Pecan Pie Cookies

1 . Stage

To make the filling: Melt 1/4 cup of butter in a saucepan; stir in confectioners' sugar and corn syrup until sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring often, then stir in pecans until combined. Refrigerate the filling for 30 minutes to chill.

2 . Stage

To make the cookies: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Sift flour and baking powder together in a bowl; set aside.

3 . Stage

Beat brown sugar, 3/4 cup butter, egg, and vanilla extract in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually beat in flour mixture to form a dough.

4 . Stage

Pinch off about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into a ball; press into the bottom of an ungreased cupcake pan cup so it lines the bottom and sides, like a pie crust. Repeat with remaining dough. Fill each crust with about 1 teaspoon of the prepared pecan filling.

5 . Stage

Bake in the preheated oven until the cookie shells are lightly browned, 10 to 13 minutes. Watch closely after 10 minutes. Let the cookies cool in the pans briefly before removing to a wire rack to finish cooling. Lori