Description
These delightful Pecan Pie Cookies combine the classic flavors of pecan pie in a convenient, bite-sized cookie form. With a buttery pie crust base and a rich, sweet pecan filling enhanced by vanilla and a hint of cinnamon, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie Crust
- 1 refrigerated pie crust (room temperature)
Filling
- 1 cup pecan halves, chopped
- ⅔ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon for additional flavor
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Dough Circles: Roll out the refrigerated pie crust on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Use a round cookie cutter, approximately 3 inches in diameter, to cut out circles. Place these dough circles on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for expansion during baking.
- Make Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, egg, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. If you prefer a spiced flavor, add the optional ground cinnamon and mix again.
- Fill Cookies: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the pecan mixture onto the center of each dough circle. Spread the filling slightly but leave a small border around the edges untouched.
- Fold Edges: Carefully fold the edges of each dough circle inward, partially covering the filling to create a slightly crimped edge that helps keep the filling contained during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust turns a golden brown and the filling is set, indicating the cookies are cooked through.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps the cookies firm up and enhances texture.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy the pecan pie cookies warm for a gooey treat, or store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure the pie crust is at room temperature before rolling to prevent cracking.
- Chopping the pecans finely helps distribute the filling evenly but some larger halves add a nice texture contrast.
- Folding the edges gently helps prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
- These cookies are best enjoyed within a few days, but you can refrigerate them to extend freshness.
- For added flavor, try sprinkling a small pinch of coarse sugar on top before baking for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pecan pie cookies, holiday cookies, pecan cookies, easy desserts, pie crust cookies
