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A few falls ago, I stumbled upon the delightful Crumbl Pecan Pie Cookies while hunting for the perfect treat to serve at an autumn gathering. The crisp air was filled with the inviting scents of cinnamon and toasted pecans, drawing everyone into my cozy kitchen like a warm embrace. As I took that first bite, I was wrapped in a hug of buttery-cookie goodness. The soft, slightly chewy cookie supported a luscious pecan pie filling that reminded me of family dinners and holiday warmth. It was love at first taste! Since then, these cookies have become a staple in my baking repertoire—always disappearing quickly and leaving smiles in their wake. I promise, once you try these treasures, you’ll see why they’re loved by so many!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: No fancy techniques needed, just a simple mix and bake!
- Deliciously Cozy: Every bite is a comforting reminder of home and hugs.
- Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for gatherings, they’re sure to win hearts (and stomachs)!
- Flexible Ingredients: Customize the filling or cookie base to fit your taste buds.
- Quick Baking Time: Ready to enjoy in under 30 minutes—perfect for last-minute cravings!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (softened): Adds a rich, buttery flavor. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing!
- 1/3 cup oil (vegetable or canola oil): Keeps the cookies moist and gives them a delightful texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens without overwhelming, giving that classic cookie taste.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: For that extra sweetness and a hint of creaminess.
- 1 egg (at room temperature): Helps bind everything together nicely. Remember to warm it up a bit for better mixing!
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: The star that lifts all the flavors! Use pure vanilla for the best essence.
- 2 & 1/3 cup flour: This is the backbone of our cookies, so measure accurately for the right texture!
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Gives the cookies a nice lift, making them soft and fluffy.
- 5 tbsp butter: This will create our pecan pie filling, bringing that classic flavor to life!
- 2/3 cup brown sugar: Adds deep sweetness with a hint of caramel notes—yum!
- 1 & 1/4 cup chopped pecans: The star ingredient! Toasted, they will enhance the warm, nutty flavor.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Because who doesn’t love more vanilla?
- 1/3 cup heavy cream: Makes the filling smooth and dreamy.
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon: Invites that cozy aroma that fills your kitchen!
- 1 pinch nutmeg: A warm spice that rounds out the filling perfectly.
- 1 pinch salt: A touch more to enhance the overall flavor and harmony.
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
Preheat Your Oven
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential for ensuring our cookies bake evenly and perfectly!
Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. This little step means no sticking—easy cleanup, yay!
Cream Your Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl or a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Breathe in that sweet, buttery aroma—it’s the essence of cozy baking!
Add Egg and Vanilla
Now, add the room-temperature egg and vanilla extract into the mix. Beat until it’s all combined and you have a creamy mixture. This is where you get a lovely vanilla scent wafting through your kitchen!
Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder in another bowl. Gradually add the dry mix to your wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing for the softest cookies—trust me!
Shape Cookie Dough
Using a large cookie scooper, scoop out nine equally sized cookie balls. Space them generously on your prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball gently to about 1 inch thick, and then use a 1/4 measuring cup to press down the center of each cookie. You’re creating little nests for our pecan pie filling!
Bake the Cookies
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and let the cookies bake for about 8–9 minutes. The edges should be set while the centers remain a little soft. When the time is up, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes—there’s nothing quite like the smell of warm cookies!
Make the Pecan Pie Filling
In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 5 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar until combined. Then add the chopped pecans, vanilla extract, heavy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir to create a lusciously thick filling and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until bubbly and glorious!
Fill the Cookies
Once your cookies are cool, carefully spoon that heavenly pecan pie filling into the centers you created earlier. Let the filling set for a few minutes—trust me, the anticipation is part of the fun!
Pro Tips for Success
- Measure Your Ingredients: Precision is key! For best results, use a kitchen scale if you have one.
- Chill Your Dough: If it’s hot in your kitchen, pop the dough in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before scooping.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies—they should be slightly golden at the edges yet soft in the middle.
- Toast Your Pecans: For deeper flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet until fragrant and golden before chopping.
- Resting Time: Let the filled cookies sit for a bit once baked; the filling will firm up, making them easier to handle!
Flavor Variations
- Nut-Free Version: Swap out chopped pecans for sunflower seeds or omit the nuts altogether for a nut-free delight.
- Seasonal Spice: Add a pinch of pumpkin spice or allspice for a fall twist!
- Chocolate Lovers: Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips into the cookie dough for a chocolate-pecan mashup!
- Fruit Additions: For a fun twist, mix in some dried cranberries or chopped apples in place of some pecans.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are fantastic on their own, but why not elevate them a bit? Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. For a drink pairing, a cozy cup of spiced apple cider or rich hot chocolate complements these cookies perfectly. Presentation tip? Arrange them on a rustic wooden platter to enhance their inviting charm!
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can certainly prepare the cookie dough in advance! Just scoop out the cookie balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month. To enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days.
Leftovers
Though who would ever think there might be leftovers?! But if you do find a few cookies still in the jar the next day, you can crumble them over yogurt for a delicious breakfast or even use them as a topping for ice cream sundaes. Delicious!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze the cookies! Place them in a single layer in an airtight container or a freezer bag, and layer parchment paper between them if stacking. Plan to eat them within two months for the best flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pull out what you need and let them thaw at room temperature!
Reheating
For the best reheating method, pop your pecan pie cookies in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This will warm them up perfectly without making them too dry. A microwave will also work if you’re in a hurry, but keep it to about 10–15 seconds—just enough to warm them.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or hazelnuts work well too, just keep in mind they’ll change the flavor profile a little.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it contains a binding agent like xanthan gum.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute it with half-and-half, whole milk, or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for the edges to be lightly golden while the centers should be soft—they will firm up as they cool!
Final Thoughts
Baking these Crumbl Pecan Pie Cookies is like wrapping yourself in a blanket of comfort and joy—perfect for any occasion or just because! I hope you dive into this cozy recipe that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and brings smiles to every face around your table. Remember, cooking is all about love and joy—so don’t stress, just keep vibing with the flavors and enjoy every moment! Happy baking, friends! ✨🍪❤️
Crumbl Pecan Pie Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl or a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the room-temperature egg and vanilla extract into the mix, and beat until combined.
- Sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder in another bowl. Gradually add to the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Using a large cookie scooper, scoop out nine equally sized cookie balls. Space them on your prepared baking sheet, flatten each ball gently to about 1 inch thick, then press down the center of each cookie to create little nests for the filling.
- Bake for about 8-9 minutes. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
- Melt remaining 5 tablespoons of butter over low heat, stir in the brown sugar until combined, then add chopped pecans, vanilla extract, heavy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook for about 2-3 minutes.
- Once cool, spoon the pecan pie filling into the centers.