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    Home » Baked Goods

    Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies

    Published: Dec 7, 2020 · Modified: Dec 1, 2022 by Shelby Law Ruttan · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Delicious shortbread cookie balls with pecan pie filling baked in the center.
    Featured image for pecan pie thumbprint cookies
    Snowman plate with a stack of pecan pie thumbprint cookies.
    Pin image for Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies.

    Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies are a crispy shortbread cookie filled with a pecan pie filling and baked until golden and crispy. These buttery cookies are a perfect for your holiday cookie exchanges.

    a stack of 3 pecan pie thumbprint cookies

    This Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookie recipe is an excellent cookie to make for the holidays. I love to include them in cookie platters and they are sturdy enough to ship to family and friends. 

    Jump to:
    • Pecan Pie Is A Holiday Family Favorite 
    • What You Need To Make Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies
    • Tips and Substitutions
    • Other Christmas Cookie Recipes You May Like
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Tips and Substitutions
    • 💬 Reviews

    Pecan Pie Is A Holiday Family Favorite 

    My whole family loves Pecan Pie. And, while I love it myself, it can be too much sweet at once. A lot of times, just 2 or 3 bites is enough to make me happy. But, my kids love it and with their sweet tooth they have no problem eating a whole piece on their own!

    These Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies however are totally different. I am a cookie fan to begin with. When I am offered cake, pie, or cookies, I always would choose a cookie. What I love about this cookie recipe is the fact that while they have a pecan pie filling, they don't have so much that it makes the cookie overwhelmingly sweet. 

    I also love that the pecan pie filling is baked in the thumbprint cookie. By doing so, the sugar in the pecan pie filling melts and crystallizes and is so, so delicious! No ooey gooey filling making your fingers sticky. Just crispy, buttery, sweet goodness!

    pecan pie filling in the sauce pan

    What You Need To Make Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from affiliate links.

    *Please see the recipe at the end of the post for full ingredient list and instructions*

    Butter

    Brown Sugar

    Granulated Sugar

    Flour

    Chopped Pecans

    Corn Syrup

    Vanilla Extract, this is my favorite brand.

    Cookie Scoop, I have this tablespoon sized cookie scoop that gets a lot of use in my home!

    Baking Sheet, I have this one and it is my favorite baking sheet ever!

    Parchment Paper to line the baking sheet.

    unbaked thumbprint cookies on the cookie sheet

    Tips and Substitutions

    • Don't skip the dough refrigeration, it is crucial to have a cookie ball that holds its shape well when placed in the hot oven.
    • If the pecan pie filling hardens before its time to fill the thumbprint holes, microwave it for 30 seconds.
    • Make a deep thumbprint well in the cookie ball to allow for a good portion of pecan pie filling
    • Substitute chopped walnuts for the pecans
    cookies on a cooling rack

    Other Christmas Cookie Recipes You May Like

    Butternut Squash Cookies

    Candied Cherry Cookies

    Candy Cane Cookies

    Chewy Mocha Toffee Cookies

    Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies

    Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies

    Italian Christmas Cookies

    Santa's Swirl Sugar Cookies

    Snowman Cookies

    two stacks of 3 cookies each on a snowman cookie plate

    Don't forget to check out my Amazon storefront for some of my favorite products!

    When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @honeybunchhunts or #honeybunchhunts so I can see your photos!

    If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating

    📖 Recipe

    Featured image for pecan pie thumbprint cookies

    Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies

    Shelby Law Ruttan
    Delicious shortbread cookie balls with pecan pie filling baked in the center.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Go to Collections
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 12 mins
    Chilling Time 1 hr
    Total Time 1 hr 27 mins
    Course Cookie Recipes, Dessert Recipes
    Cuisine American
    Servings 24
    Calories 167 kcal

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Ingredients
      

    FOR THE FILLING

    • ⅓ cup light brown sugar packed
    • ¼ cup light corn syrup
    • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ¾ cup chopped pecans

    FOR THE COOKIES

    • 2 cups flour
    • ¾ cup unsalted butter
    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • ¼ cup light brown sugar packed
    • 1 large egg
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    Instructions
     

    MAKE THE PECAN PIE FILLING

    • In a small saucepan over medium heat, stir together the brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, vanilla, and pecans until sugar is dissolved.

    MAKE THE COOKIE DOUGH

    • In a large bowl beat the butter till softened. Add sugar and brown sugar and beat till fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, and salt and beat well. Add the flour and beat till well mixed. Cover and chill about 1 hour.

    SHAPE AND BAKE

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Press down centers with thumb. 
    • Place 1 ½ teaspoons filling in the center of the cookie to fill the hole from the thumbprint. Bake 12 minutes or till done. Remove from oven and cool completely on wire racks.

    Video

    Notes

    Tips and Substitutions

    • Don't skip the dough refrigeration, it is crucial to have a cookie ball that holds its shape well when placed in the hot oven.
    • If the pecan pie filling hardens before its time to fill the thumbprint holes, microwave it for 30 seconds.
    • Make a deep thumbprint well in the cookie ball to allow for a good portion of pecan pie filling
    • Substitute chopped walnuts for the pecans

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cookieCalories: 167kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 32mgPotassium: 37mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 203IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword Christmas Cookies, Pecan Pie Thumbprints
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    About Shelby Law Ruttan

    Honeybunch Hunts is a website dedicated to sharing canning and dehydrating recipes, wild game recipes, fish, seafood, plant based recipes, and some DIY scattered in between. Written by Shelby Law Ruttan, is also author and owner of Grumpy’s Honeybunch, and The Best Vegetarian Recipes. Shelby has also authored two cookbooks, The One Pot Paleo Cookbook and The Pescatarian Keto Cookbook.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ruthy

      November 18, 2021 at 8:48 am

      5 stars
      I would love to bake this cookies, they look amazing. Can I substitute corn syrup for maple syrup?

      Reply
      • Shelby Law Ruttan

        November 21, 2021 at 12:45 pm

        Hi Ruthy, I think you could substitute. Maybe dark corn syrup would give it a deeper flavor. Shelby

        Reply

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    1. Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies with Almond Icing - Honeybunch Hunts says:
      December 18, 2020 at 11:00 am

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