Pecan Pie Cookie Bites are little treats that bring together the rich flavors of pecan pie in a bite-sized form! They’re chewy, nutty, and oh-so-delicious!
These cookies are like a mini celebration for your taste buds! I love to enjoy them with a warm cup of coffee—perfect for a cozy afternoon treat. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your cookie crust. If you’re gluten-sensitive, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. Whole wheat flour also works for extra fiber and a nutty flavor!
Pecans: They add that wonderful crunch and flavor. If you don’t have pecans, walnuts make a decent substitute, but they will change the flavor profile slightly. Toasting them can bring out better flavors!
Corn Syrup: In this recipe, it gives the filling that gooey consistency. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try using maple syrup or honey, though these may alter the taste a bit.
Granulated and Brown Sugar: Both sugars provide sweetness, but brown sugar gives a rich molasses flavor. If you’re cutting back on sugar, you could reduce the amounts by a little without drastically affecting the texture.
How Do You Create a Perfect Cookie Base for the Pecan Pie Bites?
Creating the cookie base is crucial for the overall texture of your bites. Here’s how to ensure it turns out great:
- Start with softened butter for easy mixing. Cream it well with the sugars until fluffy to help your cookie bites rise properly.
- Don’t overmix once you add the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to keep them tender.
- Press the dough firmly into the muffin cups. This helps them hold their shape and ensures a nice crust.
By focusing on these steps, your cookie bases will be perfectly delicious every time!
How to Make Pecan Pie Cookie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup pecan halves (roughly chopped if desired)
- 1/4 cup corn syrup (light or dark)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15-18 minutes to bake. Plus, allow some time for cooling afterward—around 10 minutes in the pan and then until completely cool on a wire rack. In total, you can expect about 40-45 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s crucial to get the oven hot to bake the cookie bites properly. While it’s heating, grease a mini muffin tin or line it with mini baking cups for easy removal later.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy—this adds air into the dough for a nice texture. Then, add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and brown sugar until evenly combined. Gradually add this mix to your butter mixture, stirring gently just until combined to form your cookie dough. Be careful not to overmix!
4. Assemble the Cookie Bites:
Take small amounts of cookie dough and press them into the bottom and up the sides of each mini muffin cup to create a little crust. This crust will hold the filling beautifully, so make sure it’s even!
5. Prepare the Pecan Filling:
In a small bowl, mix the corn syrup with the melted butter. Place a few pecan halves into each cookie crust—feel free to chop them up if you want smaller pieces. Then, drizzle about a teaspoon of the corn syrup mixture over the pecans in each cup.
6. Bake:
Put the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 15–18 minutes. You want the edges to be golden brown and the filling to be set. It’ll be hard to wait because your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove the cookie bites from the pan and let them cool completely on a wire rack. You can serve them once they’re cooled, and get ready for everyone to love them!
Enjoy these delightful Pecan Pie Cookie Bites! They combine the buttery cookie base with a sweet, nutty pecan pie filling in perfect bite-sized form. Happy baking!
Can I Use Different Nuts in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can substitute them with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile slightly!
How to Store Leftover Cookie Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw before serving!
Can I Make These Cookie Bites Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well, and you’ll have delicious gluten-free cookie bites!
Can I Use Dark Corn Syrup Instead of Light?
Yes, you can! Using dark corn syrup will give your cookie bites a richer flavor and darker color, so it’s a great choice if you love that deep molasses taste!
