Pecan Pie Cookie Bites are mini treats with a delicious combination of buttery cookies and sweet, gooey pecan filling. They look adorable and are perfect for sharing!
Honestly, who can resist such a cute twist on pecan pie? These little bites are super simple to whip up, and they disappear quickly at gatherings. Perfect for a sweet craving! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This is key for a flaky crust! If you’re looking for something less processed, consider using homemade pie crust or puff pastry instead. Both options give a nice texture.
Pecans: Chopped pecans add that wonderful nutty flavor that’s essential in pecan pie. If you’re allergic or don’t have any on hand, walnuts or almonds work as good substitutes.
Brown Sugar: This provides that rich sweetness and caramel taste we love. You can swap it for coconut sugar for a lighter option or use white sugar in case you’re out of brown sugar.
Corn Syrup: It keeps the filling gooey and sweet. If you want a healthier option, try using maple syrup or honey. Keep in mind that this might change the taste a little!
How Do You Create the Perfect Mini Tart Shells?
Shaping the crescent dough into tart shells can feel tricky, but here’s an easy way to do it! Make sure the muffin tin is well-greased for easy removal later.
- Start by cutting the dough into small squares for each muffin cup.
- Press each square into the bottom and edges. Don’t worry about it looking perfect – rustic is charming!
- Make sure they are about 1/8 inch thick so they bake evenly.
- Leave a small gap at the top to allow the filling to expand as it cooks.
Following these steps will help you make perfectly cute and tasty cookie bites every time!
How to Make Pecan Pie Cookie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (about 8 oz)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 12-15 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll spend around 25-30 minutes making these sweet treats, plus a little cooling time. Perfect for when you want a quick but impressive dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a mini muffin tin so the cookie bites come out easily later.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. To make the mini tart shells, cut each triangle into smaller squares. You should be able to get about three pieces per triangle. This will fit perfectly into the mini muffin cups.
3. Shape the Tart Shells:
Take each dough piece and press it into the bottom and up the sides of the muffin cup, forming a little shell. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect—just make sure they’re even. They’ll puff up beautifully while baking!
4. Mix the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until everything is well mixed and the pecans are evenly coated.
5. Fill the Shells:
Spoon a small amount of the pecan mixture into each dough-lined muffin cup. Fill them about two-thirds full, allowing some space for the filling to expand as it bakes.
6. Bake:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. The crust should turn golden brown, and the filling will bubble up nicely. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
7. Cool the Bites:
Once they’re done, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This helps them set. Carefully remove the cookie bites and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
If you want to add a sweet touch, dust the cooled cookie bites with powdered sugar. These adorable mini pecan pies are now ready to serve! Perfect for holidays, parties, or just a sweet treat anytime!
Can I Use a Different Type of Dough?
Absolutely! If you’re not keen on crescent roll dough, you can use homemade pie crust or puff pastry instead. Just ensure to roll it out thin enough to fit in the mini muffin cups.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Pecan Pie Cookie Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, they can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to a month. Reheat in the oven for best results!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling a day ahead, then assemble and bake them fresh right before serving. Just remember to store the filling in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
What Other Nuts Can I Use?
If you don’t have pecans, feel free to substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of your favorite nuts! Just note that the flavor profile will change a bit, but they will still be delicious!
