Pecan Pie Cookie Bites are sweet little treats that taste just like your favorite pecan pie, but in a handy size! Made with buttery cookies and crunchy pecans, they are simply delightful.
These bites are perfect for sharing, or if you’re like me, they’re just right for sneaking a few while no one is watching! 😋 I love serving them with a scoop of ice cream for an extra special touch.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness of your cookies. For a richer flavor, you can opt for browned butter, which adds a nutty taste!
Pecans: They are the star here! If you’re not a fan, walnuts or almonds can work too. Just chop them finely for the filling!
Heavy cream: It gives the filling a creamy richness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use whole milk instead, but the filling may be slightly less thick.
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect for structure. For a gluten-free version, try almond flour or a gluten-free blend, though the texture may vary.
How Do I Get the Cookie Crust Just Right?
Preserving the shape and texture of the cookie crust is essential to make the filling shine. Here’s how to nail it:
- After creaming the butter and sugar, don’t overmix with the flour. It helps keep the cookies tender.
- Make sure to press the dough firmly into the muffin tin to hold the filling without falling apart.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. Once golden brown, they’re ready to be pulled out to prevent overbaking!
How to Make Pecan Pie Cookie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans, plus extra halves for garnish
Time Estimate:
This delicious treat will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to bake. You’ll want to set aside about 15 minutes for cooling, so you can enjoy your pecan pie cookie bites in about an hour total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s ready when you are! Lightly grease a mini muffin tin to prevent any sticky situations later.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—you can use a hand mixer or whisk by hand. Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until it’s all blended together.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Then, gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. The dough will be soft, and that’s just what you want!
4. Form the Cookie Crust:
Take the cookie dough and press it evenly into the bottom and up the sides of each mini muffin cup. You want to create a little crust that can hold all that delicious filling!
5. Prepare the Pecan Filling:
In another bowl, combine the light brown sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Add in the chopped pecans and mix until everything is well incorporated.
6. Fill the Cookie Crusts:
Now it’s time to spoon the pecan filling evenly into each of your cookie crusts. Don’t be shy; fill them up, but be careful not to overflow!
7. Garnish with Pecans:
Top each cookie bite with a pecan half for a nice decorative touch. It makes them look fancy and adds more crunch!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the filling is nicely set and the crust is golden brown. Keep an eye on them—no one likes burnt cookies!
9. Cool Down:
Once baked, remove the tin from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes. This helps the cookie bites firm up a bit. Carefully remove them from the tin and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Now that your pecan pie cookie bites are cool, they’re ready to be enjoyed! Serve them on a platter and watch everyone delight in these tasty treats!
Can I Use Different Nuts in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can substitute them with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just chop them finely to mix into the filling for a similar texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Pecan Pie Cookie Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for about a week. Just bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 2 days in advance. Wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before pressing into the muffin tin when you’re ready to bake.
Why Are My Cookie Bites Falling Apart?
If your cookie bites are crumbling, it might be due to not pressing the dough tightly enough into the muffin cups. Make sure to press firmly to form a solid crust and minimize crumbling after baking.
