Chewy Pecan Pie Cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone craving that classic pecan pie flavor in a portable, delightful cookie form. This straightforward recipe delivers intensely satisfying cookies perfect for holidays, potlucks, or just a sweet afternoon indulgence, proving that amazing flavor doesn't have to be complicated.
Key Ingredients for Chewy Pecan Pie Cookies:
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 ¼ cups
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Unsalted Butter, softened: 1 cup (2 sticks)
- Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup
- Light Brown Sugar, packed: ¾ cup
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Chopped Pecans: 1 ½ cups (plus extra for topping, if desired)
- Light Corn Syrup: ¼ cup (for the glaze)
- Powdered Sugar: 1 cup (for the glaze)
How to Make Chewy Pecan Pie Cookies:
This recipe for Chewy Pecan Pie Cookies offers a delightful shortcut to that beloved pecan pie taste, blending rich flavors and a perfectly soft texture. In just about 20 minutes of prep and 15-18 minutes of baking per batch, you'll have a crowd-pleasing cookie that’s both simple to assemble and incredibly satisfying. The magic lies in its chewy texture and the irresistible pecan filling that melts in your mouth with every bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking. This ensures your Chewy Pecan Pie Cookies bake evenly and release easily.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures these crucial leavening and flavor agents are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, contributing to the cookie's tender texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. Reserve a small handful of pecans if you plan to use them for topping.
- Scoop the Dough: Drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set but still appear slightly soft. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and the size of your cookies. For Chewy Pecan Pie Cookies, it's crucial not to overbake.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up properly.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cookies are cooling, whisk together the light corn syrup and powdered sugar in a small bowl until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more corn syrup; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Drizzle the Glaze: Once the Chewy Pecan Pie Cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over the tops. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for a more controlled application. Add a few extra chopped pecans on top of the glaze for decoration, if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Chewy Pecan Pie Cookies:
You’ll adore these Chewy Pecan Pie Cookies because they capture all the rich, comforting essence of a classic pecan pie in a perfectly chewy cookie format, making them a superior alternative to a traditional pie for easy serving. The delightful combination of buttery cookie dough, crunchy pecans, and a sweet, glossy glaze creates an explosion of flavor and texture that’s simply irresistible. Plus, making these at home saves you money and the effort of handling a finicky pie crust, offering a more accessible way to enjoy that beloved dessert.
Imagine biting into these warm, gooey cookies, the sweet, nutty flavor transporting you straight to a cozy holiday gathering, similar to how a slice of warm pecan pie does, but without the fuss. These Chewy Pecan Pie Cookies are ideal for any occasion, offering a taste of home and warmth with every bite. Don't wait for a special occasion; whip up a batch today and experience the joy of this delightful cookie!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Once completely cooled, store your Chewy Pecan Pie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Placing a small slice of bread in the container can help maintain their chewy texture.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the Chewy Pecan Pie Cookies. Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, you can gently warm the cookies in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes until they are soft and the glaze is slightly melty. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overheat, which can make them tough. For frozen cookies, thaw them at room temperature before reheating.
Final Thoughts:
These Chewy Pecan Pie Cookies are a truly delightful and accessible way to enjoy the iconic flavors of pecan pie. Encourage yourself to bake this easy recipe; you’ll be rewarded with a batch of incredibly satisfying cookies that are sure to become a new favorite.
Chewy Pecan Pie Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking. This ensures your Chewy Pecan Pie Cookies bake evenly and release easily.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures these crucial leavening and flavor agents are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.2.25 cups All-Purpose Flour, 1 teaspoon Baking Soda, 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, contributing to the cookie’s tender texture.1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened, 0.75 cup Granulated Sugar, 0.75 cup Light Brown Sugar, packed
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.2 large Eggs, 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.2.25 cups All-Purpose Flour, 1 teaspoon Baking Soda, 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- Gently fold in the chopped pecans until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. Reserve a small handful of pecans if you plan to use them for topping.1.5 cups Chopped Pecans
- Drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set but still appear slightly soft. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and the size of your cookies. For Chewy Pecan Pie Cookies, it’s crucial not to overbake.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up properly.
- While the cookies are cooling, whisk together the light corn syrup and powdered sugar in a small bowl until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more corn syrup; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.0.25 cup Light Corn Syrup, 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- Once the Chewy Pecan Pie Cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over the tops. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for a more controlled application. Add a few extra chopped pecans on top of the glaze for decoration, if desired.1.5 cups Chopped Pecans