Vegan Caramel Pecan Cookies Recipe: Easy & Delicious

Craving a cookie that’s both decadent and completely vegan?

Get ready to fall in love with these irresistible Vegan Caramel Pecan Cookies! They’re chewy, packed with flavor, and surprisingly easy to make. Plus, they’re sure to impress anyone – vegan or not! These cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion, from cozy nights in to holiday gatherings.

Why You’ll Love It

• They’re utterly delicious with a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors.
• The chewy texture is simply divine, thanks to the secret ingredient (shhh, we’ll tell you later!).
• This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers.
• They’re the ideal treat to share with friends and family, making any gathering extra special.
• You can customize them with different nuts or toppings to suit your taste.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

What truly sets these Vegan Caramel Pecan Cookies apart is the use of a simple, homemade vegan caramel sauce that’s swirled into the dough. This caramel doesn’t just add sweetness; it creates a deep, rich flavor and that melt-in-your-mouth chewiness. Most vegan cookies rely on sugar alone, but the caramel takes these to a whole new level of deliciousness!

Ingredient List

• 1 cup (226g) vegan butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegan milk (such as almond, soy, or oat)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups (281g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (100g) pecans, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup vegan caramel sauce (see recipe below)

Key Ingredient Highlight: The vegan butter is key to achieving that classic cookie texture and rich flavor, while the vegan caramel sauce is the star of the show, giving these cookies their unique character.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the vegan milk and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Stir in the chopped pecans.
7. Spoon rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
8. Dollop a teaspoon of the vegan caramel sauce onto each cookie and use a toothpick or knife to swirl it gently into the dough.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are slightly soft.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Vegan Caramel Sauce Recipe:

Ingredients: 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup vegan heavy cream, 2 Tbsp vegan butter, pinch of salt. Directions: In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium-high heat without stirring. Once the sugar dissolves and turns amber, turn off heat. Carefully whisk in vegan cream, butter, and salt until smooth. Allow to cool.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Feel free to sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top of the cookies before baking to enhance the sweet and salty contrast. You could also add a drizzle of melted vegan chocolate after they’ve cooled for an extra touch of decadence.

Expert Tips

• Ensure your vegan butter is properly softened (not melted) for the best texture.
• Don’t overmix the dough; this can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Use a cookie scoop for uniformly sized cookies that bake evenly.
• Swirl the caramel gently; you don’t want to over mix it into the dough.
• Let the cookies cool completely on the wire rack to firm up and reach their perfect chewy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I substitute the pecans with another nut? Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds would be excellent substitutes.
• How do I store these cookies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for longer storage.
• Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature slightly before baking.
• What if I don’t have vegan caramel sauce? You can use a store bought vegan caramel sauce. If using a standard caramel, it won’t be vegan.
• Can I freeze the baked cookies? Yes, place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

Variations and Customization Options

Here are some ideas to make these cookies your own:

• Chocolate Lovers: Add ½ cup of vegan chocolate chips to the dough for an extra chocolatey treat.
• Spiced Delight: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Salted Caramel: Sprinkle a generous amount of flaky sea salt on top of the caramel before baking.
• Maple Option: Replace the brown sugar with maple sugar for a unique flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

These Vegan Caramel Pecan Cookies are perfect on their own with a glass of vegan milk or a cup of coffee. They’re also delightful served warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. They’re a fantastic addition to any cookie platter or holiday spread.

Conclusion

These Vegan Caramel Pecan Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a delightful experience. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and sure to impress anyone who tries them. So, what are you waiting for? Get baking and share the love (and the cookies!) with your friends and family. Don’t forget to share photos of your creations and let me know how they turned out!