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Ah, the delight of Crumbl Pecan Pie Cookies! My love affair with these delectable cookies began during a warm autumn afternoon, when the aroma of toasted pecans wafted through my kitchen like a soft, inviting hug. I found myself experimenting with ingredients I had on hand, when suddenly, it happened—a cookie that perfectly encapsulated the flavors of the classic pecan pie. Each bite transported me back to my grandmother’s cozy kitchen, where laughter mingled with the warm scent of sugar and butter baking in the oven.
The first batch was met with oohs and aahs from friends and family, who couldn’t get enough of the sumptuous, gooey pecan filling nestled inside a soft, buttery cookie shell. These cookies transformed a simple gathering into a magical moment, and I knew this recipe was a keeper! I invite you to embrace the coziness and joy these cookies bring, share them with loved ones, and make them your own. Trust me; you’ll want these in your cookie repertoire!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Delight: These cookies come together quickly and easily, perfect for those spontaneous baking moments!
- Crowd-Pleasing Treat: They’re a fun twist on classic pecan pie, sure to impress friends or family.
- Sensational Flavor: The buttery cookie pairs beautifully with the rich pecan filling, creating a comforting burst of flavor.
- Cozy Aromas: The warm scents of butter, sugar, and pecans will create a delightful atmosphere in your kitchen.
- Versatile Base: You can customize them with seasonal spices or toppings for a unique twist every time!
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter (softened)
Softened butter creates a rich, fluffy base for your cookies. Make sure it’s at room temperature for the best results!1/3 cup oil (vegetable or canola oil)
Oil gives these cookies a wonderful tenderness, making them irresistibly chewy!1/2 cup granulated sugar
This adds the perfect touch of sweetness, balancing the richness of the pecan filling.1/4 cup powdered sugar
Powdered sugar brings an extra level of sweetness and smoothness to the cookie texture!1 egg (at room temperature)
A room-temperature egg helps everything blend smoothly, ensuring a light and fluffy cookie!1 tsp vanilla extract
Vanilla is the secret ingredient that enhances all your flavors and adds a lovely warmth!2 & 1/3 cups flour
Flour gives the cookie structure, keeping them from being too soft or too crumbly.1/4 tsp salt
A pinch of salt amplifies the sweetness, creating a perfectly balanced flavor!1 tsp baking powder
This helps give your cookies a lovely rise, keeping them nice and fluffy!5 tbsp butter (for pecan filling)
More butter means more decadence—what could be better? It melts beautifully into the filling.2/3 cup brown sugar
Brown sugar adds a rich, molasses flavor that deepens the taste of your filling!1 & 1/4 cup chopped pecans
These are the star of your show, adding that beloved crunch and flavor!1 tsp vanilla extract (for filling)
Just like in the cookie base, vanilla in the filling brings everything together!1/3 cup heavy cream
Heavy cream gives the filling a luscious, gooey texture that’s simply irresistible.1/4 tsp cinnamon
A sprinkle of cinnamon evokes that warm, comforting vibe we adore in cozy cooking!1 pinch nutmeg
Nutmeg adds a subtle warmth, enhancing the fall flavors beautifully!1 pinch salt (for filling)
Just a touch helps balance the sweetness and brings out all the flavors!
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
Preheat the Oven
Let’s get started! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and become the perfect golden-brown color.
Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. This simple step keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Cream the Base Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl or a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until fluffy and combined. Oh, the aroma of sweet butter filling the air is just heavenly!
Add Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg (make sure it’s at room temperature!) and vanilla extract to your sugary mix. Beat until everything is beautifully combined. The blend of flavors begins to sing!
Combine the Dry Ingredients
Next, add the flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we only want softness and joy here!
Scoop and Shape the Dough
Using a large cookie scoop, scoop out 9 equally sized cookie balls onto the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten them to about 1-inch thickness. They should look like little pillows waiting to be filled!
Create Room for the Filling
Now, here comes the fun part! Take a 1/4 measuring cup and press down the center of each cookie, creating a lovely little well for the pecan pie filling.
Bake and Cool
Pop your cookies in the oven and bake for 8-9 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes—your kitchen will smell amazing!
Make the Pecan Pie Filling
While the cookies cool, let’s whip up the filling! In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the 5 tbsp of butter. Add the brown sugar, chopped pecans, vanilla extract, heavy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is glossy and bubbly, then remove from heat.
Fill the Cookies
Once your cookies are slightly cooled, carefully spoon the luscious pecan filling into the wells you made earlier. Don’t hold back; they deserve it!
Pro Tips for Success
- Stick to Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, egg, and cream are at room temperature for easy mixing and better texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently mix the dough until just combined to keep your cookies soft.
- Watch Closely While Baking: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye out to prevent overbaking!
- Let Them Cool: Allow your cookies to cool slightly before filling them. This ensures the filling won’t soak into the cookie!
Flavor Variations
- Nut Swap: Try using walnuts or pecan halves instead of chopped pecans for a different flavor and texture.
- Spice it Up: Add a sprinkle of ginger or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth this fall!
- Chocolate Delight: Toss in some chocolate chips for a double treat—because chocolate makes everything better!
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect on their own, but why not serve them warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream? Plating them on a rustic wooden board enhances the cozy vibe, and they pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee!
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prepare the cookie dough a day ahead and keep it in the fridge! When you’re ready to bake, just scoop, shape, and pop them into the oven. Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to keep them soft and chewy!
Leftovers
If you find yourself with any leftover cookies (though I doubt that will happen!), crumble them over yogurt or use them in a parfait for a tasty breakfast or snack.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze these delightful morsels! Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When the craving hits, just let them thaw at room temperature or heat them in the oven to bring back that fresh-baked aroma.
Reheating
To revive their fluffy texture, pop cookies in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. If you are in a hurry, the microwave works well too—just heat for 15-20 seconds until warm!
FAQs
Can I omit the pecans?
Absolutely! You can leave them out for a softer cookie, or substitute them with your favorite nuts or even candy pieces for a fun twist.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk in a pinch, but heavy cream will yield the best results for a rich filling!
Are these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a tasty gluten-free option.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to have enough baking sheets on hand or bake in batches. Everyone will want seconds!
Final Thoughts
Baking these Crumbl Pecan Pie Cookies is about more than just sweetness; it’s creating warmth, joy, and memories in your kitchen. So gather your loved ones, let the sweet aromas fill your home, and enjoy the cozy moments that come with every bite. Happy baking, dear friends!
With warmth and love,
Chef Emily
Crumbl Pecan Pie Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Add the room temperature egg and vanilla extract, and beat until combined.
- Add the flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix until just combined.
- Using a large cookie scoop, scoop out 9 equally sized cookie balls onto the prepared baking sheet and gently flatten them to about 1-inch thickness.
- Press down the center of each cookie, creating a well for the filling.
- Bake cookies for 8-9 minutes until edges are golden and centers are set.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the 5 tbsp of butter.
- Add brown sugar, chopped pecans, vanilla extract, heavy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir until glossy and bubbly, then remove from heat.
- Once cookies are slightly cooled, spoon the pecan filling into the wells of each cookie.