How to Make Smart Cookie's Southern Pecan Pie Bars

Let's get nutty!

They're everything you love about sweet and nutty pecan pie but in an easy-to-make-and-serve bar cookie with a rich and buttery shortbread crust. We'll share Smart Cookie's recipe along with top tips and a helpful how-to video.

MasterChef alum, Elise Mayfield — aka Smart Cookie — pays homage to her Southern roots with this surprisingly easy recipe. It'll be a great addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table, along with all those pies. And if you're bringing a dessert to a potluck, these bars are a perfect take-along.

Get the recipe: Southern Pecan Pie Bars

"With pecans being native to the southern United States, this easy bar version of the classic pie is perfect for Thanksgiving. Pair the proverbial nut with Golden Eagle syrup, an Alabama specialty, and this dessert is as Southern as they come." — Smart Cookie

Watch the video to see it all come together:

Smart Cookie's Top Tips:

1. Your prebaked shortbread crust should be a little bit golden brown when it comes out of the oven, and don't worry about any cracks.
2. Leave the baked bars in the pan to chill completely before you lift them out to slice.
3. Make sure that when you line your baking pan with parchment paper, you leave a little extra overhanging on each side so you can use it to easily lift the baked bars out of the pan.