Pecan Pie Cookies: Easy, Gooey Fall Dessert

Introduction

Pecan Pie Cookies are the ultimate easy and gooey fall dessert, combining all the rich, caramelized flavors of classic pecan pie into a handheld treat. With their decadent filling nestled atop a tender cookie base, they deliver autumn’s most iconic taste in a fun, sharable form. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or prepping for a festive gathering, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Why You’ll Love These Pecan Pie Cookies

This recipe brings together the irresistible crunch of toasted pecans, the gooey decadence of brown sugar caramel, and the buttery tenderness of sugar cookies—all in one bite-sized package. Unlike a full pie, these cookies are fast to prep, simple to portion, and perfect for baking ahead or sharing at potlucks and holiday dessert tables.

Gooey, Nutty Perfection in Every Bite

The magic lies in the cookie’s pecan caramel center, which bakes up sticky and rich, just like the center of a pecan pie. Hints of vanilla and a touch of cinnamon make each cookie fragrant and festive, while the browned edges and melty, nutty tops provide an unforgettable texture and flavor.

Pecan Pie Cookie Assembly Made Simple

You’ll create quick, buttery vanilla cookie dough, form little “nests,” and fill them with a luscious mixture of brown sugar, maple syrup, chopped pecans, and creamy butter. As they bake, the filling bubbles and sets, infusing the cookies with gooey goodness. These treats cool to the perfect hand-held consistency but stay soft even after a day or two.

Serving Suggestions for the Ultimate Fall Cookie Dessert

Dust your cookies with powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra maple glaze for a bakery-style finish. They’re perfect with a mug of hot cider, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a true dessert-wow. Pecan Pie Cookies also make a thoughtful addition to holiday cookie platters or gift boxes.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 20 cookies, with each cookie containing approximately 140-160 calories, depending on the exact amount of butter and pecans used. The cookies are rich and satisfying—a sweet treat best enjoyed alongside lighter seasonal offerings like fresh fruit.

Pecan Pie Cookies: The Easy, Gooey Fall Dessert Recap

All the cozy comfort of classic pecan pie is packed into these easy, gooey cookies. With minimal prep and maximum fall flavor, they’ll be a go-to dessert whenever you’re craving something sweet, nutty, and truly crowd-pleasing.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly generate an organized shopping list—ingredients grouped by aisle for fast, fuss-free grocery trips or meal planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until creamy. Mix in egg yolk and vanilla extract until combined.
3. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients to form a soft dough.
4. Roll dough into 1-inch balls (about 20 total) and arrange 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Use your thumb or a spoon to gently press an indentation in the middle of each ball.
5. In a separate bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon (if using) until well mixed.
6. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of pecan filling into each cookie indentation, pressing gently to fill.
7. Bake for 11–13 minutes, until cookies are set and edges are lightly golden. The filling will be bubbling and fragrant.
8. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Enjoy once fully set!

Weekly Meal Planning

These Pecan Pie Cookies are a dream for batch baking and weekly treat planning. Save and schedule this recipe to map out your dessert nights. Effortlessly generate a consolidated shopping list that factors in all your weekly recipes, so you never forget key ingredients.

Planning Benefits:

• Dynamically calculates total ingredient needs across multiple days and meal types
• Organizes your list by grocery section (produce, dairy, baking aisle, etc.)
• Reduces repeat purchases and helps avoid missing items
• Keeps your meal and treat plans organized for less stress and more enjoyment

Pro tip: As you plan several fall-inspired recipes—like pumpkin bread, these pecan cookies, and a cozy soup—build your meal schedule to see where ingredients overlap for smarter shopping and less waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Enjoy these Pecan Pie Cookies as your new go-to easy, gooey fall dessert—packed with nostalgia, warmth, and unbeatable fall flavor!