Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings together the best of two worlds, these Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies are just what you need! Imagine soft, chewy cookies infused with warm cinnamon and filled with a gooey pecan pie filling. They are not only a fantastic dessert but also perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. I promise, once you try these cookies, they will quickly become a favorite in your home!

What makes this recipe even more special is how easy it is to prepare. You don’t have to be a baking expert to whip up these cookies. Plus, the combination of flavors will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy delicious cookies in no time!
• Family-Friendly: These cookies are a hit with both kids and adults. Their sweet, nutty flavor is irresistible!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake a batch and store them for later; they taste just as good days later.
• Wholesome Ingredients: Made with simple, plant-based ingredients, you can feel good about indulging.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just an afternoon treat, these cookies fit right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients to create these amazing Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies. Each one plays an important role in building that delicious flavor profile we love!

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 Tablespoon water
• 1/2 Tablespoon cornstarch
• 3 Tablespoons vegan butter
• 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
• 1/2 cup vegan butter (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup+ 2 Tablespoons sugar (½ cup for dough, 2 Tbsp for rolling before baking)
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 flax egg (1 Tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 Tablespoons water)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
• 1 1/2 cups + 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Pecan Filling

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Variations

One of the best things about these cookies is their flexibility! Feel free to get creative and make them your own.

• Add chocolate chips: Mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra sweet touch.
• Use different nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer.
• Make them gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Spice it up: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger to add a unique twist.

How to Make Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Flax Egg

Start by making your flax egg. This is an essential step as it acts as the binder in our vegan cookies. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. This will give your cookies that perfect chewy texture!

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large bowl, combine the room temperature vegan butter with both sugars and mix until creamy. This step is crucial because creaming introduces air into your mixture, resulting in light and fluffy cookies. Add in your flax egg and vanilla bean paste, mixing well until everything is fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together your flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently to combine; over-mixing can lead to tough cookies!

Step 4: Make the Pecan Filling

Now let’s prepare our pecan filling! In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the vegan butter along with brown sugar, maple syrup, and chopped pecans. Stir until combined and gooey—this filling will be heavenly inside our cookies.

Step 5: Form the Cookies

Preheat your oven while you shape your cookie dough into balls. Roll them generously in sugar before placing them on a lined baking sheet. Make a small indentation in each ball using your thumb; this is where we’ll spoon in that delicious pecan filling.

Step 6: Bake!

Spoon about half a teaspoon of the pecan filling into each cookie indentation. Bake them in your preheated oven until golden brown—approximately 12-14 minutes should do it! Allow them to cool slightly before enjoying their warm goodness.

With every bite of these Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies, you’ll savor not just their rich flavors but also the love put into making them! Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies

Baking these delightful Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to guide you along the way!

• Use room temperature butter – This ensures that your cookie dough mixes evenly and results in a perfectly soft and chewy texture.

• Chill the dough – For best results, let your cookie dough chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading during baking and enhances the flavor.

• Don’t skip the flax egg – The flax egg acts as a binder, mimicking the properties of eggs in traditional cookies. It keeps your cookies from crumbling and adds a nice nutritional boost!

• Toast the pecans – Lightly toasting your chopped pecans before adding them to the dough will enhance their flavor, giving your cookies an irresistibly nutty aroma.

• Keep an eye on baking time – Every oven is different! Start checking your cookies a couple of minutes before the suggested baking time to ensure they come out perfectly golden without overbaking.

How to Serve Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies

These Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing. They can be served in many fun ways that make them even more irresistible!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting – A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness, making each cookie look like a little piece of art.
• Drizzle of maple syrup – A warm drizzle of maple syrup on top can enhance the sweetness and compliment the pecan flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Vegan vanilla ice cream – Serve these cookies with a scoop of creamy vegan vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in textures and temperatures.
• Fresh fruit salad – A refreshing fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits can balance out the richness of the cookies while adding vibrant colors to your presentation.
• Coconut whipped cream – This fluffy topping is perfect for those who enjoy creamy textures. It complements the cookies’ chewiness wonderfully.
• Hot chocolate or herbal tea – Pairing these cookies with a warm beverage creates a cozy dessert experience that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress family and friends with your delicious Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies! Enjoy every soft, gooey bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time, store them, and enjoy the delightful flavors whenever cravings strike.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them.

Freezing

• To freeze, place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookies to an airtight freezer bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, let the cookies thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
• For a soft cookie experience, consider microwaving them for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe, you’re in the right place!

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans in Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies?

Absolutely! While pecans are traditional for this recipe, walnuts or almonds can also work beautifully. Just chop them finely and adjust any measurements as needed.

How do I store Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies?

You can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate or freeze them!

What is the best way to ensure my Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies turn out chewy?

Using room temperature vegan butter and not overbaking will help maintain that chewy texture. Keep an eye on them while baking—they should be lightly golden around the edges!

How do Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies compare to traditional pecan pie?

These cookies offer the same rich flavors of pecan pie but in a convenient handheld format! They combine chewy cookie dough with a gooey filling for a delightful twist on tradition.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about making these Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies as I am! They bring together the comforting flavors of pecan pie into a delightful cookie form that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. Whether it’s a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to bring smiles. Enjoy baking and savor every delicious bite!