Pecan Pie Bar Cookies
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Servings: 24 bars
Description
These Pecan Pie Bar Cookies are a delightful treat that never fails to impress! With a buttery shortbread crust and a rich, nutty pecan filling, these bars are perfect for any occasion. The sweet combination of honey, brown sugar, and vanilla complements the crunch of the pecans in every bite. These bars are not only a crowd-pleaser but also freeze beautifully, making them a great option for preparing ahead of time for large gatherings or holiday events. Every time I make them, Iโm asked for the recipe, and itโs always met with rave reviews.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 256.2 kcal |
| Fat Content | 16.6 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 6.9 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 26.8 mg |
| Sodium Content | 137.6 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 26.6 g |
| Fiber Content | 1.2 g |
| Sugar Content | 17.6 g |
| Protein Content | 2.1 g |
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Base
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter (softened) | 3/4 cup |
| Flour | 2 cups |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
For the Filling
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter (melted) | 1/2 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1 cup |
| Honey | 1/3 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp |
| Pecans (chopped) | 2 cups |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Shortbread Base
Begin by making the shortbread base. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 3/4 cup softened butter, 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to mix the ingredients until the dough becomes crumbly. -
Shape the Crust
Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking pan. Press the crumbly dough evenly into the base of the pan to form a compact layer. Ensure the dough is spread to the edges of the pan for even baking. -
Bake the Shortbread Crust
Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. The crust will act as the base for the rich pecan filling, so take care not to over-bake it. -
Prepare the Pecan Filling
While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 1/2 cup butter. Once the butter has melted, stir in 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/3 cup honey, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Simmer the mixture on low heat for about 1 minute, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the flavors to combine. -
Add the Pecans
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 2 cups of chopped pecans, ensuring they are well coated in the syrupy mixture. -
Assemble the Bars
Once the shortbread crust has baked, remove it from the oven. Pour the pecan filling over the hot crust and spread it out evenly to cover the entire surface. -
Bake the Pecan Bars
Return the pan to the oven and bake at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for an additional 20 minutes. The center of the bars should be bubbly, and the filling should be set when finished. -
Cool and Serve
Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut the bars into 24 pieces. The filling will firm up as it cools, making them easy to slice into perfect portions.
These Pecan Pie Bar Cookies are incredibly simple to prepare but packed with flavor. Whether youโre serving them at a family gathering, holiday dinner, or party, they are sure to be a hit. The combination of a buttery shortbread base and a gooey, nutty filling creates a decadent treat that will leave everyone asking for the recipe. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and frozen, making them a convenient option for busy days. Enjoy!
