If you’ve ever found yourself dreaming of the perfect holiday treat that combines the rich, nutty charm of pecan pie with the soft, comforting chew of a sugar cookie, then you are going to love this Crumbl Pecan Pie Cookies with Sugar Cookies Recipe. It’s a delightful twist that’s both nostalgic and fresh, giving you that gooey pecan pie filling on a tender sugar cookie base. Honestly, these cookies quickly became a favorite in my kitchen for gifting and cozy weekend baking sessions.

What makes this recipe stand out—beyond the irresistible flavor—is how approachable it is. You don’t need fancy equipment, and the ingredients are straightforward pantry staples with a few seasonal touches. Plus, the way the pecan pie filling melts into the sugar cookie dough? Magic. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a party, or just because, these cookies bring something special to the table every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Crumbl Pecan Pie Cookies with Sugar Cookies Recipe, the ingredients come together beautifully to create that perfect balance of buttery sugar cookie and rich pecan pie filling. Don’t skip on using room-temperature eggs and softened butter as it really helps the dough come together smoothly.

Butter (softened): Essential for that rich, creamy sugar cookie base — make sure it’s softened, not melted!
Vegetable or canola oil: Helps keep the cookies soft and chewy.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and a touch of crunch in the cookie dough.
Powdered sugar: Helps keep the cookies tender and gives them a subtle, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Egg (room temperature): Room temperature eggs blend better, keeping the cookies from being tough.
Vanilla extract: A must-have for that warm, inviting flavor.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookies; measuring properly ensures the right texture.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the sweet flavors.
Baking powder: Gives the cookies a gentle rise without making them cakey.
Butter for filling: Adds richness to the pecan pie filling, don’t skimp here!
Brown sugar: For that deep, caramel-y flavor in the pecan filling.
Chopped pecans: Toasted or raw, they add the classic nutty crunch.
Heavy cream: Creates a smooth, luscious filling that melts perfectly into the cookie.
Cinnamon & nutmeg: These warm spices are subtle but make all the difference in taste.

Variations

I like to play around with this Crumbl Pecan Pie Cookies with Sugar Cookies Recipe depending on who I’m baking for. It’s fun to tweak the pecan pie filling or adjust the spices to suit the season or dietary preferences. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Nut-Free Variation: If you’re avoiding nuts, swap pecans for toasted coconut flakes for a different texture and flavor that still complements the sugar cookie wonderfully. I’ve done this for a friend’s kid, and it was a hit!
Spiced Up: Add a little extra cinnamon and a dash of cloves for a festive, deeper spice profile — great around the holidays.
Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream to keep it vegan-friendly without sacrificing creaminess.

How to Make Crumbl Pecan Pie Cookies with Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugars

Start by combining the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar in a large bowl. Beat these together until the mixture is light and fluffy — this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes on medium speed if you’re using a mixer. This step is important because it aerates the dough, which helps your cookies stay soft and tender.

Step 2: Adding the Egg and Vanilla

Next, crack in your room-temperature egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated. The vanilla adds that lovely sweet aroma that’s classic in sugar cookies, so don’t skip it!

Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Slowly add this dry mix to your wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. You want to combine everything just until the flour disappears — overmixing will make your cookies tough, which we definitely don’t want.

Step 4: Make the Pecan Pie Filling

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter for the filling. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, letting it cook for a minute or two until it starts to bubble gently. Remove from heat and mix in the chopped pecans, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. This filling is where all that gooey pecan pie magic happens, so be sure to stir it well so everything is combined perfectly.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of sugar cookie dough and flatten them slightly onto a lined cookie sheet. Spoon a generous dollop of the pecan pie filling right on top of each cookie. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden. Keep an eye out—overbaking can dry them out.

How to Serve Crumbl Pecan Pie Cookies with Sugar Cookies Recipe

A close-up of a small round pastry with two layers: the bottom layer is a dark brown base, and the top layer is a light beige dough ring filled with a shiny, sticky mixture of chopped brown nuts. The nuts look caramelized and have a chunky texture. The pastry sits on a sheet of parchment paper scattered with whole brown pecans, all on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping these cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for an extra special touch. Sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for contrast—it really draws out the sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. For a holiday gathering, I serve them alongside spiced apple cider or a creamy latte—the warmth of the drinks complements the buttery pecan filling so well.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite ways to present these cookies is stacking them on a rustic wooden board with some fresh cranberries and pine sprigs for holiday vibes. If it’s a birthday or special party, I arrange them in a pretty tin lined with parchment paper tied with a festive ribbon. It always becomes the centerpiece of the dessert table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Crumbl Pecan Pie Cookies with Sugar Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and prevents the pecan filling from drying out. If you need to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge wrapped tightly—but I find they’re best eaten fresh or within just a couple of days.

Freezing

These cookies freeze really well! I usually freeze them individually on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a ziplock bag. When you want a treat, just thaw at room temperature for an hour or so. It preserves the texture nicely without making the pecan pie filling grainy.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. This warms the pecan filling back up and softens the cookie without drying it out. A quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch, but the oven method really brings back that fresh-baked magic.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pecan pie filling for this recipe?

While you can use store-bought pecan pie filling as a shortcut, I recommend making the filling fresh for the best texture and flavor. The homemade filling in this recipe has just the right balance of sweetness and spice, and it’s less runny, which helps it stay nicely on top of the cookies.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Using room temperature (not melted) butter and chilling your dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help control spreading. Also, avoid adding too much oil, as excess oil can cause the cookies to spread more while baking.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! These cookies actually taste even better after resting a day, as the flavors meld beautifully. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature and add any garnishes like powdered sugar or drizzles right before serving.
What if I don’t have heavy cream for the pecan filling?

If you don’t have heavy cream, whole milk can be a substitute, but the filling won’t be quite as rich and creamy. You might want to reduce the milk slightly or add a small pat of butter to mimic the fat content.
How do I store leftover cookies to keep them soft?

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature with a slice of bread included. The bread helps maintain moisture, keeping your cookies soft for days. Just replace the bread slice if it gets hard or moldy.

Final Thoughts

This Crumbl Pecan Pie Cookies with Sugar Cookies Recipe is one of those gems I love sharing because it brings together the best of two classic desserts in a way that feels both comforting and a little fancy. Whether you’re baking to impress guests or just craving a sweet, nutty treat, these cookies deliver every time. I hope you’ll give them a try — trust me, once you do, they’ll become a staple in your recipe box just like they are in mine!