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Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 87 reviews

These Vegan Pecan Pie Cookies combine a luscious pecan pie filling with a cinnamon-spiced vegan cookie dough, resulting in gooey, sweet, and nutty treats perfect for holiday gatherings or everyday indulgence. Made without any animal products, these cookies are delightfully rich yet completely plant-based.

Ingredients

Scale

Pecan Pie Filling

  • 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)

Cinnamon Cookie Dough

  • 1/2 cup vegan butter (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup sugar (for dough)
  • 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
  • 2 Tablespoons sugar (for rolling dough balls)

Instructions

  1. Make the pecan pie filling: In a small bowl, mix the cold water and cornstarch until a cloudy paste forms; this is your slurry. Set aside. Melt the vegan butter in a saucepan over low heat until bubbling. Add chopped pecans, brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla bean paste, stirring to combine. Cook over low heat for 1-2 minutes.
  2. Thicken the filling: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes over low heat until the filling thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat and set aside to cool while preparing the dough.
  3. Make the cinnamon cookie dough: In a mixing bowl, cream the room temperature vegan butter with 1/2 cup sugar and light brown sugar using an electric mixer until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the flax egg and vanilla bean paste, mixing for around 30 seconds.
  4. Add dry ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt to the bowl—sprinkle flour first, then the other ingredients on top. Mix everything together until a thick, soft cookie dough forms, continuing to mix as the dough may start crumbly.
  5. Chill the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for convenience.
  6. Preheat oven and prepare baking tray: About 10 minutes before removing the dough, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  7. Shape the cookies: Remove dough from the fridge. Use a cookie scoop to portion 11 evenly sized dough balls. Roll each between your palms into a smooth ball, then coat each ball with the reserved 2 tablespoons of sugar by rolling them in the sugar bowl.
  8. Prepare for filling: Arrange dough balls on the parchment-lined baking sheet spaced at least 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with your palm, then use your thumb to make a small indent in the center. Spread the indent to make it larger and suitable to hold filling.
  9. Fill the cookies: Spoon about 1/2 tablespoon of the cooled pecan pie filling into each cookie’s center indent.
  10. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, until the edges are crisp and the centers are set but remain gooey.
  11. Cool and shape: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While warm, use a spoon to gently reshape the edges if needed for a rounder form. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  12. Serve: Once cooled, enjoy these delicious vegan pecan pie cookies as a festive treat or comforting snack.

Notes

  • The flax egg substitutes for a traditional egg to keep the recipe vegan.
  • Vanilla bean paste gives a richer flavor than extract but either works well.
  • Chilling the dough is important for texture and easier handling.
  • Cookies will spread slightly, so allow enough space between dough balls when baking.
  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: Vegan pecan pie cookies, vegan cookies, pecan pie filling, cinnamon cookies, holiday cookies, plant-based dessert

Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/vegan-pecan-pie-cookies-recipe/