Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies: 1 Amazing Recipe

Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies have officially stolen my heart, and I know they’ll steal yours too! I’ve always adored the rich, gooey goodness of traditional pecan pie, but finding a truly satisfying vegan version felt like a quest. That is, until I cracked the code on these delightful little bites. The aroma of cinnamon and toasted pecans filling my kitchen as these bake is pure magic, instantly making my home feel cozy. These dairy-free pecan pie cookies are so simple to make, you’ll wonder how to make vegan pecan pie cookies wasn’t on your to-do list sooner. They’re the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and spiced, all wrapped up in a tender cookie. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love These Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies

Get ready to fall in love with these amazing treats. They’re a game-changer for anyone looking for delicious, satisfying desserts!

• The taste is absolutely incredible – a perfect blend of sweet, nutty, and warm spices that genuinely mimic classic pecan pie.
• You’ll be surprised how quick and easy these plant-based pecan pie cookies are to whip up, perfect for a last-minute craving.
• They’re a healthier alternative to traditional cookies, made with wholesome ingredients.
• These plant-based pecan pie cookies are budget-friendly, using common pantry staples.
• The whole family will adore them, making them a hit at gatherings.
• They’re wonderfully tender with a delightful gooey pecan filling that’s just divine.
• You won’t believe they’re made without butter or eggs!

Ingredients for Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies

Gather these simple ingredients for the most delightful vegan pecan pie cookies you’ve ever tasted. Making pecan pie cookies without butter and pecan pie cookies without eggs is surprisingly easy, and the results are incredibly rich and satisfying.

• For the Pecan Pie Filling:
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp cornstarch – this helps thicken our gooey filling
• 6 tbsp vegan butter – use a good quality one for the best flavor
• 1 cup chopped pecans – toasting them first is a great flavor booster!
• 4 tbsp brown sugar
• 4 tbsp maple syrup – adds a lovely depth of sweetness
• 2 tsp vanilla extract or paste
• For the Cinnamon Cookie Dough:
• 1 cup vegan butter, room temperature – crucial for creamy dough
• 1 cup + 4 tbsp granulated sugar – divided for rolling
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water) – our egg replacer
• 2 tsp vanilla extract or paste
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp cinnamon – for that classic warm spice
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

How to Make Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies

Whipping up these delightful cookies is a joy, and you’ll see just how easy this easy vegan pecan pie cookie recipe is. The aroma alone will make you feel like a baking pro!

1. Step 1: Make the Pecan Filling
   In a small saucepan, whisk together 2 tbsp water and 1 tbsp cornstarch until it’s perfectly smooth. Add 6 tbsp vegan butter, 1 cup chopped pecans, 4 tbsp brown sugar, 4 tbsp maple syrup, and 2 tsp vanilla extract. Cook this over medium heat, stirring constantly, for about 3-4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it thickens into a glossy, rich mixture. Set this aside to cool completely; this step is key to preventing a melty mess on your cookies.
2. Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
   Now, let’s get to the cookie base. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup vegan butter (make sure it’s at room temperature!) with 1 cup of the granulated sugar and the 1/2 cup light brown sugar until it’s wonderfully light and fluffy. Beat in your prepared flax eggs and 2 tsp vanilla extract until everything is beautifully combined.
3. Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture on low speed. Mix only until everything is just combined – overmixing can make them tough.
4. Step 4: Chill the Dough
   Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is essential for preventing your cookies from spreading too much, ensuring they keep their lovely shape.
5. Step 5: Preheat and Prep
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Have the remaining 4 tbsp granulated sugar ready in a small bowl for rolling.
6. Step 6: Scoop, Roll, and Fill
   Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough for each cookie. Roll each ball in the reserved granulated sugar. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between them. Then, use your thumb or a small spoon to press a well into the center of each cookie. This little indentation is perfect for holding our delicious pecan filling.
7. Step 7: Bake to Perfection
   Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cooled pecan filling into the well of each cookie. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. The kitchen will smell amazing, a true sign of these quick vegan pecan pie cookies coming to life!
8. Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
   Let your beautiful cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This helps them set up properly. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these fantastic vegan pecan pie cookies!

Pro Tips for the Best Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies

Want to elevate your cookie game? These little tricks will ensure your vegan pecan pie cookies are absolutely perfect every time. I’ve learned a few things through trial and error, and sharing them with you makes the process so much easier!

• Toast your pecans! It brings out their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the gooey filling.
• Make sure your vegan butter for the dough is truly at room temperature. This is key for achieving that light and fluffy texture and preventing a dense cookie.
• Don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour. Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
• Let the pecan filling cool completely before adding it to the cookie wells. A warm filling will melt the dough and cause excessive spreading.

What’s the secret to perfect vegan pecan pie cookies?

The real secret to the best vegan pecan pie cookies lies in balancing the textures and flavors. Ensuring your pecan filling is thick and cooled, and your cookie dough is properly chilled and not overmixed, creates that divine contrast of tender cookie and gooey, nutty center. For more baking insights, check out these testing the elements.

Can I make vegan pecan pie cookies ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and the pecan filling up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Then, just assemble and bake when you’re ready for fresh, warm cookies.

How do I avoid common mistakes with vegan pecan pie cookies?

The most common pitfalls are overmixing the dough, which leads to tough cookies, and using warm filling, which causes them to spread too much. Also, be sure to chill the dough – skipping this step is a recipe for flat, unappealing cookies. Learn more about the joy of vegetable gardening for a different kind of rewarding activity.

Best Ways to Serve Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies

These delightful vegan pecan pie cookies are incredibly versatile and taste amazing served in so many ways. They’re a perfect treat for any occasion, especially when you’re looking for something special.

• For a truly festive touch, serve these as part of your dessert spread during the holidays. They pair beautifully with a warm mug of spiced apple cider or a creamy vegan eggnog, making them ideal holiday vegan pecan pie cookies.
• Enjoy them as a quick, satisfying snack alongside a cup of coffee or tea. The rich, nutty flavor is incredibly comforting.
• These cookies also make a fantastic addition to a dessert charcuterie board, offering a smaller, bite-sized alternative to a full pie. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Try pairing them with some mediterranean chickpea salad for a balanced snack.

Nutrition Facts for Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from these delicious vegan pecan pie cookies, per serving. Knowing the nutritional information can help you fit these delightful treats into your meal plan.

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 230
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 120mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on nutrition, consider exploring resources on the many benefits of onions.

How to Store and Reheat Homemade Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies

Once your delicious vegan pecan pie cookies have cooled completely on the wire rack, it’s time to think about storing them. For the best texture, make sure they are totally cool to avoid any steam build-up, which can make them soggy. Store your homemade vegan pecan pie cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop that airtight container into the refrigerator.

For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can gently warm them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes until they’re slightly warmed through, or even pop them in a toaster oven. This brings back that lovely tender texture and gooey filling! If you’re looking for other baking inspiration, try these easy cinnamon rolls.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies

What are vegan pecan pie cookies?

These delightful treats are essentially a cookie version of classic pecan pie, made entirely without animal products. They feature a tender, spiced cookie dough base filled with a gooey, rich pecan mixture, making them a fantastic vegan dessert pecan pie cookies option that captures all the beloved flavors of traditional pecan pie.

Can I use different nuts in these vegan pecan pie cookies?

While pecans are traditional, you can absolutely experiment with other nuts if you prefer a different flavor profile. Walnuts or even almonds would work wonderfully in the filling, creating a slightly different but equally delicious nutty cookie. This flexibility makes them very adaptable!

How do I get the gooey filling right for my vegan pecan pie cookies?

The key to that perfect gooey filling is the cornstarch slurry and cooking it until it just thickens. Make sure you let the filling cool completely before spooning it into the cookie wells. This prevents the dough from melting and ensures the filling stays wonderfully rich and slightly chewy.

Are these vegan pecan pie cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?

While this recipe is designed to be nut-free in the cookie base, the filling contains pecans. If you need to avoid nuts altogether, you could try a seed-based filling, perhaps using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, finely chopped and cooked with the same syrup mixture. However, always be mindful of cross-contamination if allergies are severe.

Variations of Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic vegan pecan pie cookies, you might be curious about how to switch things up! These variations offer exciting ways to enjoy the same beloved flavors with a little twist, catering to different tastes and dietary needs.

• Gluten-Free Delight: For those avoiding gluten, creating gluten-free vegan pecan pie cookies is simple. Just swap the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free all-purpose baking blend that contains xanthan gum. You might need to adjust the dough consistency slightly, but the pecan pie flavor remains intact.
• Double the Nutty Goodness: If you love a really intense nutty flavor, try making these even more nutty vegan pie cookies by adding finely ground pecans directly into the cookie dough itself, in addition to the filling. This doubles down on that rich, satisfying crunch.
• Mini Bites: Want smaller treats? Simply scoop smaller portions of dough and filling to create adorable vegan pecan pie bites. They’re perfect for parties or when you just want a smaller, sweet indulgence.
• Spiced Variations: Amp up the spice by adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cardamom to the cookie dough along with the cinnamon. This adds another layer of warmth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.

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