Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies - Holiday Comfort in Every Bite
Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies are the perfect combination of nostalgic holiday flavors and modern vegan baking. These cookies take the essence of a classic pecan pie—gooey, nutty, and sweet—and nestle it into a warm cinnamon-spiced cookie dough. Each bite delivers the richness of pecans and the comforting aroma of cinnamon, making them a must-have for festive celebrations.
Ingredients- Water: 1 tbsp, to create a slurry
- Cornstarch: 1/2 tbsp, for thickening the filling
- Vegan butter: 3 tbsp, melted for the filling
- Chopped pecans: 1/2 cup, for a classic pecan pie flavor
- Brown sugar: 2 tbsp, for sweetness
- Maple syrup: 2 tbsp, for a rich, natural sweetness
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, for flavor
- Vegan butter: 1/2 cup, room temperature for creaminess
- Sugar: 1/2 cup, plus 2 tbsp for rolling, for sweetness
- Light brown sugar: 1/4 cup, for added depth
- Flax egg: 1 (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), for binding
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, for aroma
- All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups + 3 tbsp, for structure
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp, for warm spice
- Baking powder: 1/2 tsp, for leavening
- Salt: 1/4 tsp, to balance flavors
- Step 1:
- Mix water and cornstarch to create a slurry. Melt vegan butter in a saucepan over low heat, then stir in pecans, brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened and glossy. Let cool.
- Step 2:
- Beat vegan butter, sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Mix in the flax egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt to form a thick dough. Chill for 30-60 minutes.
- Step 3:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Scoop dough into 10-12 balls, roll in sugar, and create an indent in each.
- Step 4:
- Spoon pecan filling into each indent. Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are crisp but centers remain soft. Cool before serving.
- Serve with coffee, tea, or plant-based milk for a comforting treat.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Ensure the filling is cooled before adding it to the cookies to maintain their shape during baking.
- Double the pecan filling for extra indulgence!
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Toast the pecans before adding them to the filling for a deeper, nuttier flavor.