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Pecan Pie Cookies with Gooey Brown Sugar Filling

Pecan Pie Cookies with Gooey Brown Sugar Filling
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Pecan Pie Cookies with Gooey Brown Sugar Filling offer a perfect balance of crispy cookie edges and a rich, buttery caramel-like center brimming with nutty toasted pecans. These delightful treats combine simple pantry ingredients to create a warm, sweet, and comforting cookie that captures the essence of classic pecan pie in every bite. Ideal for holiday gatherings, gifting, or anytime indulgence, these cookies bring a touch of southern charm to your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookie Dough

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Gooey Brown Sugar Filling

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping

  • 1 cup pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cookie Dough: Start by creaming the softened butter with both brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Gradually incorporate the flour, baking soda, and salt, stirring just until a soft dough forms.
  2. Toast the Pecans: While the dough rests, gently toast the pecans in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned. Allow them to cool, then chop coarsely for topping the filling.
  3. Make the Gooey Brown Sugar Filling: Mix the brown sugar with melted butter, a pinch of salt, and a splash of vanilla extract to create the luscious, caramel-like filling to be nestled inside each cookie.
  4. Assemble the Cookies: Divide the dough into small balls and flatten each slightly. Place a spoonful of the gooey brown sugar filling on each flattened dough piece and sprinkle with toasted pecans. Carefully fold the dough around the filling to form a sealed ball.
  5. Bake: Arrange the cookie balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them well apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-14 minutes until the edges are golden but the center remains soft.
  6. Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling. This helps the filling to set slightly while remaining delectably gooey inside.

Notes

  • Use butter softened to room temperature for a creamy dough texture.
  • Mix ingredients just until combined to keep cookies tender and avoid toughness.
  • Chill the dough briefly before shaping to make handling easier and prevent spreading during baking.
  • Measure flour by spooning and leveling for accurate amounts and optimal texture.
  • Toast pecans carefully, watching closely as they can burn quickly and affect flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: pecan pie cookies, brown sugar filling, gooey cookies, pecan dessert, holiday cookies, southern dessert

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/pecan-pie-cookies-with-gooey-brown-sugar-filling/