Pecan pie, a classic American dessert, is known for its rich, nutty flavor and gooey, sweet filling. However, making a traditional pecan pie can be time-consuming and often too rich for a single serving. This is where Pecan Pie Cookies come into play – a creative twist that captures the essence of pecan pie in a convenient, bite-sized treat. These cookies combine the soft, chewy texture of sugar cookies with the indulgent, sweet, and crunchy pecan pie filling, making them perfect for any occasion.
Introduction to Pecan Pie Cookies
Imagine the warmth of a freshly baked cookie, the crunch of toasted pecans, and the sweetness of a perfectly balanced filling, all in one delightful package. Pecan Pie Cookies are more than just a dessert; they are an experience that combines the best elements of both cookies and pecan pie. Whether you’re a fan of traditional pecan pie or just looking for a new dessert to impress your friends and family, these cookies are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 tsp. cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
For the Pecan Pie Filling:
- 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 cups pecans, chopped
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Cream the butter and sugars together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well until combined.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients (flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt) just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 2: Shape the Cookie Dough
- Scoop the cookie dough into balls using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop. You should get around 14-16 cookies.
- Use the back of a tablespoon (dipped in a little flour to prevent sticking) to make an indent in the center of each cookie dough ball.
- Chill the shaped cookie dough for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
Step 3: Make the Pecan Pie Filling
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, dark brown sugar, maple syrup, and chopped pecans. Allow the mixture to melt and simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Let it bubble again for 1-2 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool. The mixture will be runny when hot but will thicken as it cools.
Step 4: Fill and Bake the Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Scoop about 2 teaspoons of the pecan pie filling into the chilled cookie dough cavity. Be cautious not to add too much, as it may spill over during baking.
- Bake 6 cookies on a sheet at a time for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden brown.
Step 5: Finish and Cool
- Once the cookies are out of the oven, add more pecan pie filling on top of each cookie.
- Garnish with flaky sea salt.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: These cookies are best served fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Storage: If you need to store them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week or freezing for up to 2 months. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
- Tips for Serving: Drizzle with a bit of dark chocolate for an extra touch of elegance, or serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
Helpful Notes
- Chilling the Dough: Chilling the cookie dough is crucial to prevent the cookies from spreading excessively during baking.
- Filling Amount: Be careful not to overfill the cookies, as the filling can spill over during baking.
- Baking Time: Ensure the cookies are baked until they are lightly golden brown to achieve the perfect chewiness.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: “”Using high-quality ingredients, such as pure maple syrup and fresh pecans, makes a significant difference in the flavor and texture of the cookies.”” – [Chef’s Name]
- Balance of Flavors: “”The key to these cookies is the balance of sweet and savory flavors. The flaky sea salt adds a nice contrast to the sweetness of the filling.”” – [Chef’s Name]
- Texture Matters: “”The texture of the cookies is just as important as the flavor. Ensuring the cookies are chewy and the filling is gooey is what makes them irresistible.”” – [Chef’s Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do I need to chill the cookie dough?
- Chilling the dough allows the flour to hydrate and the butter to firm up, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Can I use corn syrup instead of maple syrup in the filling?
- Yes, you can use corn syrup, but maple syrup provides a richer, more distinct flavor.
- How do I prevent the filling from spilling over during baking?
- Make sure not to overfill the cookies with the pecan pie filling, and bake them in batches to ensure they have enough space.
- Can I make these cookies vegan?
- Yes, you can substitute the butter with dairy-free butter, use dairy-free milk, and ensure all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
- Why is it important to use room temperature eggs?
- Room temperature eggs mix more evenly with the other ingredients, ensuring a smooth and consistent dough.
- Can I add other nuts to the filling?
- While pecans are traditional, you can experiment with other nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts, but pecans provide the best flavor and texture.
- How do I store the cookies to keep them fresh?
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate or freeze for longer storage.
- Can I make the pecan pie filling ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until needed. It will thicken as it cools.
- Why is flaky sea salt important?
- Flaky sea salt adds a nice textural element and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
- Can I bake these cookies in a convection oven?
- Yes, but adjust the baking time and temperature according to your oven’s convection settings.
By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to create Pecan Pie Cookies that are not only delicious but also visually appealing and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cookies are sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth.”