Maple Pecan Cookies: Easy Fall Recipe with 7 Ingredients

Maple Pecan Cookies are a delightful combination of sweet maple syrup and crunchy pecans, bringing the warmth of fall into every bite. With a chewy texture and rich flavor profile, these cookies are an irresistible treat that is easy to make and perfect for cozy moments. The use of pure maple syrup instead of maple extract elevates the taste, giving these cookies a deep, authentic maple flavor. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just craving something sweet, these maple pecan cookies are sure to be a hit.

Why Maple Pecan Cookies Are the Ultimate Fall Dessert

Maple Pecan Cookies are more than just delicious — they offer a perfect balance of flavors that complement each other beautifully. The warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg provide a comforting backdrop to the rich maple syrup, while the pecans add a satisfying crunch. These cookies are easy to bake, making them an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced bakers. They also make for a great seasonal treat, ideal for sharing with loved ones during the fall months.

Ingredients for Maple Pecan Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing cookies:

• All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough that provides structure and texture.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become soft and chewy.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth of flavor, a must for fall treats.
• Nutmeg: A fragrant spice that complements the cinnamon.
• Unsalted butter: Contributes to the cookies’ rich, soft texture.

• Dark brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together for a cohesive dough.
• Pure maple syrup: The star ingredient, providing the unique maple flavor.
• Chopped pecans: Add texture and a nutty crunch that pairs perfectly with maple.
• Cream cheese (optional for icing): Adds richness to the optional drizzle.
• Powdered sugar (optional for icing): Sweetens the cream cheese icing for a decadent touch.
• Milk (optional for icing): Helps achieve the right consistency for the icing.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking to make a few substitutions based on personal preference or dietary needs, here are some options:

• Pecans: If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be used for a similar texture and crunch.
• Maple syrup: Try using a different natural sweetener like honey or agave if you’re looking for a twist on the flavor.
• Cream cheese icing: If you want to skip the icing, these cookies are delicious without it, or you could use a light glaze made with powdered sugar and water for a less rich option.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Maple Pecan Cookies

1. Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheet: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Combine the dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and dark brown sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg, followed by the maple syrup, and continue mixing until everything is fully incorporated.
4. Incorporate the dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
5. Add the pecans: Stir in the chopped pecans. If you prefer smaller pieces, crush the larger chunks before adding them to the dough.
6. Scoop and bake: Use a large cookie scoop to portion the dough into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 3 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the centers are soft.
7. Shape the cookies (optional): If the cookies don’t come out perfectly round, use a circular tool like a sifter or biscuit cutter to gently scoot the edges of the warm cookies into shape.
8. Cool and serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. For an extra touch, drizzle with the optional cream cheese icing after they’ve completely cooled.

Expert Tips for Perfect Maple Pecan Cookies

• Use room temperature ingredients: To ensure that the butter and egg mix smoothly with the other ingredients, let them come to room temperature before you start baking.
• Don’t overbake: Remove the cookies when the edges are just starting to turn tan. The centers may still appear soft, but they will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet.
• Use pure maple syrup: Avoid using pancake syrup, as it contains additional sugars and artificial flavors that will affect the taste and texture of your cookies.

Storing and Serving Maple Pecan Cookies

These Maple Pecan Cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

These cookies are delicious on their own, but they can be enhanced with some great pairings. Try them with a cup of hot apple cider or a cozy fall latte for the perfect treat. You can also add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra burst of flavor. If you want to make them a bit more decadent, drizzle them with caramel or serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert everyone will love.

Maple Pecan Cookies: A Sweet Fall Tradition

These Maple Pecan Cookies are the epitome of fall baking. With the warm spices, rich maple syrup, and the nutty crunch of pecans, they’re sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re sharing them at a holiday gathering or simply enjoying them with a hot beverage, these cookies offer a taste of autumn in every bite. Try them today and enjoy the perfect blend of flavor and texture!

Conclusion: Why Maple Pecan Cookies Are a Must-Bake Fall Treat

Maple Pecan Cookies offer the perfect blend of rich maple flavor, warm spices, and crunchy pecans, making them an ideal treat for the fall season. Their chewy texture and simple yet comforting ingredients make them a go-to recipe for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a cozy night in, or a holiday celebration. With easy-to-follow steps and expert tips to ensure the best results, these cookies are a great addition to your baking repertoire. Don’t wait until next fall—bake a batch of Maple Pecan Cookies today and enjoy the cozy flavors of autumn in every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

More Relevant Recipes

• Maple Brown Sugar Cookies: These cookies combine the warm flavors of maple syrup and brown sugar, making them a perfect follow-up to the Maple Pecan Cookies. The soft, chewy texture and sweet flavor make them an excellent fall treat, similar to the original recipe but with a hint of extra caramelization from the brown sugar.
• Pecan Pie Bark Recipe: For those who love the combination of pecans and sweet syrupy goodness, this pecan pie bark offers a delightful alternative. With a rich, crunchy base of pecans and a sweet coating, it shares the same nutty profile as the Maple Pecan Cookies, making it a great addition to your fall baking collection.
• Irresistible Pecan Pie Bark: Another variation of the pecan pie theme, this recipe features a crunchy bark that pairs perfectly with the chewy texture of the Maple Pecan Cookies. It’s an easy-to-make treat that highlights the same delicious pecan flavor with a bit of indulgent sweetness, perfect for any dessert table.

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