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Cute cookie aesthetic 3 pecan pie thumbprint cookies on a cooling rack

Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies

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5 from 16 reviews

  • Author: Jasmine Padda
  • Total Time: 45 mins
  • Yield: 24 cookies
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These sophisticated thumbprint cookies feature a delicate, buttery shortbread base filled with a rich, caramelized pecan center. Designed to mimic the classic holiday pie in a portable format, they offer a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and nutty notes.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, divided
  • 1 cup raw pecans, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar (for filling)
  • 1/4 cup dark corn syrup
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for filling)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened butter with 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until pale and fluffy.
  3. Reduce speed to low and add the all-purpose flour and kosher salt, beating until the dough becomes crumbly.
  4. Add the milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, continuing to mix just until the dough gathers into a cohesive ball.
  5. Using a medium cookie scoop, portion the dough into 2-tablespoon balls and roll them smooth between your palms.
  6. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets 2 inches apart and use your thumb to press a deep indention into the center of each.
  7. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through, until the edges are just barely golden.
  8. Remove from the oven and immediately use a measuring spoon to gently press down and redefine the center indentions while the cookies are soft.
  9. In a medium pot over medium heat, combine the chopped pecans, 1/2 cup brown sugar, dark corn syrup, and 2 tablespoons of butter.
  10. Stir the filling mixture frequently for 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves and it begins to bubble consistently.
  11. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly, then simmer for another 2 minutes before removing from heat and stirring in the remaining vanilla.
  12. Spoon the warm pecan filling into the centers of the cooled cookies and let them set for 15 minutes to firm up.

Notes

For the best results, ensure your butter is properly softened at room temperature to achieve the correct emulsion during the creaming stage. If you prefer a more intense nutty flavor, lightly toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet for 3 minutes before adding them to the caramel filling mixture.

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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Find it online: https://cookiesyum.com/cute-cookie-aesthetic-3/