Irresistible Pecan Pie Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Treat Recipe

# Pecan Pie Cookies: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dessert

Are you a fan of pecan pie but looking for a more portable version? Look no further than these delightful pecan pie cookies! Incorporating all the rich flavors of the traditional pecan pie, these cookies are perfect for a quick snack or a festive treat.

## Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

These pecan pie cookies are everything you love about pecan pie, conveniently packed into a bite-sized treat. The buttery crust, sweet pecan topping, and caramelly goodness will have you reaching for more. Here are a few reasons why you’ll fall head over heels for this recipe:

– **Portability**: Enjoy the irresistible taste of pecan pie without the need for a fork and plate.
– **Easy to Make**: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies come together in no time.
– **Crowd-Pleaser**: These cookies make a great addition to holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

## The Technique Behind Pecan Pie Cookies

The art of making pecan pie cookies lies in simplifying the classic pecan pie recipe. Instead of creating a full pie, the flavors are captured in cookie form, which involves crafting a dough that emulates the pie’s crust and a topping that mirrors the nutty, sweet filling. This approach provides the same satisfaction with less time and effort, making it ideal for busy bakers.

## Recipe Details

Serves: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

## Ingredients

– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2/3 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

## Directions

1. **Prepare the Cookie Base**:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing well to form a dough.

2. **Form the Cookies**:
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them onto a lined baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon.

3. **Make the Pecan Topping**:
In a separate saucepan, combine brown sugar and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then bring the mixture to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans and vanilla extract.

4. **Top the Cookies**:
Spoon a teaspoon of the pecan mixture onto each flattened dough ball.

5. **Bake**:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake cookies for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

6. **Cool and Serve**:
Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.

## Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Cookies

– **Room Temperature Ingredients**: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for a smooth cookie dough.
– **Watch the Caramel**: The pecan topping mixture can quickly turn from perfect to burnt; stir constantly and remove from heat immediately when ready.
– **Don’t Overbake**: Cookies should be golden around the edges but not too dark in the center.

## Serving Suggestions

Serve pecan pie cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert or alongside a warm cup of coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up. These cookies also pair well with holiday punch or spiced cider.

– Add a sprinkle of sea salt for a savory contrast.
– Drizzle with chocolate for added decadence.

## Storage and Leftovers

Store your pecan pie cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’ve made a large batch, they can also be frozen for up to three months. Simply thaw before enjoying.

## Final Thoughts

Pecan pie cookies are a delightful twist on a beloved classic. Their simple preparation and alluring flavor make them a treasured addition to your dessert repertoire. Whether enjoyed during the holidays or as a midday treat, they will surely impress.

## Recipe Notes

– If you’re a fan of extra sweetness, consider adding a drizzle of maple syrup to the pecan topping before baking.
– For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

With their rich nutty flavor and customizable elements, these pecan pie cookies are bound to become one of your go-to recipes. Enjoy the taste of pecan pie anytime with this fun and easy cookie variation!

**Internal Links**:
For more cookie recipes, check out our **Chocolate Chip Cookies with a Twist** and **Lemon Sugar Cookies**.

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