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Maple Pecan Cookies Recipe

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Try this easy Maple Pecan Cookies recipe with optional cream cheese icing. Perfect for any occasion!

  • Total Time: 25-29 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough:

  • 2½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and base of the cookies.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
  • ¾ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Complements the cinnamon with a slightly sweet and nutty taste.
  • ½ cup (113.5 g) unsalted butter, room temperature: Adds richness and a tender texture.
  • 1 cup (200 g) dark brown sugar, packed: Gives the cookies a deep, caramel-like sweetness. Light brown sugar works too.
  • 1 large egg, room temperature: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
  • ½ cup (118.29 ml) pure maple syrup: The star ingredient that infuses the cookies with a delightful maple flavor.
  • 1½ cups (163.5 g) chopped pecans: Adds a nutty crunch to every bite.

Cream Cheese Icing (Optional):

  • 1 tablespoon cream cheese, room temperature: Creates a creamy base for the icing.
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature: Adds richness and smoothness.
  • 1 tablespoon milk: Thins the icing to the perfect consistency for drizzling.
  • ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar: Sweetens and helps the icing set.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this dry mixture aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and dark brown sugar using a stand mixer or hand mixer for about 1-2 minutes, until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and mix until fully incorporated. Gradually mix in the pure maple syrup until well combined.

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the flour streaks are almost gone. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure everything is well incorporated. Fold in the chopped pecans by hand to avoid overmixing the dough.

2. Shape and Bake the Cookies

Using a large cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 3 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will still look slightly gooey—this is normal! The cookies will continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet after being removed from the oven, resulting in a soft, chewy texture.

If you prefer perfectly round cookies, use a round object like a sifter or biscuit cutter to gently shape them while they’re still hot. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing (Optional)

In a small bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and milk, mixing until the icing is smooth and of a drizzling consistency.

Drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies or dip them for a more indulgent treat.

Notes

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Serve these Maple Pecan Cookies on a decorative plate with a drizzle of cream cheese icing for a beautiful presentation. For a festive touch, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top or add a few whole pecans.

  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-14 minutes
  • Category: Christmas