Tasty Pecan Pie Cookies

Soft and chewy cookies packed with the rich flavors of pecan pie. The nutty scent and sweet caramel notes make these a yummy treat whenever you want a bit of indulgence.

I baked these for the holidays and they vanished so fast. Now they’re my go-to snack when friends come by because they strike the perfect balance of rich and cozy homemade goodness.

What You’ll Need

• Room-temp unsalted butter: makes the dough tender and creamy. Pick good butter for the best taste.
• Light brown sugar: brings moistness and a sweet caramel vibe like in pecan pie filling.
• Granulated sugar: adds sweetness and keeps the texture just right.
• Large egg at room temp: holds everything together and keeps the cookies soft.
• All-purpose flour: gives structure. Sift it freshly for lighter dough.
• Baking soda: helps the cookies rise up a bit and stay chewy.
• Chopped roasted pecans: for toasty flavor and crunch. Roasting freshly makes a big difference.
• Vanilla extract: adds warm, cozy notes to the flavor.
• Pinch of salt: lifts the sweetness and balances the taste.

How To Make Them

Line pans and heat oven:

Get your oven ready at 350°F and cover baking sheets with parchment so cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.

Beat butter with sugars:

Mix softened butter with both sugars until pale and fluffy, which takes about 3 minutes. This step makes the cookies tender and tasty.

Add egg and vanilla:

Stir in your room-temp egg and vanilla until smooth and well mixed for even flavor and moisture.

Mix dry ingredients:

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl to spread everything evenly.

Blend wet and dry:

Slowly add dry stuff to the wet mix only until combined—don’t overdo it or the cookies get tough.

Stir in pecans:

Fold the chopped roasted pecans gently to keep their crunch intact.

Shape and bake:

Drop dough balls spaced about 2 inches apart on your sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges turn golden but centers stay soft—this gives perfect chewiness.

Let cool properly:

After baking, leave cookies on the sheet for a few minutes then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling. This keeps them from breaking and nails the texture.

Pecans have a special place in my family’s heart. Baking these always brings back cozy holiday memories and makes the whole house smell inviting.

How To Keep Them Fresh

Keep your cookies fresh in an airtight container on the counter for up to three days. Adding a slice of bread helps keep them soft. For longer storage, freeze them flat with parchment between layers up to a month. Let them warm up to room temp before eating for the best texture.

Flavor Swaps

Try mixing half the pecans with toasted walnuts or sprinkle in mini chocolate chips for a fun twist. Adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour mix gives a cozy spice boost, similar to classic pecan pie. To tone down sweetness, cut back on granulated sugar or swap in coconut sugar for a mild caramel hint.

Great Things To Serve With

Seasonal Twists

These pecan pie cookies blend old-fashioned warmth with cozy comfort, perfect all year round or for any get-together. Enjoy their rich flavor in every bite.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ How do I get soft middles with browned edges?

Pull the cookies out once their edges turn golden but centers still look a bit underdone. The centers will firm up after cooling.

→ Can I skip roasting and use raw pecans?

Roasting makes pecans nuttier and crunchier. But if you're short on time or want to, raw pecans work too.

→ What's the best way to keep these cookies fresh?

Put them in a sealed container at room temp. This keeps them soft and tasty for about three days.

→ Can I toss in extra spices?

Sure thing. Adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry mix gives a warm, cozy flavor boost.

→ Is it necessary to soften butter before mixing?

Soft butter helps make the dough fluffier and lighter when mixed with sugar, giving the cookies a soft texture.