Description
Discover the charm of Pecan Pie Surprise Cookies—a creative twist on traditional thumbprint cookies that encapsulate the delightful richness of pecan pie. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat for any day, these cookies are sure to capture the hearts and palates of those who try them. The recipe is straightforward and combines a soft cookie dough base with a luscious pecan pie filling.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Pecan Pie Filling:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
Step-by-step Directions
1. Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or coating them with non-stick spray.
2. Making the Cookie Dough
In an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar until smooth. Incorporate the vanilla, then gradually add flour. Mix at low speed until just combined, then increase to high speed to form a thick, soft dough.
3. Forming the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them 1 inch apart on the prepared sheets.
4. Preparing the Filling
Combine brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Add chopped pecans and mix thoroughly.
5. Assembling the Cookies
Make an indentation in each dough ball using your thumb. Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of pecan pie filling.
6. Baking
Bake for 16-18 minutes until the filling caramelizes slightly and the cookies turn a light golden brown. If the filling spills out, spoon it back into the cookies while they are still warm.
7. Cooling
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings & Preparation Time
These ingredients typically make about 24 cookies. The total preparation time, including baking, is approximately 45 minutes.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating is not generally necessary, but if desired, warm cookies gently in a microwave or oven.
Conclusion
Pecan Pie Surprise Cookies offer a unique blend of comfort and nostalgia with the appealing crunch of pecans and a caramelized filling, all cradled within a soft, buttery exterior. Whether for festive occasions or casual treats, these cookies are bound to satisfy sweet tooths and create fond memories. Happy baking!
Print
Pecan Pie Surprise Cookies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Discover the charm of Pecan Pie Surprise Cookies—a creative twist on traditional thumbprint cookies that encapsulate the delightful richness of pecan pie. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat for any day, these cookies are sure to capture the hearts and palates of those who try them. The recipe is straightforward and combines a soft cookie dough base with a luscious pecan pie filling.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or coating them with non-stick spray.
- In an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar until smooth. Incorporate the vanilla, then gradually add flour. Mix at low speed until just combined, then increase to high speed to form a thick, soft dough.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them 1 inch apart on the prepared sheets.
- Combine brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Add chopped pecans and mix thoroughly.
- Make an indentation in each dough ball using your thumb. Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of pecan pie filling.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes until the filling caramelizes slightly and the cookies turn a light golden brown. If the filling spills out, spoon it back into the cookies while they are still warm.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.