Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of pecan pie with the chewy goodness of cookies, then you’ll love these Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies! This recipe is close to my heart because it captures the essence of holiday baking while being easy enough for any day of the week. Perfect for family gatherings or just a cozy night in, these cookies will surely bring smiles all around.

The combination of cinnamon-spiced cookie dough and gooey pecan filling makes each bite a little piece of heaven. Plus, since they are vegan, you can feel good about sharing them with everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and quick prep time, you won’t spend hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will adore these cookies, making them a hit at any gathering!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough in advance or even freeze them for later baking.
• Delicious Flavor: The rich taste of pecans combined with warm spices creates an irresistible treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and wholesome, making it easy to whip up a batch of Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies. Gather your supplies, and let’s get started on this delightful dessert!

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 Tablespoon water
• 1/2 Tablespoon cornstarch
• 3 Tablespoons vegan butter
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 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

Variations

This recipe is super flexible! Feel free to play around with different ingredients to make these cookies your own.

• Add Some Chocolate: Toss in some dairy-free chocolate chips for a sweet twist!
• Try Different Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts or almonds work wonderfully too.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom to give them a unique flavor.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Swap out regular flour for a gluten-free blend if needed.

How to Make Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Flax Egg

Start by making your flax egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. This acts as your binding agent and gives the cookies that perfect chewy texture!

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the room-temperature vegan butter and sugars until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it helps incorporate air into your dough, leading to deliciously soft cookies. Add the flax egg and vanilla bean paste next. Mix well until everything is combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture into your wet ingredients. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix! Gently fold in the chopped pecans so they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 4: Form Cookies

Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into balls. Then roll each ball in some extra sugar before placing them on a lined baking sheet. This adds a lovely sparkle on top! Press down slightly to flatten them.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for about 12-15 minutes or until they’re golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time allows them to set perfectly!

Now you’ve got yourself a batch of warm Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies ready to enjoy! Whether it’s with friends over coffee or as an after-dinner treat, these cookies are sure to impress and satisfy!

Pro Tips for Making Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these tips, you’ll ensure your Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Measure ingredients accurately: Using precise measurements helps achieve the right texture and flavor. Too much flour can make cookies dry, while too little can lead to a gooey mess.

• Chill the dough: If you find your dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh baking powder and spices significantly enhance the flavor of your cookies. Old ingredients can lead to flat, tasteless cookies.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of the baking time. They should be slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the middle; they will firm up as they cool.

• Experiment with fillings: Feel free to mix in chopped chocolate or dried fruits along with pecans for a unique twist on these cookies. This adds variety and a touch of personal flair to your baking!

How to Serve Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies

These charming Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies are not just treats; they can shine in various settings! Here are some fun ideas on how to serve them.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a lovely touch that makes your cookies look even more inviting.
• Chopped pecans: Top each cookie with an extra pecan half for a delightful crunch and an appealing presentation.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla almond milk: A glass of smooth vanilla almond milk pairs wonderfully with these cookies, enhancing their nutty flavor while keeping everything dairy-free.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings brightness and balance to sweet cookies. Use seasonal fruits for an extra treat!
• Coconut whipped cream: This fluffy topping adds a creamy contrast that complements the chewy texture of the cookies perfectly.
• Coffee or herbal tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea creates a cozy atmosphere and enhances the flavors of these delicious cookies, making them ideal for any gathering or quiet afternoon at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch in advance and enjoy them throughout the week or save some for later. Here’s how to store and preserve their deliciousness!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge where they will last about a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label your container!

Reheating

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delightful cookies!

Can I make Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum for proper binding.

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

Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies have that same rich flavor and gooey texture you love from traditional pecan pie but in a fun cookie form! Plus, they’re easier to share!

What ingredients make Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies special?

The combination of cinnamon-spiced dough with a gooey pecan filling makes these cookies unique. The flax egg helps bind everything together while keeping the recipe vegan-friendly.

Can I use other nuts in place of pecans?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with walnuts or almonds if you’re not a fan of pecans. Just chop them up similarly for the filling.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies as much as I do! They bring the comforting flavors of classic pecan pie into an easy-to-share cookie form that everyone will love. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, each bite is sure to bring joy. Happy baking, and don’t forget to savor every delicious moment!