Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings the warmth of home baking to your kitchen, you’ve come to the right place! These Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies are a cherished favorite in my household. They perfectly blend chewy cinnamon cookies with a rich pecan pie filling. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a busy weeknight, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around.

The beauty of these cookies is their versatility. You can whip them up for special occasions or even just to enjoy with your afternoon coffee. They’re an irresistible way to satisfy that sweet tooth while keeping things plant-based!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time.
• Family-friendly appeal: Both kids and adults will love the delicious combination of flavors.
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week!
• Irresistible flavor: The blend of cinnamon and pecans creates a comforting taste that feels like home.
• Perfect for sharing: Great for parties, potlucks, or just as a thoughtful gift to brighten someone’s day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies requires just a few simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything 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 Tbsp 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

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to play around with some variations:

• Add chocolate chips: Stir in some dairy-free chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
• Use different nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if you want to try something new.
• Experiment with spices: Try adding nutmeg or ginger for an extra flavor kick.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.

How to Make Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Flax Egg

Start by making your flax egg. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and allow it to sit for about five minutes until it becomes gel-like. This step is crucial as it acts as a binder in vegan baking!

Step 2: Cream Together the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together your room-temperature vegan butter, light brown sugar, and regular sugar until it’s nice and fluffy. This incorporates air into the mixture, which will help create soft, tender cookies.

Step 3: Mix in Wet Ingredients

Add the flax egg, maple syrup, water, and vanilla bean paste to the creamed mixture. Stir well until everything is combined! This layer adds moisture and flavor, putting you on the path to deliciousness.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into your wet ingredients. Mixing slowly ensures that you don’t accidentally overwork your dough—this keeps your cookies soft!

Step 5: Fold in Pecans

Gently fold in the chopped pecans. The nuts provide delightful crunchiness against the chewy cookie base. Plus, they are packed with healthy fats!

Step 6: Chill Your Dough

Cover your dough and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps prevent spreading during baking and intensifies those lovely flavors.

Step 7: Preheat Oven & Shape Cookies

While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in sugar before placing them on a lined baking sheet.

Step 8: Bake & Enjoy!

Bake the cookies for about 15-18 minutes until they are golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Allow them to cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy these Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies fresh out of the oven or store them for later!

Pro Tips for Making Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies

Baking can be a delightful experience, especially with these tasty cookies, and a few pro tips can take your cookies to the next level!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your vegan butter is at room temperature helps create a creamy texture in your cookie dough, resulting in soft and chewy cookies.

• Don’t skip the flax egg: This plant-based egg substitute binds the ingredients together while adding moisture. It’s an essential component for achieving that perfect chewy texture.

• Chill the dough: If you have time, chilling the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking can prevent spreading and help develop flavors, leading to more delicious cookies.

• Experiment with spices: While cinnamon gives a warm flavor, don’t hesitate to try nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for a unique twist that complements the pecans beautifully.

• Use fresh pecans: Freshly chopped pecans add crunch and a richer flavor compared to older nuts. Toasting them lightly before adding can enhance their nuttiness even further!

How to Serve Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies

These Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies are not just delicious—they’re also visually appealing! Presenting them nicely can elevate your dessert experience.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds sweetness and creates an elegant touch to each cookie.
• Chopped pecans: Adding some extra chopped pecans on top of the cookies enhances both texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Vegan vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vegan vanilla ice cream contrasts wonderfully with the chewy cookies, making for a delectable dessert combination.
• Fresh fruit salad: A bright and refreshing fruit salad can balance the richness of the cookies, providing a light contrast that enhances your dessert experience.
• Coconut whipped cream: This fluffy topping adds a delightful creaminess that pairs perfectly with the flavors of pecan pie, making each bite even more indulgent.
• Coffee or herbal tea: A warm beverage like coffee or herbal tea complements the sweet and nutty flavors of the cookies, creating a cozy atmosphere for enjoying this treat.

Enjoy your baking adventure with these tips and serving suggestions! Your Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies are bound to be a hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezing

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat cookies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies.

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

Absolutely! If you prefer walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts, feel free to substitute. Just ensure they’re chopped into similar sizes for even distribution.

How do I make Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, simply replace regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What makes these Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies so special?

These cookies combine chewy cinnamon flavors with a rich pecan pie filling, creating an indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies! They’re not just delicious; they bring warmth and comfort to your kitchen. Enjoy the process of baking and sharing these delightful treats with friends and family. Happy baking!