If you’re craving an incredibly sweet, buttery, and decadent dessert, you’ve hit the jackpot with these Pecan Pie Cookies with Gooey Brown Sugar Filling. These delightful cookies combine the classic rich flavor of pecan pie with a soft, chewy cookie base and an irresistible gooey brown sugar center. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy weekend treat, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of crunchy pecans, caramel-like filling, and melt-in-your-mouth dough that will have everyone asking for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The rich nuttiness of pecans blends beautifully with the caramel sweetness of brown sugar for a mouthwatering experience.
Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies offer a tender bite with a gooey center that feels like the heart of a pecan pie in cookie form.
Simple Ingredients: Made from pantry staples and easy-to-find nuts, you won’t need any special ingredients to get started.
Great for Sharing: These cookies make delicious gifts or crowd-pleasers at any party, potluck, or holiday celebration.
Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to fit dietary needs or personal taste by swapping nuts or sweeteners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from adding flavor and texture to enhancing color and richness. These simple components come together to create the perfect Pecan Pie Cookies with Gooey Brown Sugar Filling you’ll want to bake again and again.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and base for perfectly soft cookies.
Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve that tender crumb.
Brown sugar: Key to the gooey, caramel-like filling that makes these cookies unforgettable.
Pecans: Toasted for maximum flavor and crunch, they’re the star nut in this recipe.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and create moisture for chewy texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and deepens flavor complexity.
Baking soda and salt: Balance the flavors and help the cookies rise just right.
Light corn syrup or honey (optional): Boosts the smooth, sticky texture of the brown sugar filling.

Variations for Pecan Pie Cookies with Gooey Brown Sugar Filling

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, making it easy to tailor to your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you want to change up the nuts, try alternative sweeteners, or make it gluten-free, these adaptations ensure there’s a version for everyone.

Swap nuts: Use walnuts, almonds, or pecan halves for different textures and flavors.
Gluten-free option: Substitute with gluten-free flour blends that transfer well into cookie recipes.
Vegan twist: Replace butter with coconut oil and eggs with flax eggs for a plant-based version.
Add spices: Incorporate cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom into the dough for warm, cozy notes.
Chocolate lovers: Mix mini chocolate chips into the dough or drizzle melted chocolate on top after baking.

Irresistible Pecan Pie Cookies with Gooey Brown Sugar Filling

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How to Make Pecan Pie Cookies with Gooey Brown Sugar Filling

Step 1: Prepare the Pecan Filling

Start by toasting the pecans lightly in a dry skillet to unlock their nutty aroma. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, butter, eggs, and a splash of corn syrup or honey until smooth and glossy to create the indulgent gooey filling that will be at the heart of each cookie.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

Cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Slowly incorporate the sifted flour, baking soda, and salt until the dough comes together as a soft but manageable consistency.

Step 3: Assemble the Cookies

Divide the cookie dough into small balls. Flatten each ball slightly, spoon a generous amount of the pecan filling onto the center, then top with another flattened dough portion or fold the edges over to seal, creating a filled cookie ready for baking.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the filled cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden around the edges and set on top, but still gooey inside.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to avoid breaking, letting the filling thicken slightly for that perfect bite.

Pro Tips for Making Pecan Pie Cookies with Gooey Brown Sugar Filling

Toast pecans first: Enhances flavor and adds crunch to your cookies.
Chill the dough: Rest the dough for at least an hour to prevent spreading and keep the filling intact.
Use light brown sugar: Provides optimal moisture and a mild caramel flavor in the filling.
Don’t overbake: Pull cookies out when the edges turn golden but the centers still look slightly soft and gooey.
Seal the filling thoroughly: Prevent filling leakage during baking by pinching dough edges securely.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Cookies with Gooey Brown Sugar Filling

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar over warm cookies to elevate presentation and add a subtle crunch or sweetness contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a cup of hot coffee or tea to complement their rich and nutty flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange cookies on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra pecans and brown sugar for a warm, inviting dessert spread that wows guests visually as well as on the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain softness and flavor.

Freezing

Freeze baked cookies individually on a tray before transferring to freezer-safe bags so they don’t stick together; they keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Warm cookies in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes or briefly in the microwave to revive that gooey filling and fresh-baked softness.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts work well and offer tasty variations if you want to switch things up.

Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free baking blend, ensuring your blend contains xanthan gum for best texture results.

How do I keep the brown sugar filling from leaking during baking?

Make sure to chill the dough before baking and pinch the edges tightly to create a good seal around the filling.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Definitely! The dough can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, or frozen for longer storage.

What’s the best way to toast pecans for this recipe?

Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned.

Final Thoughts

These Pecan Pie Cookies with Gooey Brown Sugar Filling are a truly irresistible treat that bring the warmth and indulgence of pecan pie into cookie form. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something sweet and comforting, this recipe is a fantastic way to delight your taste buds and share joy with friends and family. I can’t wait for you to try them and make these buttery, nutty, gooey delights your new favorite dessert!