Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe

These scrumptious little cookies are like bite-sized pecans pies. The method is simple and easy. It would make a great project for children. Do plan ahead for chilling time. You may wish to experiment with other types of nuts, including walnuts, macadamia nuts, or peanuts.  

Yield: 4-1/2 dozen 

Ingredients:

•1 cup butter, softened

•1/2 cup sugar

•1/2 cup dark corn syrup

•2 large eggs, separated

•2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

•1/4 cup butter

•1/2 cup powdered sugar

•3 Tablespoons dark corn syrup

•3/4 cup finely chopped pecans 

Preparation: 

Beat 1 cup butter and sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add 1/2 cup corn syrup and egg yolks, beating well. Gradually stir in flour; cover and chill 1 hour. 

Melt 1/4 cup butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat; stir in powdered sugar and 3 tablespoons corn syrup. Cook, stirring often, until mixture boils. Remove from heat. Stir in pecans; chill 30 minutes. Shape mixture by 1/2 teaspoonfuls into 1/4-inch balls; set aside. 

Preheat oven to 375 F. Shape cookie dough into 1-inch balls; place 2 inches apart on lightly greased baking sheets. Beat egg whites until foamy; brush on dough balls. 

Bake at 375 F for 6 minutes. Remove from oven, and place pecan balls in center of each cookie. Bake 8 to 10 more minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool 5 minutes on baking sheets. Remove cookies to wire racks, and cool completely. Freeze up to 1 month, if desired. 

Yield: 4-1/2 dozen

Recipe Source: http://homecooking.about.com/od/cookierecipes/r/blcookie120.htm