These Pecan Pie Cookie Bites are like little hugs of sweetness! With a buttery crust and a chewy, nutty filling, they taste just like classic pecan pie but in a fun bite-sized form.
They’re perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself—no judgment here!). I love how quick they are to make, and they always disappear at parties. Who can resist that deliciousness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened unsalted butter gives the cookie base its rich flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use salted butter; just skip the added salt later. I often use grass-fed butter for a richer taste!
Light Brown Sugar: This sweetener adds a lovely caramel flavor. If you run out, you can use granulated sugar with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses added to 1 cup of sugar) for a similar effect.
Pecans: Chopped pecans are key in the filling for that classic pecan pie taste. If you’re allergic, walnuts or almonds can work as substitutes, but the flavor will differ slightly. I love using fresh pecans for the best crunch!
Corn Syrup: It helps create that gooey texture in the filling. If you’re avoiding corn syrup, try using maple syrup or agave nectar, keeping in mind the flavor will change a bit. My personal preference is to stick to corn syrup for the authentic taste.
How Do I Ensure My Cookie Bites Are Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the bake just right is crucial for these cookie bites. You want them golden on the edges and the filling bubbly but not overcooked. Follow these tips for success:
- Use a reliable mini muffin pan; a non-stick or well-greased one helps prevent sticking.
- Keep an eye on the crust when baking; remove it once it’s lightly golden to avoid a tough texture.
- For the filling, whisk it well to ensure all ingredients blend nicely. Poor mixing can lead to uneven filling consistency.
- Let the cookie bites cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to set.
With these tips, you’ll have delightful Pecan Pie Cookie Bites every time! Enjoy baking!
Delicious Pecan Pie Cookie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Pecan Filling:
- 1 cup chopped pecans (plus extra whole pecans for topping if desired)
- 3/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg (for pecan filling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare, with an additional 25-28 minutes of baking time. You will have a total of approximately 1 hour to enjoy your delicious pecan pie cookie bites from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare to Bake:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grab a mini muffin pan and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. This is super important for easy cleanup later!
2. Make the Cookie Base:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar using a hand mixer or a spoon until the mixture is light and fluffy. This may take about 2-3 minutes.
Add in one egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the butter and sugar mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—your dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
3. Shape the Cookie Crusts:
Take about 1 tablespoon of the cookie dough and press it into the bottom and up the sides of each mini muffin cup to form a tiny crust. It doesn’t have to be perfect; just ensure it covers the bottom and sides evenly.
Bake the crusts in your preheated oven for about 8 minutes or until they’re lightly golden. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
4. Prepare the Pecan Filling:
Now, let’s whip up that gooey pecan filling! In a mixing bowl, whisk together one egg, light corn syrup, granulated sugar, melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until everything is smooth. This mixture is where the magic happens!
Next, stir in your chopped pecans until they’re evenly distributed throughout the filling.
5. Fill and Bake Again:
Spoon the pecan filling into each partially baked cookie crust, filling them almost to the top (but leave a little space to avoid overflow!). Now, pop them back into the oven and bake for an additional 15-18 minutes, or until the filling is set and bubbly.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re ready, remove the cookie bites from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This will help them hold together better when you take them out.
Carefully transfer the cookie bites to a wire rack to cool completely. If you like, garnish each cookie bite with a half pecan on top for a nice look before serving.
These Pecan Pie Cookie Bites are best served at room temperature. Enjoy the delightful crunch and sweetness in every bite!
Can I Use Different Nuts for the Filling?
Absolutely! While pecans give the classic flavor, you can substitute them with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Keep in mind that this will slightly alter the taste and texture, but it can still be delicious!
Can I Make These Cookie Bites Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure it’s a blend that includes a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best results.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cookie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
What If My Filling Overflows While Baking?
No worries! If it does overflow, simply let it cool, and once set, you can gently trim off the excess filling with a knife. It will still taste great!
