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Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies

Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies
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Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies blend the rich, nutty flavors of classic pecan pie with a tender, buttery cookie base. These easy-to-make cookies offer a perfect balance of crunchy and gooey textures, making them ideal for holiday treats, gifts, and cozy gatherings. Enjoy all the warmth and sweetness of pecan pie in a perfectly portable cookie that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Pecan Filling

  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup corn syrup or honey (or maple syrup as variation)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cookie Dough: Start by creaming softened unsalted butter with both brown and granulated sugars until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, then gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt until everything is just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky, perfect for shaping.
  2. Shape and Create Thumbprints: Roll the dough into small balls, about one inch in diameter, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to gently press an indentation in the center of each ball to hold the pecan filling.
  3. Mix the Pecan Filling: In a separate bowl, combine chopped pecans, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, corn syrup (or your choice of sweetener), and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is sticky and evenly combined, mimicking a mini pecan pie filling.
  4. Fill the Cookies: Spoon the pecan mixture generously into each thumbprint indentation, ensuring the filling does not overflow after baking.
  5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes until cookies are golden around the edges and the pecan filling bubbles slightly. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter for a smooth, creamy dough that mixes evenly.
  • Don’t overfill the thumbprints to prevent filling from oozing and burning.
  • Chop pecans finely to hold the filling together better and achieve an even texture.
  • Allow cookies to cool fully to let the filling set and avoid sticky fingers.
  • Use parchment paper on baking sheets to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.

Nutrition

Keywords: pecan pie cookies, thumbprint cookies, holiday cookies, pecan pie thumbprint, nutty cookies, easy cookie recipe

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/pecan-pie-thumbprint-cookies/