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Golden pecan pie cookies with caramel pecan topping on white plate

Pecan Pie Cookies

Evelyn
These Pecan Pie Cookies capture all the gooey, nutty sweetness of a classic pecan pie in bite-sized form. Buttery shortbread cookies are topped with a rich caramel-pecan filling, making them the perfect holiday treat or giftable dessert.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Cookies, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 245 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt

For the Pecan Filling

  • 1 cup chopped pecans toasted if desired
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup corn syrup light or dark
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
  • Gradually add flour and salt, mixing just until the dough comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Use your thumb or a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each ball.
  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in egg yolk, vanilla, and chopped pecans.
  • Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the pecan mixture into each cookie indentation.
  • Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. For extra shine, brush the pecan filling with a touch of maple syrup after baking.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 245 kcal
 Total Fat: 15g
 Saturated Fat: 7g
 Trans Fat: 0g
 Cholesterol: 45mg
 Sodium: 125mg
 Total Carbohydrates: 26g
 Dietary Fiber: 1g
 Sugars: 16g
 Protein: 3g
 Vitamin D: 0.2mcg
Keyword caramel pecan, easy dessert, fall baking, holiday cookies, pecan pie cookies