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Pecan Pie Cookies

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These pecan pie cookies capture all the gooey, nutty goodness of pecan pie in a bite-sized cookie! A buttery, crumbly base holds a sweet pecan filling, making them an ideal addition to holiday cookie trays or any occasion that calls for a treat with a Southern twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough Base

  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 5 ounces cream cheese, cold and cubed

Pecan Pie Filling

  • ⅓ cup maple syrup (or light corn syrup)
  • ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¾ cup finely chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a mini muffin tin with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the Dough:
    • In a food processor, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and cream cheese; pulse until the mixture forms a dough.
    • Divide the dough into 24 portions, about one tablespoon each. Roll each into a ball and press into the muffin tin cavities, creating a well in the center for the filling. Chill in the freezer for 5 minutes to firm.
  3. Prepare the Filling:
    • In a small bowl, mix maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir in the chopped pecans.
  4. Assemble the Cookies:
    • Spoon about 1 teaspoon of filling into each dough well. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling will bubble slightly during baking.
  5. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges of the cookie cups are lightly browned and the filling is set.
  6. Cool: Allow cookies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then use a small knife to gently loosen each cookie and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Serving Tip: Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel for an extra-special touch!