Go Back

Chewy Pecan Pie Cookies with Caramelized Filling

These delightful cookies combine the crunch of pecans with a luscious, homemade caramel filling for a truly irresistible treat. Perfect for holiday baking or any special occasion!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Cookie, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Caramel Filling
  • 2 sticks Unsalted butter
  • 1 cup Packed light brown sugar
  • 0.5 cup Granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup Light corn syrup
  • 0.25 cup Water
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt
Cookies
  • 2 sticks Unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup Granulated sugar
  • 1 cup Packed light brown sugar
  • 2 Large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 2.25 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 cup Pecan halves, toasted

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Candy thermometer
  • Mixing Bowls (large and medium)
  • Baking Sheets
  • Parchment Paper
  • Electric Mixer

Method
 

Make the Caramel Filling
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir constantly over medium heat until butter melts and sugars dissolve.
  2. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for 5 minutes, or until a candy thermometer reads 245°F (118°C) (soft-ball stage).
  3. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla and salt. Let cool completely.
Make the Cookies
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
  3. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in pecans.
  4. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between cookies. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
  5. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. Once cookies and caramel are completely cool, spoon a dollop of caramel onto the center of each cookie.

Notes

For extra flavor, try using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar in either the caramel or cookie dough. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for a warm spice note.