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Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or stand mixer. Beat on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until fully combined.
- Incorporate the dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. The dough should be soft but not too sticky. If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for about 15-20 minutes to firm up before baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Pecan Pie Topping
- Mix the topping ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg. Stir in the chopped pecans until they are evenly coated with the syrup mixture.
Step 3: Form the Cookies
- Shape the dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the cookie dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten the dough: Gently flatten each cookie dough ball with the back of a spoon or your fingers to form a small disk. This will create a nice base for the pecan pie topping.
Step 4: Add the Pecan Pie Topping
- Top with pecan mixture: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the pecan pie topping onto the center of each cookie, spreading it out slightly. The topping will spread a bit while baking, so don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
- Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown and the pecan topping is bubbly and set.
- Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the pecan topping set and prevents it from running.
Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Cookies
- Use fresh pecans: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh pecans rather than pre-chopped or stale ones. Toasting the pecans lightly in a dry skillet before adding them to the topping can bring out even more of their nutty flavor.
- Don’t overbake: The key to chewy cookies is not overbaking them. Keep an eye on them in the oven, and remove them once the edges are golden. The centers will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Chill the dough: If your dough is too soft to handle, chilling it for 15-20 minutes before baking can help. Cold dough will hold its shape better in the oven, and the cookies will bake more evenly.
- Customize the filling: Feel free to adjust the amount of corn syrup or brown sugar depending on how sweet you like your cookies. If you prefer a less sweet topping, reduce the sugar slightly.
- Add a pinch of salt: If you like a sweet-and-salty contrast, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt over the cookies just before baking. This can elevate the flavor of the pecans and the caramel topping.
Why These Pecan Pie Cookies Are a Winner
These cookies give you all the nostalgic, comforting flavors of pecan pie in a fun, handheld form. The buttery, tender cookie base pairs perfectly with the gooey, caramelized pecan topping, offering just the right amount of sweetness and crunch. They’re perfect for holiday baking, gift-giving, or a cozy treat to enjoy at home with a cup of tea or coffee.
With their irresistible combination of rich, nutty flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, pecan pie cookies are destined to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. Plus, they’re easy to make and a great way to impress friends and family with minimal effort!
Final Thoughts
Pecan pie cookies are a fantastic twist on the classic pie, offering the same delicious flavors in an easy-to-make cookie form. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a holiday gathering, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to impress. With their crunchy pecan topping and soft, buttery base, they are the perfect treat for anyone who loves the warm, comforting taste of pecan pie. Enjoy!
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