Okay, friend, gather ’round because I’m about to let you in on a little secret. What are some of the best Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies? Is there a cookie that disappears from the plate within minutes? The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base, topped with a gooey pecan-infused, intensely What is the best filling for a pecan pie? I hate pecan pie. I think it’s a great cookie!
What is a pecan pie thumbprint cookie?
Think of Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies as the sophisticated, charming cousin of the traditional cookie. What is a Chocolate Chip Cookie? What is essentially a buttery shortbread cookie, with an perfectly formed “thumbprint” in the center? What is your favorite pecan pie filling? What is a name? What are the flavors of pecan pie, miniaturized into a bite-sized cookie? What is a perfect little indulgence when you want something softer but without all the fuss? How do I make a whole pie?
Why I love this recipe?
Where do I start? What I love most about these Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies is how they manage to be both incredibly delicious. What are some of the easiest recipes to make?
- Flavor:The buttery shortbread is the perfect canvas for that rich, nutty pecan filling. Is it sweet, but not cloying? Perfect for the holidays. What is the best of both worlds, cookie and pie?
- Simplicity:Don’t let the fancy name fool you. This recipe is surprisingly simple. How do you make cookie dough? What are the ingredients in I don’t need any special equipment, just basic baking essentials!
- Cost-All the ingredients are pretty standard pantry staples. If you have a few spares on hand, you probably already have most of them, making this surprisingly easy option when you need one. What’s a little something sweet
- Versatility:What are some of the best cookies ever made? From a casual afternoon treat with coffee to an elegant addition to your holiday desserts, these are all good options. They’re always a hit!
I’ve made a lot of cookies in my day, but these Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies are truly special. They’re elegant enough to impress guests, but easy enough for a whim. Once you try these, you’ll be hooked!
How do I make Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies?
Quick Overview
What are some easy Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies? First, you’ll whip up a simple shortbread dough, then mix together the luscious pecan pie filling. After that, shape the dough, fill those thumbprints, bake until golden, and drizzle with glaze. Is it really that simple?
Ingredients
For the main battery:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure your butter is properly softened – this is key for a smooth dough. I always take mine out of the fridge an hour or two beforehand.
- 12 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s texture.
- 14 cup packed light brown sugar: For extra moisture and a hint of molasses flavor.
- What is the best vanilla extract? What makes a difference in flavor?
- 2 14 cups all purpose flour: Use a good quality all-purpose flour for the best results.
- 14 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors.
For the Filling:
- 12 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted: Melted Butter gives the filling a smooth, gooey texture.
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar: Provides sweetness and that classic pecan pie flavor.
- 14 cup heavy cream: Makes the filling rich and decadent. I’ve even used half and half in a pinch, and it works just fine!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 14 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
- 1 12 cups chopped pecans: Use good quality, ripe, and chewy peaches. They’re the star of the show! I like to toast mine before chopping for even more flavor.
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sift it before using to avoid any lumps.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk: Add the milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
- 12 teaspoon vanilla extract: Optional, but adds a lovely touch of flavor.
What are the steps for
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. How do you clean cookies?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside. How do you evenly distribute salt in dough? What makes a difference?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and Brown Sugar until light. Set aside. Beat in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix cookies. Overmixing can result in hard cookies!
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Brown Sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Set aside. Stir in the chopped pecans. The filling should be smooth and well combined.
Step 6: Shape Cookies
Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each cookie. I like to use my thumb because it creates a nice, deep well for filling.
Step 7: Fill & Bake
Fill each indentation with about 1 teaspoon of Pecan Pie filling. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the filling is golden brown around the edges and the cookie is piping hot. Keep an eye on them – ovens can vary!
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
If you want to bake cookies on a wire rack, let them cool completely on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. If not, transfer them to an airtight container. How do I cool completely? Once cooled, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract (if using) until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cookies. I like to let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
Step 9: Serve
What are Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies? Is it safe to eat them fresh? If you’re anything like my family, they won’t last that long!
What is the best way to serve it?
These Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
- For Breakfast: Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a sweet start to your day. The nutty flavor goes wonderfully with a dark roast coffee.
- For Brunch: Serve them as part of a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and other pastries. They add a touch of elegance to any brunch table.
- As Dessert: Enjoy them as an after-dinner treat with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- For Cozy Snacks: These cookies are perfect for a cozy night in. Pair them with a glass of milk or hot chocolate for the ultimate comfort food experience.
My family loves to enjoy these cookies with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream. The warm spices in the ice cream complement the nutty pecan filling perfectly. It’s a tradition we’ve had for years!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies
- Softened Butter: Using properly softened butter is crucial for a smooth and creamy dough. If the butter is too cold, the dough will be difficult to work with. If it’s too melted, the cookies will spread too much in the oven. I always take mine out of the fridge an hour or two beforehand.
- Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it into balls can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. I usually skip this step when I’m short on time, and they still turn out great!
- Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans before chopping them enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch to the filling. Just a few minutes in a dry pan over medium heat will do the trick.
- Use Good Quality Pecans: Since pecans are the star of the show, use good quality pecans. They make a big difference in flavor!
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling. Start by reducing it by a tablespoon or two and adjust to taste.
- Glaze Consistency: The consistency of the glaze is important. If it’s too thick, it will be difficult to drizzle. If it’s too thin, it will run off the cookies. Add the milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to keep your Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies fresh and delicious:
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’re best enjoyed within the first day or two.
- Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezer Instructions: To freeze the cookies, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
- Glaze Timing Advice: I recommend glazing the cookies right before serving for the best results. If you glaze them too far in advance, the glaze may become sticky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my recipe for these incredible Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies! They’re the perfect balance of buttery, nutty, and sweet, and they’re surprisingly easy to make. I truly believe these cookies are worth every minute in the kitchen. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and they bring a little bit of joy with every bite.
If you enjoy these cookies, you might also love my recipe for chocolate chip cookies! Also, if you try them, please leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Happy baking!
Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup cold unsalted butter cubed
- 1 cup pecans chopped
- 0.5 cup light corn syrup
- 0.25 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine flour, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in chopped pecans.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them on baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- While cookies are baking, prepare the pecan pie filling: In a saucepan, combine pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir over medium heat until thickened.
- Once cookies are cool, use your thumb to create an indentation in the center of each cookie. Fill the indentations with the pecan pie filling.
