Melt and then allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Cream and Spices: Stir in the heavy cream, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and salt. Let the mixture bubble for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool until it thickens as it cools.
- Preheat Oven and Fill Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Spoon about 2 teaspoons of the pecan pie filling into each cookie dough cavity. Avoid overfilling to prevent spilling during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Place 6 cookies on each baking sheet to allow space for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes, with 10 minutes ideal for chewy cookies.
- Shape and Add Toppings: After removing from the oven, gently swirl a cup around each warm cookie to perfect its shape. Add more pecan pie filling on top of each cookie to create a full, attractive look, then sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to set the filling, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy this decadent treat once fully cooled.
Notes
- Chilling the dough helps prevent excess spreading during baking and enhances the cookie texture.
- Use room temperature eggs to ensure even blending and a smooth dough.
- To avoid sticking, dip the tablespoon used for making indents in flour before pressing into the dough.
- For best results, cool the pecan pie filling before filling the cookies as it thickens upon cooling.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 45g)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: pecan pie cookies, pecan pie filling cookies, holiday cookies, fall cookies, chewy cookies, maple pecan cookies
