Pecan Pie Cookie Bites

Welcome to a delightful twist on a beloved classic: Pecan Pie Cookies! Imagine all the rich, buttery, and nutty goodness of a traditional pecan pie, perfectly miniaturized into a convenient, bite-sized cookie. These easy-to-make treats feature a wonderfully flaky crust base, a luscious pecan filling bursting with flavor, and are elegantly finished with a delicate drizzle of chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence. Ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply a cozy evening dessert, these pecan pie cookies are designed to impress with their familiar taste and charming presentation. Get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible handheld delights that capture the essence of fall and festive seasons in every single bite.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic recipe! Save it to your favorites so you can easily find it whenever that pecan pie craving strikes. This convenient, portable version of a classic dessert is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Adore These Pecan Pie Cookies

These pecan pie cookies aren’t just a dessert; they’re an experience. Here’s why they’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes:

• **Classic Flavor, Convenient Form:** Enjoy all the rich, complex flavors of a traditional pecan pie, but in a much more manageable and less time-consuming cookie format. No need for a large pie plate or long baking times; these deliver big taste with minimal fuss.
• **Perfectly Balanced Sweetness and Crunch:** Each cookie offers an exquisite balance of textures and tastes. The tender, buttery crust cradles a sweet, gooey pecan filling, creating a harmonious blend of crunch and melt-in-your-mouth delight. They are sweet enough to satisfy without being overly cloying.
• **Effortless to Prepare:** Designed with simplicity in mind, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. You can whip up a batch of these impressive cookies any time of year, not just for special occasions, transforming ordinary moments into something extraordinary.

These delectable cookies come together quickly and are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth with their irresistible charm. A handheld version of pecan pie is always a brilliant idea, perfect for sharing or enjoying all to yourself!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Pecan Pie Cookies

Crafting these delicious pecan pie cookies requires a few key ingredients that come together to create their signature flavor and texture. Below is an overview of what you’ll need, with detailed notes on each component to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.

Detailed Ingredient Insights

• **Pie Crust:** You’ll need two standard pie crusts for this recipe. Whether you opt for a homemade, flaky crust or a convenient store-bought option, ensure they are thawed if frozen before you begin. The crust forms the essential base, providing that signature pie-like texture. For consistency, a good quality pre-made pie crust works wonderfully and saves significant time.
• **Light Brown Sugar:** This ingredient is crucial for developing the deep, rich caramel flavor characteristic of pecan pie filling. Packed brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle molasses note that regular granulated sugar cannot replicate, contributing significantly to the filling’s signature taste and texture.
• **Butter:** I typically recommend unsalted butter for baking to control the overall saltiness of the recipe. However, in this particular recipe, salted butter can also be used effectively, just be mindful of the added salt content in the filling. Butter is key for richness and a smooth, luxurious texture.
• **Honey:** Beyond adding sweetness, honey acts as an excellent binder for the pecan filling, helping it set beautifully. Its distinct flavor also complements the pecans and brown sugar. If you prefer, pure maple syrup can be used as a delicious alternative, offering a slightly different but equally delightful sweetness.
• **Cinnamon:** Cinnamon is a cornerstone spice for many fall and winter desserts, and it’s absolutely essential for this pie filling. It infuses the cookies with an amazing warm, aromatic flavor that pairs exquisitely with the nutty pecans, elevating the overall taste profile and adding depth.
• **Salt:** A small pinch of salt is vital for enhancing the sweetness and balancing the myriad of flavors in your pecan pie filling. It prevents the cookies from tasting one-dimensionally sweet, bringing out the nuances of the other ingredients and creating a more complex, satisfying taste.
• **Pecans:** In many regions, pecan halves are more economical and readily available. You can easily chop them yourself to your desired size. Alternatively, for convenience and to save prep time, pre-chopped pecans are a fantastic option. Ensure they are fresh for the best flavor and crunch.
• **Cornstarch:** This is your secret weapon for achieving the perfect filling consistency. Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, preventing the pecan filling from becoming too runny during baking and ensuring it holds its shape within the cookie crust.
• **Milk:** Using whole milk will result in a richer, creamier pecan filling that boasts superior texture and flavor. Avoid skim or low-fat milk, as they can lead to a watery or spongy consistency, detracting from the luxurious feel of the filling.
• **Chocolate Chips:** For that final, irresistible touch, a drizzle of melted chocolate chips adds both visual appeal and a delightful complementary flavor. Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips work wonderfully, offering a subtle bitterness or creamy sweetness that balances the rich pecan filling. This optional step truly takes these cookies to the next level.

Your Baking Arsenal: Essential Tools

Having the right tools on hand can make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable. For these pecan pie cookies, you’ll need a few basic kitchen essentials:

• **Mixing Bowl:** A medium-sized mixing bowl is perfect for combining your filling ingredients.
• **Saucepan:** A medium saucepan will be used to gently cook and thicken the luscious pecan filling.
• **Large Cookie Sheet:** You’ll need one or two large cookie sheets, depending on your oven space, to bake your cookies evenly.
• **Microwave-Safe Bowl:** Essential for melting the chocolate chips quickly and easily for the optional drizzle.
• **Piping Bag or Storage Bag:** For a neat and controlled chocolate drizzle, a small piping bag or even a simple ziplock bag with a snipped corner works perfectly.

These tools are readily available and will ensure your pecan pie cookie-making experience is efficient and successful.

Effortless Baking: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these delightful pecan pie cookies is a straightforward process. Follow these easy steps to bring this recipe to life in your kitchen. Remember, detailed instructions are provided in the full recipe card below for your convenience.

1. **Prepare the Filling:** In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, light brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, salt, and chopped pecans. Stir these filling ingredients over medium heat until they are well combined and the butter has melted.
2. **Thicken the Filling:** Add the cornstarch mixture (cornstarch dissolved in milk) to the saucepan. Continue to mix on medium-low heat, stirring constantly, just until the mixture begins to thicken. It’s important not to overcook it. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and set the filling aside to cool slightly.
3. **Prepare the Crusts:** Roll out one of your pie doughs into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Using a 2-inch round cookie cutter (or a glass rim), cut out circles from the dough. Carefully place these circles onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat this process with the second pie crust, aiming for a total of approximately 24 circles.
4. **Fill and Bake:** Place about one tablespoon of the cooled pecan mixture into the center of each pie crust circle. Be careful not to overfill. Bake the cookies in your preheated oven as directed in the recipe card until the crusts are golden brown and the filling is bubbly and set.

Once your cookies are baked to perfection, it’s time for the delicious final touch:

• **Melt the Chocolate:** To create the chocolate topping, place your chosen chocolate chips in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 20 seconds, then stir thoroughly. Continue to microwave in 10-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted.
• **Decorate Your Cookies:** Carefully pour the melted chocolate into a ziplock bag or a small decorating bag. Snip a tiny corner off the bag to create a fine opening. Drizzle the melted chocolate artistically over the cooled pecan pie cookies, creating stripes, zigzags, or any design you prefer for an elegant finish.

Creative Variations: Personalize Your Pecan Pie Cookies

One of the joys of baking is the ability to customize a recipe to your preferences. Here are some fantastic ways to add your unique touch to these pecan pie cookies:

• **Alternative Crust Base:** Instead of traditional pie crust, consider using sugar cookie dough for the base. You can press the sugar cookie dough into mini muffin tins to form small cups, then fill them with the pecan mixture for a different texture and flavor profile.
• **Sweet and Salty Twist:** For a sophisticated flavor combination, sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate drizzle while it’s still wet. The contrast of sweet chocolate, rich pecan, and a hint of salt creates an incredibly addictive treat that will tantalize your taste buds.
• **Enhanced Pecan Flavor:** To intensify the nutty taste of the pecan pie filling, use toasted or roasted pecans. Simply spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for a few minutes until fragrant before chopping. If your toasted pecans are already salted, remember to omit the added salt from the filling mixture to avoid over-seasoning.
• **Caramel Indulgence:** For an even richer, chewier topping, melt some Kraft Caramels (or your favorite soft caramels) with a splash of cream instead of chocolate. Drizzle the warm, gooey caramel over the cooled cookies for a decadent caramel pecan pie cookie.
• **Vegan Option:** To make these delicious cookies suitable for a vegan diet, you can easily substitute the dairy and animal products. Use a plant-based pie crust, vegan butter, and a plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) in the filling. For the sweetener, use light or dark corn syrup instead of honey.

Expert Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Cookies

Achieving bakery-quality pecan pie cookies at home is easier than you think with these helpful tips and tricks:

• **Maximize Your Pie Crust:** When cutting out circles from your pie crusts, you might not get all 12 circles from the first pass. Simply gather the scraps, gently press them back together without overworking the dough, and roll it out again. This allows you to cut additional circles, minimizing waste and maximizing your cookie yield.
• **Constant Stirring for the Filling:** The pecan filling mixture requires your full attention while on the stove. It can thicken and burn very quickly if left unattended. Make sure to stay by the saucepan and stir constantly to ensure even cooking and prevent scorching, which can impart an unpleasant taste.
• **Timely Removal from Heat:** As soon as the filling mixture begins to visibly thicken, remove it from the heat immediately. Overcooking will cause the filling to become too stiff and hard, making it difficult to spoon into the cookie bases and resulting in a less desirable texture in the final product.
• **Embrace the Ooze (and Fix It!):** It’s quite common for some of the pecan pie filling to bubble over the sides of the cookies onto the baking sheet during baking. Don’t worry, this is perfectly normal! For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking, always line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Immediately after removing the hot cookies from the oven, while the filling is still warm and soft, gently push any oozed-out filling back into the cookie with the back of a small spoon. If you wait until the cookies cool, the filling will harden, making this correction impossible.
• **Chocolate Drizzle is Optional:** The chocolate drizzle is a fantastic addition for extra richness and visual appeal, but it’s entirely optional. If you prefer a simpler cookie or aren’t a fan of chocolate, feel free to skip this step without compromising the deliciousness of your pecan pie cookies.
• **Get Creative with Drizzling:** While a simple back-and-forth line pattern is classic, don’t hesitate to unleash your creativity with the chocolate drizzle. Experiment with different designs, zigzags, swirls, or even crosshatch patterns to make each cookie uniquely beautiful.

Storing Your Delicious Pecan Pie Cookies

To keep your pecan pie cookies fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible, proper storage is key:

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. For extended freshness, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Ensure the container is truly airtight to prevent them from drying out or absorbing other food odors.

Plan Ahead: Make These Cookies in Advance

One of the many wonderful aspects of this pecan pie cookie recipe is its make-ahead potential. You can prepare these delightful treats up to 24 hours in advance of when you plan to serve them. This makes them an excellent choice for entertaining or holiday meal prep, allowing you to focus on other tasks closer to your event.

To ensure they remain perfectly fresh, simply store the baked and cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage or if your kitchen is particularly warm, refrigerating them is a great option. This convenience means you can enjoy freshly-baked tasting cookies without last-minute stress.

Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairings

These versatile pecan pie cookies are delightful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of meals and beverages, especially during the fall and winter seasons:

• They complement almost any of your favorite fall meals. We particularly enjoy serving them as a sweet ending to Thanksgiving feasts, alongside our Perfect Roasted Turkey and creamy Whipped Sweet Potatoes. Their rich flavor provides a comforting contrast to savory dishes.
• These cookies are also the perfect light dessert to follow a hearty main course, such as a rich pasta dish like Alfredo Pasta with Chicken and Shrimp. The smaller portion size allows for a satisfying sweet treat without being overly heavy.
• Consider serving them with a hot cup of coffee, a warm mug of spiced cider, or a glass of milk for a simple yet satisfying snack or dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pecan Pie Cookies

More Irresistible Pecan and Pie-Inspired Treats

If you’ve fallen in love with these pecan pie cookies, you’ll certainly enjoy these other delightful recipes that celebrate the nutty goodness of pecans and the comforting flavors of pie:

• Next time you’re craving classic pecan pie but want a smaller, individual portion, try these Mini Pecan Pies. They capture all the beloved flavors of traditional pecan pie in a charming, personal-sized sweet treat, perfect for easy serving.
• Pecan Snowball Cookies are a perennial holiday favorite. These cute, melt-in-your-mouth cookies combine the rich, nutty flavor of pecans with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar for an enchanting, sweet finish. They’re a must-have for any festive cookie platter.
• This Pecan Pumpkin Cake offers a harmonious blend of two iconic fall flavors. It features a wonderfully moist pumpkin cake base crowned with a decadent, buttery pecan layer. If you’re a fan of this classic seasonal pairing, this recipe is definitely for you.

Discover More Easy and Delicious Cookie Recipes

Beyond the world of pecan pies, explore a variety of other simple yet incredibly satisfying cookie recipes that are perfect for any occasion:

• Cherry Cookies are delightful, chewy cookies bursting with vibrant cherry flavor. These crowd-pleasing little treats allow you to enjoy the taste of cherries any time of year, making them a refreshing alternative.
• Can’t decide between a rich peanut butter cookie or a fudgy brownie? Have the best of both worlds with this incredible Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies recipe! These cookies offer the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts.
• Elevate your standard chocolate chip cookies with these irresistible Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies. Decadent and wonderfully chewy, each cookie boasts a gooey caramel center, transforming a simple treat into a heavenly experience for any occasion.
• Enjoy all the delightful flavors and textures of classic holiday cookies with a clever twist. This Cake Mix Snickerdoodle Cookies recipe provides a quick and easier version of this beloved favorite, made with minimal fuss and simple ingredients, perfect for busy bakers.

What do you think? Fabulous, huh?! I truly hope you love these Pecan Pie Cookies as much as I do! Please feel free to leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts or any creative twists you tried.

If you enjoy this recipe and find it helpful, please don’t forget to give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating. Your feedback means the world!

Pecan Pie Cookies

Get your pecan pie fix easier and in a mini form with this quick recipe for pecan pie cookies. This recipe can be easily doubled, tripled, or halved, making it perfect for any size gathering during the holiday season or throughout the year.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on 2 votes)

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Course: Dessert | Cuisine: American | Diet: Halal

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Calories: 164 kcal | Author: Amira

Ingredients

• 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)

For the filling:

• ⅔ cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 4 Tablespoons butter
• ½ cup honey
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup pecan (chopped)
• 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
• 4 Tablespoons milk

Chocolate decoration (optional):

• ½ cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400F (200C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.

Make the filling:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in milk. Set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, salt, and pecans. Stir on medium heat until well combined and butter is melted.
3. Add the cornstarch mixture and mix on medium-low heat, stirring constantly, just until the mixture thickens.
4. Remove from heat and set aside to cool down.
5. Roll out 1 pie crust into a 12-inch circle. Using a 2-inch cookie cutter, cut out circles. Place these circles on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Repeat with the other pie crust to get a total of 24 circles.
7. Place 1 tablespoon of the pecan mixture in the center of each cookie circle.
8. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
9. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet. This helps to further brown the bottom crust and allows the filling to set.

Make the chocolate drizzle (optional):

1. Place chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 20 seconds, stir well, then continue to microwave in 10-second increments, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.
2. Pour the melted chocolate into a ziplock bag or a small decorating bag. Snip a tiny tip from the corner and decorate the cooled cookies with your desired design.

Notes

• Do not leave the filling mixture on the stove for too long. We want it just slightly thickened, not dry and hard. If it accidentally becomes too stiff, reheat it with a splash of milk to loosen the consistency.
• If you cannot get 12 circles out of each pie crust initially, gather the scraps, gently press them together, and re-roll the crust to cut more circles.
• The pecan pie filling might slightly ooze out onto the baking sheet during baking. This is normal and nothing to worry about. Make sure your baking sheet is lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. As soon as you take the cookies out of the oven, while the filling is still hot and soft, you can gently push any spilled filling back into the cookie with a spoon. Do not wait until it cools down, as the filling will harden and become difficult to reshape.
• Please refer to our nutrition disclaimer policy for more information.

Nutrition Facts (per cookie)

Calories: 164 kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 88mg | Potassium: 61mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 11IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg

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