These Pecan Pie Cookies are the ultimate holiday delight, delivering a perfectly balanced blend of rich, buttery flavors with a hint of caramelized pecan sweetness. The soft, tender cookie base melts in your mouth, while the crunchy, nutty topping gives just the right amount of texture. Every bite captures the essence of a classic pecan pie, but in a conveniently portioned, handheld treat. Perfect for sharing with friends and family or savoring with a cup of coffee, these cookies offer all the warmth and coziness of a holiday dessert table in each bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until creamy and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step helps create a light, tender cookie base.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well incorporated. The egg adds structure, while the vanilla enhances the flavor.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can make the cookies tough.
- Shape the Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press down in the center of each cookie, creating a small indentation for the pecan topping.
- Prepare the Pecan Topping: In a small bowl, mix the chopped pecans with a bit of extra brown sugar if desired for a touch of added sweetness. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of this pecan mixture into the indentation of each cookie.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown. The cookies will continue to set after they come out of the oven, so be careful not to overbake.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they hold their shape and texture.
