Thanks so much for being here! I’ve got a treat for you today that’s the perfect bite-sized blend of chewy cookie, gooey center, and nutty crunch—these Gooey Pecan Cookie Cups are the kind of simple bake that turns into a forever favorite.
These little cookie cups are everything: crispy on the edges, soft in the center, and packed with sweet brown sugar and buttery pecans. And the best part? They come together fast with ingredients you probably already have on hand. No chilling, no fancy tools—just warm, gooey comfort in every bite.
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Why You’ll Love These Cookie Cups
- 🧈 Brown sugar + butter = melt-in-your-mouth richness
- 🥚 One bowl, no mixer needed!
- 🥜 Loaded with pecans for the perfect nutty crunch
- ⏱️ Fast & fuss-free – baked and ready in 20 minutes
- 🎁 Perfect for parties, gifting, or cozy nights in
What Do They Taste Like?
Imagine a warm pecan pie meets your favorite soft cookie. These cups are buttery, rich, and slightly caramelized thanks to the brown sugar, with just the right amount of gooeyness in the middle. The edges bake up golden and chewy, and those toasted pecans give a satisfying little crunch in every bite.
They’re dangerously good—don’t say I didn’t warn you. 😍
🛒 Ingredients
For the Cookie Base:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark—your choice!)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup chopped pecans
🧁 Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Mini muffin tin
- Cooking spray or paper liners
- Cooling rack (optional but helpful)
👩🍳 Instructions – Step by Step
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or line with paper liners.
2. Make the Dough
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar, stirring until smooth and glossy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Stir in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
Fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
3. Fill the Cups
Spoon the dough into each mini muffin cup, filling about ¾ full. Don’t overfill—they rise!
4. Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set but still soft. (Don’t overbake if you want that gooey center!)
5. Cool & Serve
Let the cookie cups cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then gently remove and transfer to a wire rack—or serve them warm straight from the pan. ✨
💡 Tips & Variations
- For extra gooey centers: Bake on the lower end of the time range and let cool slightly before digging in.
- Add chocolate chips or caramel bits for a twist!
- Top with a pecan half before baking for extra flair.
- Use a standard muffin tin for larger cookie cups—just increase bake time by a few minutes.
What to Serve With Gooey Pecan Cookie Cups
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- A drizzle of caramel sauce
- Your favorite hot coffee, cocoa, or tea
- A glass of milk for classic cookie-dunking fun
Storage Tips
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookie cups for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or warm in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that gooey texture.
FAQs
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Yes! Walnuts work great and offer a similar texture and flavor profile.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. This recipe doubles easily for a bigger batch—great for holidays or gifting.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Nope! These are mix-and-bake, making them perfect for last-minute cravings.
In Conclusion
These Gooey Pecan Cookie Cups are the kind of treat that hits all the right notes—soft, chewy, gooey, and just the right amount of nutty. They’re fast, easy, and guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering. (Pro tip: make a double batch. Just trust me.)
🥜 Want more mini sweet treats? Check out:
- Mini Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups
- Brownie Bites with Sea Salt
- Caramel Turtle Pretzel Bites
🍪 Show Me Your Cookie Cups!
If you bake these, I’d love to see your creations! Share a photo on Pinterest, leave a review below, or tag me with #GooeyCookieMagic. Did you go classic, add chocolate, or top with extra pecans? Let me know how you made them your own!
Nutritional Info (Approximate Per Cookie Cup – 1 of 24)
Calories: ~120
Fat: 7g
Carbs: 14g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 1g
Sodium: ~60mg
Thanks again for baking with me today! May your cookies always be golden on the edges and gooey in the middle. 🧡🍪
