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Pecan Pie Cookies with Gooey Filling

Pecan Pie Cookies with Gooey Filling

Pecan Pie Cookies with Gooey Filling combine the rich buttery flavors and gooey caramelized pecan filling of classic pecan pie into a soft, chewy cookie with crisp edges. These handheld treats are perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying as a comforting dessert anytime.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

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

Gooey Pecan Filling

  • 1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pecans: Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and slightly browned to enhance their natural flavor.
  2. Make the cookie dough: Cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to the wet mixture until smooth dough forms.
  3. Prepare the gooey pecan filling: In a bowl, combine toasted pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, and a pinch of salt. Mix until pecans are evenly coated with the sticky caramel-like mixture.
  4. Assemble the cookies: Roll tablespoon-sized dough balls and flatten slightly. Place a small dollop of pecan filling in the center of each, then cover with additional dough to seal the filling inside. Arrange on a lined baking sheet, spacing to allow spreading.
  5. Bake to perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft and slightly gooey. Let cool on baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter for smooth mixing and even dough texture.
  • Don’t overfill the cookies to prevent filling leaks during baking.
  • Toast pecans well to bring out their flavor and avoid sogginess in the filling.
  • Chill the dough for 15–20 minutes if it feels too soft to handle.
  • Remove cookies from oven when edges are golden but centers still look underdone to maintain gooeyness.

Nutrition

Keywords: pecan pie cookies, gooey filling cookies, pecan cookies, caramel pecan cookies, holiday cookies, baked desserts