Pecan Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

This incredible Pecan Pie Cobbler combines two beloved desserts into one show-stopping treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The gooey pecan pie filling nestled beneath a tender, buttery cobbler topping creates the ultimate comfort dessert that's perfect for holidays or any special occasion.

I first made this cobbler for Thanksgiving when I couldn't decide between pecan pie and cobbler for dessert. The happy accident became an instant family tradition, and now my relatives specifically request "that amazing pecan thing" at every gathering.

Ingredients

Pecan Pie Filling

• Corn syrup: Forms the classic gooey base that pecan pie lovers crave
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the filling
• Ground cinnamon and allspice: Provide gentle spice notes that complement the pecans
• Room temperature eggs: Help create the perfect custardy texture
• Light brown sugar: Adds rich caramel notes and helps the filling set properly
• Fisher pecans: Bring essential nutty flavor and satisfying crunch
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors

Cobbler Dough

• Gluten free or all-purpose flour: Creates the perfect tender crumb
• Baking powder: Ensures a light fluffy texture in the cobbler topping
• Ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice notes to complement the filling
• Sugar: Balances the cobbler and adds necessary sweetness
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the buttery flavor of the dough
• Cold butter: Creates those desirable flaky pockets in the cobbler
• Buttermilk: Adds tang and creates incredible tenderness
• Chopped Fisher pecans: Incorporated into the dough for texture and flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Dish:

Heat your oven to precisely 375°F for optimal baking. Take a 7x10 inch baking dish with at least 2½ inch sides and thoroughly butter it. The depth is crucial as this cobbler will bubble and rise during baking, and proper buttering prevents the sticky filling from cementing to your dish.

Create Pecan Pie Filling:

In a large bowl, combine corn syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, room temperature eggs, brown sugar, chopped pecans, allspice, and salt. Whisk everything until completely uniform with no streaks of egg visible. The mixture should be smooth but studded with pecans. Pour this luxurious mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, thoroughly whisk together your flour of choice, baking powder, cinnamon, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. This even distribution of leavening and spices ensures your cobbler topping will have consistent flavor and texture throughout. Take care to break up any clumps in the flour for a smoother dough.

Incorporate Butter:

Add cold butter pieces to your dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour until you achieve pea sized crumbs. This step is crucial for creating pockets of steam during baking that result in a light, flaky texture. The mixture should resemble coarse meal with visible butter pieces throughout.

Finish Cobbler Dough:

Pour buttermilk into your butter flour mixture and stir gently just until combined. Overmixing will develop gluten and create a tough cobbler, so use a light hand. Fold in the chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for consistent texture and flavor in every bite.

Top the Filling:

Using a spoon or cookie scoop for consistency, dollop the cobbler dough over the pecan filling in an even pattern. Leave some small gaps between dollops to allow steam to escape during baking and to showcase the beautiful filling bubbling through. The rustic appearance is part of the charm.

Bake to Perfection:

Place your assembled cobbler in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Look for a deeply golden brown cobbler top and bubbling filling around the edges. The filling will still have some movement in the center but will continue to set as it cools.

Cool and Serve:

Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 10 to 15 minutes. This resting period allows the filling to thicken to the perfect consistency and prevents burned mouths from the molten filling. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

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Fisher pecans are truly the star ingredient in this recipe. Their rich buttery flavor creates the foundation of this dessert, and their quality makes a noticeable difference. I learned from my grandmother that taking time to toast the pecans before adding them to the filling intensifies their flavor and adds another dimension to the cobbler.

Make Ahead and Storage

This cobbler can be prepared completely up to 24 hours in advance. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with foil. When ready to serve, reheat in a 300°F oven for about 20 minutes until warmed through. The cobbler will keep refrigerated for up to 4 days, though the topping may soften slightly over time. For longer storage, portion cooled cobbler into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own, this Pecan Pie Cobbler reaches new heights with thoughtful accompaniments. A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates the perfect hot and cold contrast, melting slightly into the warm cobbler. Freshly whipped cream with a touch of bourbon adds sophistication, while a light dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of caramel sauce creates a restaurant worthy presentation. For brunch applications, serve alongside strong coffee with a splash of cream.

Perfect Substitutions

If corn syrup isn't available, pure maple syrup makes an excellent substitute with a more complex flavor profile. No buttermilk? Create a quick version by adding 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. Walnuts can replace pecans for a different but equally delicious nutty flavor. For a gluten free version, ensure you use a quality 1 to 1 gluten free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for proper structure.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour in equal amounts for the gluten-free flour. The recipe specifically mentions this option, and the result will be equally delicious with either type of flour.

→ Why do the eggs need to be at room temperature?

Room temperature eggs mix more evenly into the filling and help it set properly during baking. Cold eggs can result in an uneven texture in your finished cobbler.

→ How do I know when the cobbler is done baking?

The cobbler is done when the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. This should take about 40-45 minutes at 375°F. The filling may still jiggle slightly in the center but will set as it cools.

→ Can I make this cobbler in advance?

Yes, you can prepare this cobbler a day ahead. After baking, let it cool completely, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat in a 300°F oven for about 15-20 minutes before serving for that fresh-baked taste and texture.

→ Why is cold butter important for the cobbler topping?

Cold butter is crucial because it creates pockets of steam when it melts during baking. These steam pockets result in a flakier, more tender cobbler crust. Using room temperature butter would create a denser, less appealing texture.

→ What can I serve with pecan pie cobbler?

This cobbler is delicious on its own but truly shines when served warm with vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream. The contrast between the warm cobbler and cold topping creates a delightful eating experience.