Hamdi Saidani These Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Cookies are delightful, bite-sized treats with a buttery cookie base and a rich pecan pie filling, flavored with a hint of vanilla and optional spices. Ready in about 30 minutes, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet snack with a nutty, chewy texture.
Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 3/4 cup butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1/4 tsp. salt
For the Filling:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- Pinch of ground ginger, cinnamon, and/or cloves (optional)
How To Make Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Cookies
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C/gas 4). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated and smooth. Add baking powder, salt, and flour, mixing until the dough is uniform and fully combined. Set aside.
- Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix chopped pecans, light brown sugar, and optional spices (ginger, cinnamon, and/or cloves). Add heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract, stirring until well combined.
- Shape Cookies: Roll cookie dough into balls about 1.25 inches in diameter. Place on prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between each ball. Gently press your thumb into the center of each ball to create an indentation, rolling slightly to widen it.
- Fill Cookies: Spoon about 1 tsp. of pecan filling into each indentation.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, until lightly browned around the edges. Cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then gently transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Serve at room temperature, perfect for holiday trays or as a sweet treat.
Recipe Tips
- Why use an indentation? The thumbprint creates a well for the pecan filling, mimicking the texture of a pecan pie in cookie form.
- Can I make these ahead? Bake cookies up to 2 days ahead and store in an airtight container. Alternatively, prepare dough and filling separately and refrigerate for up to 2 days before assembling and baking.
- How do I prevent the dough from sticking? Lightly flour your hands when rolling dough balls to make them easier to handle.
- What if I don’t want spices? Omit the ginger, cinnamon, and cloves for a classic pecan pie flavor, or use just one for a subtle twist.
What To Serve With Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Cookies
These cookies pair wonderfully with:
- A hot cup of coffee or chai tea to complement the nutty sweetness
- Vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert pairing
- A glass of milk or hot cocoa for a cozy treat
How To Store Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Cookies
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week to maintain freshness, especially in warm climates.
Freeze: Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Cookies Nutrition Facts
Serving: 1 cookie (1/20th of recipe)
- Calories: ~222 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~27g
- Protein: ~2g
- Fat: ~12g
- Saturated Fat: ~5g
- Sugar: ~16g
- Fiber: ~1g
Nutrition information is from the original recipe source and may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods used.
FAQs
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Yes, chopped walnuts can replace pecans for a similar nutty flavor and textue.
What can I use instead of heavy cream in the filling?
Substitute with half-and-half or evaporated milk, though the filling may be slightly less rich.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, ensuring other ingredients are gluten-free.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Cheesecake Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Mixed Berry Pie Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Canning Apple Pie Filling Recipe
Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
Description
Buttery thumbprint cookies filled with a rich pecan pie filling, featuring chopped pecans, brown sugar, and a touch of optional spices, perfect for holiday trays or sweet snacks.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
For the Filling:
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C/gas 4). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, beating until smooth.
- Add baking powder, salt, and flour, mixing until uniform.
- Mix pecans, brown sugar, optional spices, heavy cream, and vanilla in a separate bowl.
- Roll dough into 1.25-inch balls, place on sheets 2 inches apart, and make a thumbprint indentation.
- Fill each indentation with 1 tsp. pecan filling.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly browned. Cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
Notes
- u003cliu003eUse parchment paper for easy release.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eStore at room temperature for 5 days or freeze for 3 months.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eOmit spices for a classic pecan flavor.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eLightly flour hands to prevent sticky dough.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eServe with coffee or ice cream for a treat.u003c/liu003e
