Cozy Maple Pecan Cookies Recipe: Fall’s Sweet Treat

Sweet aromas of buttery maple swirl through the kitchen when baking these delectable maple pecan cookies.

Nutty pecans add a delightful crunch to every soft, chewy bite.

The maple flavor weaves through the dough, creating a rich, warm sensation that promises comfort in each cookie.

Crisp edges give way to a tender center, making these treats irresistibly good.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, turning an ordinary afternoon into a delicious moment of pure joy.

These cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab a warm cookie and savor the delightful blend of maple and pecan that makes this recipe a true crowd-pleaser.

What Pairs with Maple Pecan Cookies

• Maple Bourbon Harmony: Pair these cookies with a smooth bourbon cocktail that echoes the rich maple notes, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
• Caramel Cappuccino Companion: Serve alongside a creamy cappuccino with a caramel drizzle, complementing the pecan's nutty warmth and cookie's sweet undertones.
• Vanilla Ice Cream Indulgence: Top a scoop of classic vanilla bean ice cream with crumbled cookie pieces for a decadent dessert that balances textures and temperatures.
• Spiced Chai Delight: Enjoy with a fragrant spiced chai latte, where the cinnamon and nutmeg in the cookie dance beautifully with the tea's warming spices.

Flavor Variations for Maple Cookies

• Gluten-Free Maple Pecan Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Vegan Maple Pecan Cookies: Swap butter for coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of a regular egg, and choose a plant-based cream cheese for the icing to create a dairy-free version.
• Keto-Friendly Maple Alternative: Substitute maple syrup with a sugar-free maple-flavored syrup and use almond flour instead of wheat flour to reduce carbohydrates for low-carb diets.
• Nut-Free Adaptation: Remove pecans and replace with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies, maintaining the cookie's original texture and flavor profile.

FAQs

• Why do the cookies look gooey in the center when baking?

The centers will look slightly underbaked because they continue cooking on the hot baking sheet after removal from the oven. This technique ensures a soft, chewy texture that makes these maple pecan cookies extra delicious.

• Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! You can substitute pecans with walnuts or chopped almonds. Just make sure to chop the nuts into similar-sized pieces to ensure even distribution in the cookie dough.

• How can I tell if the cookies are done baking?

Look for lightly golden edges while the center still appears slightly soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so don’t overbake them. Remove from the oven when the edges are just turning golden brown.

• Is it necessary to use dark brown sugar in this recipe?

Dark brown sugar provides a deeper, richer flavor compared to light brown sugar. However, if you only have light brown sugar, you can still use it – the cookies will just have a slightly milder caramel-like taste.

Why Maple Pecan Cookies Are a Seasonal Favorite

• These maple pecan cookies deliver a warm, nostalgic taste that feels like a hug from grandma's kitchen, making every bite pure comfort.
• With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these delicious cookies without stress or complicated techniques.
• Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend treats, these cookies appeal to both kids and adults with their rich, sweet maple flavor and crunchy pecan texture.
• Flexible recipe allows for creative variations like adding extra spices, drizzling different icings, or adjusting pecan quantities to suit personal taste preferences.

Maple Pecan Cookie Ingredient List

• All-Purpose Flour: A versatile baking staple that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
• Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Warm spices that add depth and a cozy flavor profile to the cookies.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich and tender base for the cookies.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and provides structure.
• Pure Maple Syrup: Delivers a distinctive sweet and natural flavor to the cookies.

• Pecans: Chopped nuts that add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the cookies.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Softened dairy ingredients that create a smooth and creamy base for the icing.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the icing.
• Milk: Adjusts the consistency of the icing for drizzling or dipping.

How to Make Maple Pecan Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350°F.

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper for hassle-free cleanup and easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until perfectly blended.

Set this fragrant mixture aside.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

In a large bowl, use a mixer to blend butter and brown sugar until fluffy and light.

Add egg and mix thoroughly.

Pour in maple syrup and combine until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture.

Mix gently until flour streaks almost disappear.

Use a spatula to scrape bowl sides.

Gently fold in chopped pecans by hand to keep dough tender.

Step 5: Shape Cookie Dough

Scoop dough using a large cookie scoop or tablespoon.

Place dough balls on prepared baking sheet, leaving 3 inches between each cookie to allow spreading.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Slide baking sheet into preheated oven.

Bake for 10-14 minutes until edges turn golden.

Centers will look slightly soft – this creates a deliciously chewy texture.

Step 7: Perfect Cookie Shape

While cookies are hot, use a round object like a biscuit cutter to shape edges if desired.

Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 8: Prepare Creamy Icing

In a small bowl, blend cream cheese and butter until silky smooth.

Gradually add powdered sugar and milk.

Mix until icing reaches a perfect drizzling consistency.

Step 9: Decorate Cookies

Drizzle or dip cooled cookies with prepared icing.

Enjoy your delectable maple pecan treats!

Tips for Maple Pecan Cookie Success

• Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined to keep the cookies tender and prevent a tough texture.
• Replace pecans with chopped walnuts or almonds for variety, or omit nuts entirely for nut-free cookie lovers.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to minimize excessive spreading and maintain a more compact cookie shape.
• Watch cookies closely during the last few minutes of baking to achieve that perfect light golden color without burning.
• Use a spoon or piping bag for precise icing drizzle, ensuring even coverage and a professional-looking finish on your maple pecan cookies.

How to Store and Reheat Maple Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Wrap individual cookies or the entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining their delicious maple pecan flavor.
• Keep cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring they remain soft and chewy. Avoid humid areas to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm refrigerated or frozen cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes to restore their fresh-baked warmth and softness.

Maple Pecan Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet maple flavor dances through these Maple Pecan Cookies, creating irresistible nutty comfort. Crisp edges and buttery richness invite cookie enthusiasts to savor each delightful crumb with pure pleasure.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113.5 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup (200 g) dark brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (118.29 ml) pure maple syrup

Nuts and Icing Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups (163.5 g) chopped pecans
• 1 tablespoon cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350°F and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup.
2. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a mixing bowl, then set aside this dry ingredient blend.
3. Using an electric mixer, whip butter and dark brown sugar until fluffy and aerated. Integrate the egg thoroughly, then gradually incorporate maple syrup until smoothly combined.
4. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing minimally to prevent overworking. Carefully blend in chopped pecans by hand, ensuring even distribution.
5. Scoop cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, positioning dollops approximately 3 inches apart to allow adequate spreading during baking.
6. Bake for 10-14 minutes until cookie edges turn golden. Centers will appear slightly soft, which is expected as cookies continue cooking on the residual heat of the baking sheet.
7. For uniform shape, use a round utensil to gently mold cookies while still warm. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
8. Prepare the icing by blending cream cheese and butter until silky. Progressively add powdered sugar and milk, whisking until achieving a smooth, drizzle-friendly consistency.
9. Embellish cooled cookies by drizzling or fully coating with the prepared cream cheese icing for an indulgent finish.

Notes

• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile for the cookies.
• Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smoother mixing and more consistent cookie texture.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create thicker, chewier cookies.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg