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.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be made Gluten Free or Vegan with substitutions
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
- Prepare the pecans: Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and slightly browned to enhance their natural flavor.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pecan pie cookies, gooey filling cookies, pecan cookies, caramel pecan cookies, holiday cookies, baked desserts