Buttery sugar cookies topped with rich pecan curd, whole pecans, and a sprinkle of chopped pecans for a nutty twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft, buttery cookies with a rich pecan curd topping.
Nutty and sweet — perfect for holidays or everyday treats.
Easy to make in under an hour.
Decorative and gift-worthy.
Pairs well with tea or coffee.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Pecan Curd:

• 1/2 cup finely ground pecans

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

• 1 large egg yolk

• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Toppings:

• Whole pecans

• Chopped pecans

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies

Directions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare Cookie Dough

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in egg and vanilla.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt, then mix into wet ingredients.

Step 4: Shape and Bake Cookies

Shape dough into balls, place on prepared sheet, flatten slightly, and bake 10–12 minutes. Cool completely.

Step 5: Make Pecan Curd

In a saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar, ground pecans, and cream. Whisk in egg yolk and cook until thick. Cool.

Step 6: Assemble Cookies

Pipe pecan curd onto cookies, top with a whole pecan, and sprinkle with chopped pecans.

Tips & Variations

• Use roasted pecans for deeper flavor.

• Substitute some butter with coconut oil for a subtle twist.

• Make ahead: cookies and curd can be prepared a day in advance and stored separately.

• Drizzle with chocolate for a festive look.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought pecan butter instead of making curd?
Yes, it will save time, but the texture and sweetness may differ slightly.

Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes. Freeze baked cookies (without curd) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Add curd after thawing.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Why is my pecan curd too runny?
Cook until thickened and make sure to cool completely before piping onto cookies.

Final Thoughts

Pecan Sugar Cookies are a delightful blend of buttery sweetness and nutty richness. Perfect for gifting, holiday trays, or everyday indulgence, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.