When the craving for something sweet and indulgent strikes, these Maple Pecan Cookies are the perfect answer. Featuring warm spices, rich maple syrup, and crunchy pecans, these cookies are soft, flavorful, and just the right amount of chewy. Add a drizzle of optional cream cheese icing for an extra layer of decadence, making these cookies ideal for special occasions or everyday treats.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 2½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup (113.5 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup (200 g) dark brown sugar, packed (light brown sugar works as well)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ½ cup (118.29 ml) pure maple syrup
- 1½ cups (163.5 g) chopped pecans
For the Optional Cream Cheese Icing
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg, whisking until well mixed. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and dark brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg, followed by the maple syrup, until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Gently fold in the chopped pecans for a nutty crunch.
2. Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
3. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
4. Shape and Bake
- Scoop the dough into 1½-tablespoon-sized balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Make the Cream Cheese Icing (Optional)
- In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, and milk until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, whisking until the icing is creamy and drizzle-able.
- Drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies or spread a thin layer on top.
Conclusion:
These Maple Pecan Cookies strike the perfect balance between cozy spices, sweet maple syrup, and crunchy pecans. Whether enjoyed on their own or topped with a tangy cream cheese icing, they’re bound to become a household favorite. Bake a batch for your next family gathering or keep them all to yourself for a comforting treat that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.
