![Homemade Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies are served on a white dish next to a mug of hot chocolate. The thumbprint cookies are dimpled in the middle and filled with a pecan pie filling.](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 2048 1365"></svg>)
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Hi Bold Bakers!
WHAT YOU GET: My Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies recipe yields sweet, crumbly cookies with a decadent pecan pie filling. They taste just like mini pecan pies but are even easier to make. No need for a muffin tin!
Pecan Pie is a fan favorite during Thanksgiving, but who says you can’t have more during December — let alone all year round?
For all of you pecan pie lovers out there who want bite-sized versions, I’ve put a twist on a classic thumbprint cookie and made my show-stopping Pecan Pie Thumbprint recipe. It has a shortbread-like cookie dough that is the perfect vessel for our sweet pecan pie filling.
In just under 45 minutes, using tools and ingredients you may already have lying around from Thanksgiving baking, you’ll have beautiful Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies. Make them for friends, family, and, of course, yourself for the holidays!
Table Of Contents
![A dish of Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies, shortbread cookies filled with pecan pie filling, are served alongside a mug filled with hot chocolate.](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1365 2048"></svg> "Thumbprint Cookies Recipe With Pecan Pie Filling")
What Are Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies
Thumbprint cookies, also known as Hallongrotta, originate from Sweden. They are shortbread cookies with filling and are very popular during Christmas time. Traditional thumbprint cookies have raspberry jam filling, but for this recipe, we’ve added a pecan pie filling twist.
Thumbprint cookies got their name because we use our thumbs to make an indent in the center of the cookie. For this reason, these cookies make for great filling holders and are extraordinarily beautiful on a holiday cookie platter.
Tools You Need To Make Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients You Need To Make Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies
Filling:
- Pecans: Pecans have a robust, buttery, and sweet flavor that’s perfect for pie filling.
- Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar is crucial to a moist and dense cookie. Try making your own here!
- Light Corn Syrup: Adds a touch of sweetness to your cookies without adding too much flavor.
- Butter: Make sure to soften your butter before use so that your cookies come out perfectly tender.
- Vanilla Extract: Try making Homemade Vanilla Extract to enhance your cookies.
- Salt: Just a little goes a long way!
Cookie Dough:
- Butter
- Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar or “white sugar” will give these cookies the perfect amount of sweetness in each bite.
- Salt
- Egg: Eggs are our binding agent. They’ll make your cookies tender while giving them structure.
- Vanilla Extract
- All-purpose flour: All-purpose flour’s protein content will give you perfectly textured cookie dough.
How To Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies
Filling:
- Combine filling ingredients until evenly blended, and set aside.
Cookie Dough:
- In a stand mixer, or in a bowl with a handheld electric mixer, cream butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract until combined, scraping down the sides to ensure even mixing.
- Gradually add flour until just combined.
Assemble The Thumbprint Cookies:
- Roll tablespoons of dough into balls and place on prepared baking sheets.
- Press your thumb into the center of each cookie to create a deep indent.
- Divide pecan pie filling evenly among the cookies.
- Bake until the cookie is pale golden and the filling is beginning to caramelize.
- Let cool completely on a wire rack.
Can I Make Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can! Simply make the cookie dough and pecan pie filling. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it alongside the filling in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake off, follow the recipe as usual.
How To Store Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies
If you have leftover Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you’re planning on freezing baked thumbprint cookies, I recommend stacking the cookies with parchment paper in between. This will prevent the cookies from sticking together. Let them come to room temperature before enjoying.
Ingredient Substitutions
Out of some ingredients? Check out the following guides to help you on your baking journey!
FAQs
How do I prevent cracking thumbprint cookies?
Though I use salted butter for many of my recipes, softened, high-quality unsalted butter should help prevent your thumbprint cookies from cracking too much. Be sure to roll your dough very smooth before baking to avoid cracks!
Why is my cookie dough so crumbly?
If your dough doesn’t seem to be coming together at first, continue giving it a mix. If it still doesn’t come together, you may have used too much of an ingredient during the mixing process. To resolve this issue, try adding a bit more butter to your dough.
Why did my cookies flatten?
Your cookies may have flattened while baking because of two things: 1) Your oven is too hot and melted the butter before the cookies could form properly, or 2) Your cookie dough was too warm when you formed the balls. In the latter case, you can try refrigerating your dough in plastic wrap for a bit before rolling it into balls.
Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips
- Make sure to chop the pecans nice and small to easily fill the cookies.
- The cookies will stay pale when baked. Don’t over bake, or the filling will become too chewy to eat.
- You can finish these cookies with a drizzle of melted chocolate if you wish.
- Try replacing the pecans with walnuts for a different twist.
- Serve these alongside Petite Pumpkin Pies as part of a fun holiday dessert buffet.
Try More Holiday Cookie Recipes!
And don’t miss more everyday baking recipes in my NEW Bigger Bolder Baking Every Day Cookbook!