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Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies

Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies
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Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies are delightfully chewy with a rich, nutty caramelized pecan center, combining the classic flavors of pecan pie with the bite-sized charm of thumbprint cookies. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, they offer a balanced buttery cookie base with a sweet, sticky pecan filling—ideal for sharing, gifting, or enjoying as a versatile dessert treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

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

Pecan Filling

  • 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup or honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup brown sugar until creamy. Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to form a smooth base. Gradually blend in 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt until a soft dough forms, taking care not to overmix for the best texture.
  2. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls, about one tablespoon each, and place them on a lined baking sheet. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press a well into the center of each ball, creating space for the pecan filling.
  3. Prepare the Pecan Filling: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup light corn syrup (or honey), and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture becomes sticky and well combined—this will be the gooey, nutty center for each cookie.
  4. Fill and Bake: Spoon a generous amount of the pecan filling into each thumbprint indentation. Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the filling is bubbly.
  5. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. Cooling helps the filling set properly and ensures every bite holds together beautifully.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter for easy creaming and better dough consistency.
  • Don’t overfill the cookies to prevent overflow during baking; a modest spoonful is ideal.
  • Chop pecans coarsely for texture but avoid pieces too large that disrupt cookie shape.
  • Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  • Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack to avoid breakage.

Nutrition

Keywords: pecan pie cookies, thumbprint cookies, nutty cookies, dessert, holiday cookies, chewy cookies, pecan pie thumbprints

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