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Chewy Pecan Pie Cookies with Caramelized Filling

Chewy Pecan Pie Cookies with Caramelized Filling

Chewy Pecan Pie Cookies with Caramelized Filling combine the nostalgic flavors of pecan pie in a portable, chewy cookie format. Featuring a soft, buttery cookie exterior with crunchy pecans and a gooey, rich caramel center, these cookies are a perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and buttery goodness ideal for holidays, gifts, or cozy snacks.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Caramelized Filling

  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup light corn syrup
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cookie Dough: Start by creaming together softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients—flour and baking soda—to form a soft dough. Fold in the chopped pecans for that signature crunch.
  2. Make the Caramelized Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and heavy cream. Stir constantly until the mixture reaches a gentle boil, then let it cook for a few minutes until thickened and golden caramel in color. Remove from heat and let cool slightly for easier handling.
  3. Assemble the Cookies: Divide the dough into equal portions and flatten slightly in your hand. Place a spoonful of caramelized filling in the center, then fold the dough over and seal it around the filling, shaping it into a round cookie. Place cookies on a lined baking sheet with enough space to spread.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet as they firm up and the caramel filling settles.
  5. Cool and Enjoy: Allow cookies to cool completely before serving to keep the caramel filling perfectly gooey without being too runny. Enjoy these chewy delights with a glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage.

Notes

  • Chill the dough before baking to prevent spreading and keep the cookies chewy.
  • Remove cookies when edges are golden but centers are still soft for perfect chewiness.
  • Toast pecans lightly before chopping to intensify their flavor.
  • Watch the caramel closely while simmering to avoid burning and achieve perfect golden color.
  • Seal dough edges completely to prevent caramel filling from leaking during baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: pecan pie cookies, caramel cookies, chewy pecan cookies, holiday cookie recipe, caramelized filling cookies