If you adore the rich, nutty flavor of pecan pie but crave a fun, handheld treat, you are in for a serious delight with the Crumbl Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe. These cookies combine a tender, buttery base with a luscious pecan filling that perfectly mimics the classic pie’s gooey, caramelized center. Each bite offers the cozy warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg alongside crunchy pecans, making it a true showstopper for dessert lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to keep these special treats on repeat in your baking rotation!

The image shows close-up pecan cookies placed on a white marbled textured surface. Each cookie has two layers: the bottom layer is a soft, light beige cookie base with visible soft cracks and a rough, crumbly texture. The top layer is a thick, glossy, dark brown pecan topping made of chopped pecans held together with a sticky glaze, filling a shallow well in the cookie. Surrounding the cookies are a few whole pecan halves and small pieces on the surface. The lighting highlights the shine on the pecan glaze and the crumbly texture of the cookie. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready to gather some simple yet essential ingredients that each play a special role in creating the irresistible texture and flavor of the Crumbl Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe. From buttery softness to that perfect chewy-then-crisp bite, every item here is a must-have.

Butter (softened, 1/2 cup): Provides richness and a tender crumb to the cookie dough.
Vegetable or canola oil (1/3 cup): Keeps the cookies moist and adds a gentle, neutral flavor.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps with browning.
Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Adds extra smooth sweetness and affects texture.
Egg (1, room temperature): Binds ingredients and gives structure to the dough.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp + 1 tsp): Brings out the warm, cozy flavors throughout both the dough and the filling.
Flour (2 & 1/3 cups): The foundation that forms the cookie’s body.
Salt (1/4 tsp + pinch): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft, tender bite.
Butter (additional 5 tbsp): Creates the decadent base for the pecan pie filling.
Brown sugar (2/3 cup): Gives the filling its signature caramelized taste.
Chopped pecans (1 & 1/4 cups): The star ingredient adding crunch and nutty goodness.
Heavy cream (1/3 cup): Makes the filling silky and luscious.
Cinnamon and nutmeg (1/4 tsp and pinch): Spice it up with warm autumnal notes that round out the flavor profile.

How to Make Crumbl Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare to Bake

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and slide off the sheet without any sticking or crumbling.

Step 2: Cream the Base Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This process creates a light texture essential for those perfect cookies.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the room-temperature egg and vanilla extract, mixing well to incorporate every bit of flavor and moisture. This will help your dough hold together and taste beautifully fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Shape Cookies

Gradually add the flour, salt, and baking powder to the wet mixture and stir just until combined. Using a large cookie scoop, portion out 9 even balls of dough onto your prepared sheet. Gently flatten each ball to about one inch thick, then press down the center with a 1/4 measuring cup to create a small well. This little indentation will hold all that scrumptious pecan pie filling later on.

Step 5: Bake the Cookie Shells

Bake your cookie bases for 8 to 9 minutes until set but soft. Once out of the oven, allow them to cool on the baking sheet so they stay intact and ready for filling.

Step 6: Make the Pecan Pie Filling

While your cookies cool, melt the 5 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and chopped pecans until the butter and sugar dissolve and the mixture bubbles gently for 1 to 2 minutes. This bubbling process is what creates that irresistible caramel coating on the pecans.

Step 7: Finish the Filling

Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, a pinch of salt, heavy cream, and the second teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy, then remove from heat.

Step 8: Assemble and Chill

Spoon the warm pecan pie filling generously into the wells of each cookie. Let the cookies cool completely for 20 to 30 minutes. This rest allows the filling to set just right, creating that perfect chewy caramel top over each tender cookie base.

How to Serve Crumbl Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

A close-up of a single cookie with two layers placed on a white marbled surface; the bottom layer is pale beige, soft, and slightly cracked cookie dough shaped into a circle with a bite taken out of one side, and on top, a thick layer of sticky chopped pecans mixed with caramel-like syrup, rich brown in color, spread over the center of the cookie; scattered around the cookie are whole and broken pecan nuts, adding texture and color contrast; the focus is sharp on the front cookie, while the background cookie is blurred for depth; photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, consider sprinkling a few chopped toasted pecans on top after the filling cools. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a tiny drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate the presentation and taste, making each cookie feel like a mini celebration.

Side Dishes

These Crumbl Pecan Pie Cookies shine at any time of day but pair especially well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. A hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk complements the richness perfectly, creating a cozy and comforting dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these cookies on a rustic wooden board with some cinnamon sticks and a few whole pecans to mimic the flavors inside. Packaging them in a pretty box or jar makes a thoughtful homemade gift that anyone would adore. You can also stack them wrapped in parchment paper for a charming picnic or party treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, especially if you keep them naturally separated to avoid sticking.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Arrange the cooled, filled cookies on a tray to freeze individually for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored frozen for up to 2 months, so you’ll always have a sweet surprise ready when needed.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy after freezing, allow the cookies to thaw at room temperature. For that freshly-baked warmth, pop them in a preheated 300-degree oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This little heat-up revives the gooey filling and soft cookie texture like magic.

FAQs

Can I substitute nuts in the Crumbl Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! While pecans are traditional and add a distinct flavor, you can swap them with walnuts or almonds to suit your preference or what you have on hand. Just make sure they are chopped to a similar size for even texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can use dairy-free butter and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy milk thickened with a little cornstarch. The texture might differ slightly but the flavor will still be incredible.

Why do I need to press a well in the cookie dough?

Pressing a shallow well in each cookie before baking creates a perfect little nest to hold the luscious pecan pie filling without it spilling over, ensuring every bite delivers both cookie and filling harmoniously.

Can I make these cookies smaller or larger?

You can adjust the size, but remember that baking times will vary. Smaller cookies may require less time (keep a close eye on them), while larger ones will need a bit longer to bake through.

What’s the best way to chop pecans for this recipe?

I recommend roughly chopping pecans with a sharp knife rather than using a food processor to maintain a nice crunchy texture. You want chunks that complement the gooey filling without turning to dust.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Crumbl Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe that makes it an absolute crowd-pleaser—whether for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or just because you deserve a little sweet magic. With approachable ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies invite you into a warm, nostalgic flavor adventure. Go ahead, give this recipe a whirl and watch your loved ones marvel at the perfect combination of pecan pie goodness in cookie form!