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Homemade pecan pie cookies with gooey caramelized pecan filling on white plate

Pecan Pie Cookies

These Pecan Pie Cookies capture all the rich, nutty, and buttery flavors of a traditional pecan pie in a perfectly bite-sized treat. With a soft, buttery cookie base and gooey pecan filling, they’re an irresistible holiday favorite!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
Pecan Filling
  • 1 cup chopped pecans toasted for extra flavor
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/4 cup corn syrup light or dark
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Add vanilla extract and egg yolks, mixing until combined.
  3. Gradually mix in flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Chill dough for 30 minutes to firm up.
  4. While the dough chills, prepare the filling: In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and vanilla. Heat over medium until melted, then remove from heat and stir in pecans and beaten egg. Let cool slightly.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. Roll chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet. Press a thumbprint into the center of each ball.
  7. Spoon about a teaspoon of pecan filling into each indentation.
  8. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

For added texture, drizzle cooled cookies with melted chocolate or a light caramel glaze. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 180
 Total Fat: 10g
 Saturated Fat: 4g
 Trans Fat: 0g
 Cholesterol: 20mg
 Sodium: 80mg
 Total Carbohydrates: 21g
 Dietary Fiber: 1g
 Sugars: 14g
 Protein: 2g
 Vitamin A: 4% DV