Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of pecan pie with the comforting texture of cookies, you are in for a real treat with these Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies! They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something sweet or for family gatherings where everyone will be asking for seconds. These cookies are not just delicious; they bring a warm, homemade feeling to any occasion.

What makes this recipe truly special is its ability to evoke feelings of nostalgia while being completely plant-based. The gooey pecan pie filling nestled inside chewy cinnamon cookies is a combination that’s hard to resist!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a handful of simple ingredients, whipping up these cookies is a breeze!
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will fall in love with the sweet, nutty flavor and soft texture.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake fresh cookies whenever you need a sweet fix.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion – from cozy evenings at home to festive holiday gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that these ingredients are quite simple and wholesome, making it easy to whip up a batch of these Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies anytime you like. Let’s gather what we need!

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)

For the Filling

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 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

Variations

One of the best things about these Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies is their flexibility! You can easily switch things up based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add Some Chocolate: Toss in a handful of vegan chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Nut Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts or almonds make great substitutes.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique flavor twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap out all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and enjoy!

How to Make Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Flax Egg

Start by making your flax egg. Combine one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. This acts as a binding agent in our cookies and keeps them moist.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, cream together the room temperature vegan butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Then add in your maple syrup, vanilla bean paste, and the prepared flax egg. Mixing these wet ingredients well ensures that every cookie will have that lovely sweet flavor.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice), baking powder, and salt. This step helps evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout your cookie dough.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; being careful not to overmix will help your cookies stay tender. Now fold in those delicious chopped pecans!

Step 5: Shape and Chill

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, form balls of dough and roll them in sugar before placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill the dough balls in the fridge for about 30 minutes; this helps them hold their shape while baking.

Step 6: Bake!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake your cookies for around 12-15 minutes or until they’re lightly golden around the edges. The center may look slightly underbaked–don’t worry! They’ll continue cooking as they cool.

And there you have it—your very own batch of Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies! Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Trust me; they won’t last long!

Pro Tips for Making Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies

Baking these delicious Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies can be a breeze with just a few helpful tips!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your vegan butter is at room temperature helps it cream smoothly with the sugars, creating a light texture in your cookies.

• Chill the dough: If you have time, refrigerate your cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and results in a chewier texture.

• Don’t skip the flax egg: The flax egg acts as a binder in this vegan recipe. It not only helps hold everything together but also adds a touch of nuttiness that compliments the pecans beautifully.

• Toast your pecans: Lightly toasting your chopped pecans before adding them to the filling enhances their flavor and adds an extra crunch to each bite.

• Watch the baking time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center for that perfect chewy texture.

How to Serve Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies

These Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies are delightful on their own, but with some simple additions, they can be transformed into an even more enjoyable treat!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar gives these cookies a pretty finish and adds a touch of sweetness.
• Chopped pecans: Sprinkle some extra chopped pecans on top of each cookie before baking for added crunch and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Vegan vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with these chewy cookies, creating a heavenly dessert experience.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cut through the richness of the cookies, providing a lovely contrast.
• Coconut whipped cream: Light and fluffy coconut whipped cream complements the flavors of the cookies while keeping everything plant-based.
• Hot cocoa or coffee: A warm beverage brings comfort to your dessert table and enhances the cozy vibe of enjoying these pecan pie cookies.

Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to find your perfect combination! Enjoy every bite of these delightful Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy these delightful treats whenever the craving hits.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you want to keep them fresher longer, place a piece of bread in the container. This will help maintain moisture.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat the cookies in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
• You can also microwave them for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it, as they can become chewy.

FAQs

If you’re curious about this recipe, here are some frequently asked questions!

Can I make Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it’s a blend that works well for baking.

How do Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies taste?

These Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies combine the comforting flavors of pecan pie with chewy cookie goodness. They’re sweet, nutty, and utterly delicious!

What makes these Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies special?

The unique combination of chewy cinnamon cookies filled with gooey pecan pie filling makes these cookies stand out. They’re perfect for any occasion!

Final Thoughts

These Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies are not just a dessert; they’re a warm hug in cookie form! I hope you enjoy making them as much as you’ll love eating them. Don’t hesitate to share your cookie creations and experiences with me—I’d love to hear how they turn out for you. Happy baking!