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Welcome to this mouthwatering recipe for Gooey Caramel Pecan Pie Cookies! These delightful cookies combine the rich flavors of caramel and pecans with a soft, buttery base, giving you a little taste of pecan pie in every bite. Whether you’re a fan of classic pecan pie or just love gooey, caramel-infused treats, this recipe will leave you craving more. Imagine enjoying these cookies fresh out of the oven, with the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. Let’s dive into the delicious world of pecan pie cookies and learn how to make this irresistible dessert!

Introduction

Pecan Pie Cookies bring the best of two worlds—soft, chewy cookies and the rich, caramelized flavor of traditional pecan pie. Originating from the classic southern dessert, pecan pie has long been a favorite at family gatherings, holiday feasts, and cozy dinners. These cookies capture the comforting essence of pecan pie, but with a modern twist that makes them perfect for sharing at any time.

Pecan pie cookies are ideal for a holiday bake sale, Thanksgiving dessert table, or simply as a sweet treat on a chilly afternoon. They are easy to prepare and offer a gooey caramel center that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy pecans on top. Best of all, the maple syrup and cinnamon add a warm, autumnal flavor that makes these cookies a true comfort food. Let’s get started on making these gooey caramel pecan pie cookies!

Ingredients for Gooey Caramel Pecan Pie Cookies

To make these delicious pecan pie cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients. Make sure to gather everything before starting, so you can breeze through the recipe.

Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Caramel Topping:

• 1 cup caramel sauce
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• Pecan halves for garnish

Substitutions:

• Gluten-free option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-free option: Use plant-based butter and ensure your caramel sauce is dairy-free.
• Nut-free option: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds or omit them if needed.

How to Make Gooey Caramel Pecan Pie Cookies – Step by Step

Follow these easy steps to make the best pecan pie cookies ever! Each step includes helpful tips to ensure your cookies come out perfectly.

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of light brown sugar, and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is light, smooth, and fluffy. This helps create a tender cookie base.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for flavor.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix the dough, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 5: Fold in the Chopped Pecans

Gently fold in 1 ½ cups of chopped pecans. These pecans will add the perfect crunch and nutty flavor to your pecan pie cookies.

Step 6: Form and Bake the Cookies

Using a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. The cookies will continue to cook as they cool, so it’s important not to overbake them.

Step 7: Prepare the Caramel Topping

While the cookies are baking, warm 1 cup of caramel sauce and ¼ cup of maple syrup in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth and combined. This gooey caramel topping is what makes these cookies so irresistible!

Step 8: Drizzle and Garnish

Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle each one with the warm caramel mixture. Top each cookie with a pecan half for a beautiful finishing touch.

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Helpful Tips for Gooey Caramel Pecan Pie Cookies

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better consistency in your dough.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while they’re in the oven. The centers should remain slightly soft for the perfect gooey texture.
• Storing caramel: If your caramel sauce thickens too much, reheat it gently on the stovetop or microwave before drizzling.
• Optional add-ins: For an extra indulgent touch, add chocolate chips or a pinch of sea salt to the caramel topping for a sweet-salty flavor twist.

Cooking Tips for the Best Gooey Caramel Pecan Pie Cookies

• Chill the dough: If you find your cookie dough too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. This will help the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
• Use a cookie scoop: For evenly sized cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough.
• Toast your pecans: For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast your chopped pecans before adding them to the dough. This enhances their nuttiness and adds depth to your pecan pie cookies.

Serving Suggestions for Gooey Caramel Pecan Pie Cookies

These decadent pecan pie cookies are perfect on their own, but here are a few ideas to take them to the next level:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
• Drizzle a little extra caramel sauce over the cookies just before serving for a show-stopping presentation.
• For holiday gatherings, arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter with assorted nuts and chocolates for a festive dessert spread.

Nutritional Information

These gooey caramel pecan pie cookies are rich and indulgent, offering a delightful balance of flavors. Here’s a quick look at their nutritional profile:

Per Serving (1 cookie):

• Calories: 220
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 15g

Storage and Leftovers for Gooey Caramel Pecan Pie Cookies

To store your pecan pie cookies, follow these simple tips:

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
• Freezing: If you’d like to freeze the cookies, place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature and reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy warm again.
• Reheating: To recreate that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience, warm the cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Gooey Caramel Pecan Pie Cookies

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply let the dough soften slightly and bake as directed.

2. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Absolutely! Store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly for this recipe. However, if you prefer homemade caramel, feel free to make your own for an extra rich flavor.

3. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.

4. Can I substitute pecans with another nut?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts for a delicious variation on these cookies.

Related Recipes for Pecan Pie Cookie Lovers

If you loved this pecan pie cookie recipe, check out these other delicious recipes from our site:

1. Homemade Lemon Blueberry Bars – Fresh & Delicious Recipe

2. No-Bake Berry Cheesecake: Easy Layered Berry Bliss Recipe

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this gooey caramel pecan pie cookie recipe! These cookies are the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of a classic pecan pie in a bite-sized treat. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a cozy weekend snack, or just because, we’re confident these cookies will become a fast favorite. Don’t forget to share your variations or tips in the comments below—we’d love to hear how you made this recipe your own. Happy baking!

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