Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies

Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies are the absolute best Christmas cookie recipe! You will not believe the flavor in this delicious mash up of pecan pie and a cookie!

Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies have quickly become one of our favorite Christmas cookie recipes!

One of my favorite things about the holiday season is all of the baking. I love trying out new cookie recipes along with some old favorites. This recipe is a new recipe that I have never made before and now that I have tried it, it will definitely become a staple on my holiday cookie tray.

I have never actually had pecan pie, but my parents have and said these taste just like it, but in mini form. These are great because you can make them in advance, freeze them and pull them out for holiday entertaining. The cookie has a great texture with the cream cheese and pecans and is balanced out perfectly from the sweet pecan filling. The caramel drizzle over the top adds another element to make these even more perfect!

Print

Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies

Ingredients

• For the cookies:
• 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 4 oz. cream cheese at room temperature
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans a food processor works best for this
• a pinch of salt
• 2 1/2 cups AP flour
• Pecan Filling:
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 tbsp. butter melted
• a pinch of salt
• Caramel Drizzle:
• Half a bag Kraft Caramel Bits or Wrapped Caramels
• 2 tbsp. milk or cream

Instructions

1. To make the dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Add the sugars and beat to combine, about 2 minutes.
2. Add the vanilla, pinch of salt, and then the flour. Beat until just combined, don't overbeat.
3. Add the pecans and beat again, until just combined. Cover the dough and chill for at least 1 hour.
4. Make the pecan filling: Melt the butter, then whisk in the sugar, vanilla, corn syrup, salt, and egg. Whisk to combine. Fold in the pecans.
5. After dough has chilled, line your baking pans with silpats or parchment paper and preheat oven to 350 degrees.
6. Using a tbsp. or a cookie scoop, scoop out 1 tbsp. of dough and roll into a ball. Using a wine cork (This is a great trick I learned from Annie's blog) and press down into the center of the cookie. Smooth out any cracks that occur and then fill with half a teaspoon of filling.
7. Once all cookies are filled on your tray, refrigerate cookies for 15 minutes to help prevent too much spreading. Remove from the fridge and immediately bake. Bake for 14 minutes, rotating the tray after 7 minutes. Remove from oven and put them on a cooling rack after 5 minutes.
8. Once completely cool, prepare the drizzle. Melt your caramel bits in the microwave with the milk in 15 second increments, stirring well after each microwaving. If too thick, add more milk or cream as desired.
9. Once caramel is smooth and at a drizzling consistency, drizzle off a spoon onto the cookies.
10. Store at room temperature or freeze for later.

Source: Slightly Adapted from Annies Eats

How to Customize and Elevate Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies

Pecan pie thumbprint cookies are a delightful bite-sized version of the classic holiday dessert, combining the rich, nutty flavor of pecan pie filling with the soft texture of buttery cookies. Whether you’re baking them for Thanksgiving, a cookie exchange, or a cozy fall treat, there are many easy ways to enhance this recipe with flavorful variations and eye-catching presentation.

Delicious Add-Ons and Mix-Ins

• Mini Chocolate Chips: Add a few mini chocolate chips to the filling for a touch of rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with pecans.
• Maple Syrup: Replace or blend with corn syrup in the filling for a deeper, more natural sweetness and warm flavor.
• Cinnamon or Nutmeg: Add a pinch of warm spices to the cookie dough or filling to enhance the holiday vibe.
• Chopped Dried Cranberries: Mix into the pecan filling for a tart contrast that balances the caramelized flavor.
• Toasted Coconut Flakes: Add to the filling for a chewy texture and nutty undertone that complements the pecans.

Smart Ingredient Alternatives

• Almond or Oat Flour: Swap traditional flour for almond or oat flour to make the cookies gluten-free and add a nutty, wholesome taste.
• Vegan Butter: Use plant-based butter to create a dairy-free version while maintaining the rich, tender texture of the cookie base.
• Coconut Sugar: Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a more natural sweetener that adds a subtle caramel note.
• Date Paste: Replace some or all of the syrup in the filling with blended dates for a healthier, fiber-rich option.
• Egg-Free Option: Use a flax egg or applesauce as a binder in the cookie dough to make the recipe egg-free and allergy-friendly.

Creative Ways to Dress Them Up

• Drizzle with White or Dark Chocolate: Add a festive touch and extra flavor by drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled cookies.
• Sprinkle with Flaky Sea Salt: A pinch of sea salt on top of the pecan filling enhances the sweet and nutty flavor.
• Dip in Chopped Pecans: Roll the edges of the unbaked dough in finely chopped pecans for extra crunch and visual appeal.
• Pipe the Filling Neatly: Use a piping bag to add the pecan filling for a cleaner, bakery-style appearance.
• Add Edible Gold Dust or Sugar Crystals: For holiday flair or party presentations, lightly dust the cookies with edible gold shimmer or coarse sugar.

These simple tweaks and upgrades can transform your pecan pie thumbprint cookies into a standout dessert, perfect for gifting, entertaining, or indulging in a cozy seasonal treat. With their rich flavor and elegant appearance, these cookies offer the perfect balance of classic comfort and customizable charm.