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Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe – Gooey Caramel Delight

Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe – Gooey Caramel Delight


Description

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!


Ingredients

Scale

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.

Instructions

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.

Notes

  • 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.