Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Caramelized Filling
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: Start by creaming together the unsalted butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet dough until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans carefully to maintain a bit of crunch.
- Make the Caramelized Filling: In a saucepan, combine the light corn syrup, granulated sugar, and heavy cream. Heat over medium, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and turns a golden caramel color with a glossy texture. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly until thick enough to spoon.
- Assemble the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop, portion half of the cookie dough onto a baking sheet. Slightly flatten each mound, then spoon a dollop of the caramelized filling onto the center of each. Top with another scoop of cookie dough, sealing the edges well to fully encase the caramel filling.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden and the centers look set yet soft. Avoid overbaking to maintain the chewy texture and gooey caramel centers.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This resting time ensures the caramel filling sets slightly but remains delightfully chewy inside.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for a smooth, well-mixed dough and better texture.
- Seal the caramel filling completely with cookie dough to prevent leakage during baking.
- Do not overbake; slightly underbaked cookies keep their chewiness and gooey centers.
- Use freshly chopped pecans for optimal flavor and crunch.
- Cool the caramel filling slightly before using to avoid dough melting and spreading.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: pecan pie cookies, caramel cookies, chewy cookies, holiday cookies, pecan dessert