These Pecan Pie Cookie Bites are little treats packed with crunchy pecans and a sweet, gooey filling. They combine the best of cookies and pecan pie in one tasty bite!
Honestly, who can resist these mini delights? They’re perfect for sharing or, let’s be real, keeping all for yourself. I like to enjoy them with a warm cup of tea. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: You can use refrigerated pie crust for convenience, but homemade dough tastes wonderful too. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, a gluten-free pie crust works well!
Pecans: These are the star of the show! If you don’t have pecans, walnuts can be a good substitute, though the flavor will change a bit. Chopped mixed nuts also work if you want a variety!
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds a nice caramel flavor, but dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper sweetness. Coconut sugar is a great alternative if you’re after something less refined.
Corn Syrup: While it gives that perfect gooey texture, you can use maple syrup or honey instead. Just keep in mind that they’ll slightly change the flavor.
How Do I Get the Perfect Tart Shell?
Making a good tart shell is key for these bites. Follow these tips to ensure your crust is flaky and fits well in the muffin tin.
- Roll the dough out evenly and not too thin; about 1/8 inch is ideal.
- Use a sharp cutter to keep edges clean when cutting out circles.
- Press the dough gently but firmly into the muffin cups to avoid air pockets.
- Chill the assembled shells for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling and baking. This helps them hold their shape!
With these ingredients and techniques, you’ll be on your way to delicious Pecan Pie Cookie Bites that everyone will love!
Pecan Pie Cookie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crust dough (or homemade pie dough), enough for about 12 mini tarts
- 1 cup pecan halves or chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup corn syrup (light or dark)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
Getting these delicious Pecan Pie Cookie Bites ready will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes to bake, making a total of 35 minutes. After baking, it’s best to let them cool for about 10 minutes in the pan, and a little longer on a wire rack. You’ll be enjoying these tasty bites in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a mini muffin tin. This will help prevent the cookie bites from sticking!
2. Prepare the Tart Shells:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pie crust dough. Use a small round cutter, about 2 to 2.5 inches in diameter, to cut out circles. These will fit perfectly into the mini muffin cups. Once cut, press each dough round gently into the cups to form little tart shells.
3. Make the Filling:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, egg, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Then, gently stir in the pecans until they are evenly distributed.
4. Assemble and Bake:
Spoon the pecan filling into each tart shell, filling them nearly to the top. Bake them in your preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be bubbly and the crust golden brown when done!
5. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the cookie bites from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now, they’re ready to be enjoyed!
These little bites are a delightful blend of flaky crust and sweet, nutty filling, making them perfect for sharing during holidays or just for a sweet treat anytime. Enjoy your baking!
Can I Use a Different Type of Nut?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can use walnuts or a mix of nuts if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor will slightly change.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookie Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy them cold!
Can I Make These Cookie Bites in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just assemble and bake the cookie bites when you’re ready to enjoy them.
What Should I Do if My Crust is Cracking?
If your crust cracks, it might be too dry or rolled out too thin. Try adding a teaspoon of water to the dough to moisten it, or make sure to roll it out evenly at about 1/8 inch thickness. Practice makes perfect!