Friends! If you’re a fan of the nutty, caramel-y flavor of classic pecan pie, but also have huge a soft spot for cookies (like me), then I have some great news. I’ve created a cookie that brings them both together. Chewy pecan pie cookies!

These cookies combine the rich, nutty flavor of pecan pie with the irresistible charm of a soft, chewy brown sugar cookie. And you’re going to LOVE them.

About These Chewy Pecan Pie Cookies

The star of the show is undoubtedly the pecans in these cookies. They add a satisfying crunch and a distinctive nutty flavor to each bite. They’re really the heart and soul of these cookies.

But what makes these cookies even more pecan pie-like is their unique texture. Because they’re made with all light brown sugar and not a whole lot of flour, the cookies are thin, incredibly chewy, and have a rich caramel flavor (just like pecan pie).

Light Bersus Dark Brown Sugar – It Matters

Now, let’s talk sugar. In this recipe, I used light brown sugar, and there’s a good reason for it. Light brown sugar contains a lower amount of molasses compared to dark brown sugar. Molasses adds moisture and a deeper, more complex flavor to baked goods.

For these pecan pie cookies, light brown sugar strikes the perfect balance between the two. It imparts a subtle caramel note without overpowering the pecans and the lower moisture content (compared to dark brown sugar) prevents them from spreading like crazy.

The result is a cookie with a wonderful toffee-like flavor that complements the pecans beautifully. The are delicious.

The Game-Changer, Toasted Pecans

If you’ve ever had pecans straight from the bag, you might have noticed their raw, slightly bitter taste. Toasting pecans transforms them, enhancing their natural sweetness and intensifying their nutty aroma.

This extra step is a game-changer in the world of pecan pie cookies. You can skip it if you must, but I definitely don’t recommend it, haha.

How to Toast Pecans

Toasting pecans is surprisingly simple. Just preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the pecan halves evenly on a lined baking sheet. Pop them in the oven for 5-7 minutes, but keep an eye – they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a flash.

When they release a fragrant aroma and turn a golden hue, they’re ready. Let them cool completely before chopping them up and adding them to your cookie dough.

How to Make the Cookies and the Ingredients You’ll Need

Now, let’s get to the good stuff. Here’s everything you need to know to make these chewy pecan pie cookies.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pecan halves (toasted and roughly chopped)
• 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (unbleached)
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Toast the Pecans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecan halves on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes or until fragrant and golden. Allow them to cool, then chop them roughly and set aside.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, sea salt, and baking soda. In another larger bowl, cream the butter and light brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
3. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft, sticky dough forms. Fold in the toasted pecans.
4. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop the cookie dough onto lined baking sheets, leaving enough space for them to spread. Bake for 8 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. The centers may not look done.
5. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before reshaping the edges with a spatula or a glass. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Finally, enjoy the irresistible taste of pecan pie in cookie form.

These pecan pie cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion from 4th of July to New Years Eve. Or even for when you just need a sweet little pick-me-up on a regular Tuesday (which is my preferred time).

The toasty pecans and the soft, chewy brown sugar cookie create a memorable little cookie that will have you convinced you’re eating a slice of pecan pie. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and make a batch today. Don’t forget to drop your questions or comments below.