Daring to dream beyond the traditional pecan pie, these cookies encapsulate all the beloved flavors in a bite-sized treat. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in, they’re sure to impress with their rich, buttery goodness and crunchy pecan topping.
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of brown sugar and butter creates a deep, caramel-like flavor that mimics the filling of a pecan pie.
- Chopped pecans mixed into the dough and as a topping ensure every bite is packed with nutty crunch.
- A drizzle of maple syrup glaze adds moisture and a hint of autumnal sweetness, elevating the cookies to pie-level decadence.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped, plus extra for topping
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. Tip: For even baking, position your oven rack in the middle before preheating.
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes. The mixture should look pale and feel smooth. Tip: Room temperature butter creams better, so take it out of the fridge at least an hour before baking.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next to ensure a uniform texture. The vanilla adds depth to the flavor profile, complementing the pecans beautifully.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as the flour disappears. Fold in 1 1/2 cups of chopped pecans.
Bake to Perfection
Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press a few extra pecan pieces onto the tops of each cookie for that gourmet look. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Drizzle with maple syrup while still warm for an extra layer of flavor.
Tips and Tricks
For those looking to take their cookies to the next level, consider toasting the pecans before adding them to the dough. This enhances their nutty flavor and adds a deeper complexity to the cookies. Additionally, if you find your cookies spreading too much, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps solidify the butter, resulting in thicker cookies. Lastly, for a glossy finish, brush the baked cookies with a light coat of warmed maple syrup instead of drizzling.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
- Spiced Pecan Cookies: Incorporate 1 tsp of cinnamon and 1/2 tsp of nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Swap the maple syrup glaze for melted white chocolate for a different kind of sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to avoid overly salty cookies. The key is to balance the flavors to your liking.
How do I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re completely cool before storing to prevent sogginess.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking. This can actually enhance the flavors as the ingredients have more time to meld together. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
Summary
These Better Than Pecan Pie Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, combining all the flavors you love in a convenient, bite-sized form. Perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to become a new favorite.