If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing that perfect gooey, buttery pecan pie flavor in an easy-to-make cookie, you’re in for a treat with this Crumbl Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how this recipe combines a soft, tender cookie base with a rich, caramelized pecan topping that just melts in your mouth. When I first tried making these, I was hooked instantly—and trust me, your family and friends will go crazy for them too. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so you can nail these cookies on the first try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Pecan Pie Flavor: The pecan filling mimics that classic gooey pie topping we all adore, but in a perfect cookie size.
- Easy-To-Follow Steps: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe breaks down the process so you’ll feel confident from start to finish.
- Perfect Texture Balance: Soft cookies with a slightly crisp edge and that luscious pecan topping—so satisfying.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the cookies and filling separately, which is a lifesaver for busy days or parties.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together beautifully to create that signature Crumbl Pecan Pie Cookies flavor. I suggest using quality pecans and fresh spices for the best taste—it really makes a difference!
- Butter: Use softened butter to give your cookie base that rich, tender crumb everyone loves.
- Vegetable or canola oil: This keeps the cookies moist and soft without being greasy.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with structure.
- Powdered sugar: Key for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
- Egg: Adds structure and moisture—make sure it’s at room temperature for even mixing.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and enhances all the flavors.
- Flour: Provides the cookie’s base—measure carefully for the right consistency.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Baking powder: Helps your cookies rise just enough without making them cakey.
- Brown sugar: For that deep caramel flavor in the pecan pie filling.
- Chopped pecans: Toasty, crunchy, and so essential to that authentic pecan pie vibe.
- Heavy cream: Gives the filling richness and a luscious texture.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: A pinch adds warm, cozy spice notes that make these cookies irresistible.
Variations
I love to tweak this Crumbl Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe depending on the occasion or cravings. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—you’ll find that little changes make the experience even more fun!
- Nut Swap: I once swapped half the pecans for chopped walnuts and still got rave reviews—it’s a great option if you want a slightly different crunch.
- Spice It Up: Adding a bit more cinnamon or even a dash of ginger gives these cookies a nice holiday twist.
- Gluten-Free: Using a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you want to enjoy these without gluten.
- Mini Cookies: For a party, I’ve made smaller bite-sized versions which bake up faster and are perfect for sharing.
How to Make Crumbl Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cream the Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheet with parchment paper—that way, the cookies won’t stick, and cleanup is a breeze. Then, cream together your softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. I like to use a stand mixer for this because it gets the mixture just right; if you’re using a hand mixer, just make sure to scrape the bowl well to combine everything evenly.
Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to your creamed mixture. Mixing until combined is important here—you want a cohesive dough but don’t overmix or the cookies could turn out tough. Keeping your egg at room temperature really helps everything blend smoothly.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Shape
Now, toss in the flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix until everything just comes together—don’t overwork your dough to keep it tender. Using a large cookie scoop, I portion out nine equally sized cookie balls and place them on the baking sheet. Here’s a trick I learned: gently flatten each cookie to about an inch thick and then press the center with a 1/4 measuring cup to create a little well that’ll hold the pecan pie filling perfectly without spilling.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Bake for about 8-9 minutes. You’ll want to watch that the edges set but the centers stay slightly soft—they’ll firm up as they cool. I used to overbake and end up with drier cookies, so trust me on this one! Let them cool right on the baking sheet; it helps maintain their shape and texture.
Step 5: Make the Pecan Pie Filling
While your cookies bake, start the filling by melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and chopped pecans, stirring occasionally until the butter and sugar dissolve and the mixture bubbles for about 1-2 minutes—this step brings that luxurious caramel flavor to life. Then whisk in the cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, heavy cream, and vanilla extract for a rich, spiced finish.
Step 6: Assemble and Enjoy
Once the cookies are cool, spoon the pecan pie filling right into the wells you made—generous portions for maximum yum! Let them set for 20-30 minutes so everything cools down and firms slightly, then dig in. These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but I promise the leftovers don’t last long around here!
Pro Tips for Making Crumbl Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
- Perfect Well Size: Use a 1/4 measuring cup to press centers gently—too deep, and your cookies might crack during baking.
- Room Temperature Egg: I learned this the hard way—cold eggs can lead to uneven mixing and tough cookies.
- Watch Bake Time Closely: Ovens vary, so check at 8 minutes. The cookies should still be soft in the center before cooling.
- Add Filling Last: For best texture, bake the cookies first, then add the pecan filling when they’re cool.
How to Serve Crumbl Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the pecan filling after it sets to brighten the flavors—it’s a little extra step that totally makes these cookies pop! Sometimes I add a drizzle of melted white chocolate for a fun contrast, but the simple salted finish is my go-to.
Side Dishes
These cookies are fantastic on their own (because who needs anything else when you’ve got this, right?), but they also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert or a hot cup of coffee or chai tea in the afternoon. I’ve even served them alongside fresh fruit to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings, I like to arrange these cookies on a rustic wooden platter with pecan halves and cinnamon sticks scattered around. Another fun idea is to serve them in cute mini cookie boxes as homemade gifts—who wouldn’t love that? You can also stack them with parchment paper between layers for a pretty cookie tower centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store my leftover Crumbl Pecan Pie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To keep the filling from sticking, I place parchment paper between layers. I’ve found they stay surprisingly moist and fresh this way without losing that perfect texture.
Freezing
Freezing these cookies works great, especially if you want to prep ahead for a party. Just cool the cookies completely, layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature and then microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back that lovely gooey filling.
Reheating
To reheat, I recommend a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave. This warms the filling just enough without drying out the cookie. If you prefer, you can also gently warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes wrapped in foil, which keeps everything soft and delicious.
FAQs
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Can I use toasted pecans for the pecan pie filling?
Absolutely! Toasting the pecans before adding them to the filling deepens their flavor and adds extra crunch. Just be careful not to burn them—toast until fragrant, about 5-7 minutes at 350°F.
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Can I substitute the oil with all butter?
You could use all butter, but I recommend keeping the oil or substituting half the oil for butter. Oil helps keep the cookies softer and moister, so swapping it all for butter might make them a bit denser or crispier than intended.
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How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your dough isn’t too warm when baking—chilling it briefly can help. Also, pressing the centers gently instead of squashing the whole cookie helps maintain shape while making room for the filling.
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Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
With some substitutions, yes! Swap butter for dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use a dairy-free cream alternative in the filling. The texture might vary slightly but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
I really hope you give this Crumbl Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe a try—these are the kind of cookies that become instant favorites in your household. I love how this recipe is straightforward yet creates something that tastes so much like a special treat from a fancy bakery. When you pull these warm, pecan-topped beauties out of the oven, trust me, you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar. Enjoy baking and even more, enjoy sharing!
Crumbl Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 9 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crumbl Pecan Pie Cookies combine the rich, buttery texture of classic cookies with the gooey, nutty filling of traditional pecan pie. Perfectly soft with a sweet, spiced pecan pie topping, these cookies make an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/3 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
Pecan Pie Filling
- 5 tbsp butter
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets the stage for baking your cookies evenly without sticking.
- Cream Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This creates a smooth base for the cookie dough.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, ensuring the dough is even and uniform.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, salt, and baking powder to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Form Cookies: Using a large cookie scoop, portion out 9 equal-sized dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball to about 1 inch thick. Press the center of each cookie down with a 1/4 cup measuring cup to create a well for the filling.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-9 minutes, until the edges are set and centers are slightly soft. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet.
- Prepare Pecan Pie Filling: While cookies bake, combine butter, brown sugar, and chopped pecans in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until sugar dissolves and mixture bubbles for 1-2 minutes, coating the pecans evenly.
- Add Spices and Cream: Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, heavy cream, and vanilla extract to the pecan mixture. Whisk until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Top Cookies: Remove the filling from heat and spoon it onto the centers of each cooled cookie. Let the cookies cool for 20-30 minutes to allow the filling to set slightly before serving.
Notes
- Freezing: These cookies freeze exceptionally well for up to 2 months. Cool completely, store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers, then thaw at room temperature. Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive the gooey filling.
- Bake Time: Oven temperatures vary; cookies are done when edges are firm and centers remain a bit soft, as they will firm up upon cooling.
- Make Ahead: You can bake the cookies in advance and add the pecan pie filling just before serving for the best texture and freshness.
- Cookie Size: For smaller cookies, adjust baking time accordingly and reduce the amount of filling proportionally to maintain balance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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