Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies

Let’s talk cookies! I’m practically bursting to share this recipe with you because it’s honestly one of my all-time favorite recipes. Favorites, and it always disappears faster than I can make it. What are some of the best pecan pie cookies? What is buttery shortbread with a rich, gooey pecan filling, and drizzle of sweet glaze? What are some good plain sugar cookies?Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies: What are someare where it’s at, especially if you love Southern charm in your baking.

What are Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies?

Imagine a classic thumbprint cookie, that soft and tender little circle of deliciousness with whipped cream. Now take that concept and crank it up a notch by swapping the pecan jam for mini Pecan pie. What is a mini pecan pie cradled in buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookie? When you press your thumb into the dough, the “thumbprint” part comes from the back of a spoon. This is what you do. To create a well for filling. Is it easier to make a full-sized pie? Trust me, these are real things.Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies: What are some are the perfect little indulgence.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start?Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies: What are someWhat is flavor? You get the buttery, slightly crumbly shortbread base that complements the sweet, nutty, almost nutmeg base. What is the caramel-like pecan filling? What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to make! Don’t let the “pecan pie” part intimidate you. We’re simplifying things with a no-fuss filling that comes together in minutes. What is a more economical way to bake pies? What are some pantry staples? They are also incredibly versatile. What are some great after-dinner snacks? What is your favorite afternoon coffee? What are some of my favorite pecan pie recipes? What are some great pecan pie bars?

How do I make Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies?

Quick Overview

Making these Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies: What are someis surprisingly straightforward. How do you make a shortbread dough? Is it possible to fill a pecan pie pan with melted chocolate? What is a quick bake in the oven? What makes this method special is the balance of flavors and textures we achieve with minimal effort. This recipe is also very forgiving, so don’t worry about perfection!

Ingredients

For the Main Batter: What is the main reason
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Make sure your butter is *truly* soften, not hardened. What’s a good amount of granulated sugar? * 14 cup packed light brown sugar – Adds a hint of molasses-y flavor. * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Use good quality vanilla for the best flavor. * 14 teaspoon salt – Enhances sweetness and balances the flavors. * 2 14 cups all-purpose flour – Don’t pack the flour too tightly when measuring.

For the Filling:
I like to use pecan halves and roughly chop them. I can’t eat them, so I’m going to make a batch. * 12 cup packed light brown sugar – More brown for that caramel-like goodness. * 14 cup light corn syrup – This helps to bind the filling and create a smooth texture. * 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and flavor. * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Again, good quality vanilla is key! * ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.

For the Glaze:
* 1 cup powdered sugar – Sifted to avoid lumps. * 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream – Start with 2 tablespoon and add more until you reach your desired desired consistency. Is 12 teaspoon vanilla extract necessary?

How do I follow step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper is a lifesaver here – it prevents sticking and makes cleanup incredibly easy!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside. What is the importance of whisking to distribute the salt evenly throughout the flour?

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light. Set aside. I like to use an electric mixer for this, but you can also do it by hand. Beat in vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix cookies – this will result in tough cookies. The dough should be slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla and salt. Set aside. What is the difference between salt and extract What is the best filling you have ever had?

Step 6: Shape & Fill

What is the best way to roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet. Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to make an indentation in the center of each ball. Fill each indentation with about 1 teaspoon of pecan filling.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them – ovens can vary!

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to the wire rack. Is it necessary to cool completely before Once cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract (if using) until smooth. I like to let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

No slicing required for these, just grab and enjoy! What are some good side dishes to serve at room temperature?

What should I serve it with?

These Pecan pie Thumbprint Cookies: What is theWhat are some ideas to elevate your experience?

For Breakfast:Can you serve these cookies with a cup of black coffee? The sweetness of the cookie balances the bitterness of coffee perfectly. Think of it like a fancy pastry!

For Brunch:Arrange the cookies on a pretty platter alongside fresh fruit and mimosa bar. They add a touch of elegance to any brunch spread.

As Dessert:Serve them after dinner with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. What is better, cookies and ice cream? Can you pair these with a glass of bourbon?

For Cozy Snacks:What is better than a mug of hot chocolate and cookie? Is this the ultimate comfort combination for a cold winter evening?

My family has a tradition of making these every Christmas, and they always disappear within minutes. I also love bringing them to potlucks – they’re always a hit!

How do I make Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies?

How do I make sure that my life is happy?Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies: What are some are absolutely perfect? Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years:

Butter Softening: Make sure your butter is truly soft, but not melted. The butter should be soft enough that you can easily press a finger into it, but it shouldn’t be greasy or oily. If your butter is too soft, the cookies will spread too much in the oven.

Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry if there are a few streaks of flour remaining.

Shaping the Thumbprints: I find that using the back of a small spoon works best for creating the thumbprint indentations. It gives you a nice, even well for the filling.

Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have light brown sugar, you can use dark brown sugar instead. The flavor will be slightly more intense, but still delicious. You can also substitute the corn syrup with honey or maple syrup, but the filling will be a bit less shiny.

Baking Tips: Keep a close eye on the cookies while they’re baking. Ovens can vary, so it’s important to watch for the edges to turn lightly golden brown. If the cookies start to brown too quickly, you can tent them with foil.

Glaze Variations: For a richer glaze, use cream instead of milk. You can also add a few drops of almond extract or lemon extract for a different flavor profile. Sometimes I like to sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the glaze before it sets.

I once accidentally used salted butter instead of unsalted butter, and the cookies were way too salty! So, pay attention to your ingredients! Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors in the filling – a little cinnamon or nutmeg can be delicious!

Storing and Reheating Tips

These Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored for later. Here’s how:

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re completely cool before storing them to prevent condensation from forming.

Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving.

Freezer Instructions: To freeze the cookies, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the cookies, it’s best to freeze them without the glaze. Add the glaze after they’ve thawed. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or runny.

I’ve found that freezing these cookies is a great way to have a sweet treat on hand whenever I’m craving one. Just be sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I recommend using a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help to bind the dough. You may need to add a bit more liquid (milk or water) to the dough to achieve the right consistency. The texture of the cookies may be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious!

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

This recipe doesn’t contain zucchini.

Can I make this as muffins instead?

While this recipe is specifically for cookies, you could adapt the filling for muffins! Use your favorite muffin recipe, and create a small well in the center of each muffin before baking. Fill with a spoonful of the pecan pie filling. Keep in mind the baking time will likely be different for muffins, so keep a close eye on them.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the amount of sugar in both the dough and the filling. Start by reducing the sugar by 1-2 tablespoons at a time. You can also use a natural sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup, in place of some of the sugar. Just be aware that this may change the texture of the cookies slightly.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

If you’re not a fan of glaze, you can simply dust the cookies with powdered sugar. You can also drizzle them with melted chocolate or caramel sauce. Or, for a simpler option, just leave them plain – they’re still delicious!

Final Thoughts

These Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies are truly something special. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. What’s not to love? If you’re looking for a unique and delicious cookie recipe to add to your repertoire, this is it! And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other cookie recipes, like my classic chocolate chip cookies or my peanut butter blossoms. They’re just as easy and delicious! Happy baking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! I’d also love to see your own variations, so feel free to share them in the comments!

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