Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly blend the flavors of fall. These soft and fluffy cookies bring together the sweetness of maple syrup, the warmth of pumpkin puree, and the crunch of pecans. Ideal for cozy gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea on a chilly day, these cookies are sure to impress with their unique taste and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: These cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for novice bakers and busy kitchens alike.
- Unique flavor combination: The mix of pumpkin, maple syrup, and pecans creates a deliciously different cookie experience.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a festive celebration, these cookies fit right in.
- Soft and fluffy texture: Each bite melts in your mouth, offering a comforting treat that everyone will love.
- Customizable toppings: You can add your favorite nuts or even chocolate chips for a personal twist!
Tools and Preparation
Before getting started with your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies, gather all the necessary tools and ingredients. Having everything ready will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Cookie scoop or measuring spoons
- Baking sheets
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients evenly to achieve that perfect cookie dough consistency.
- Electric or stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugars effortless, ensuring a light texture in your cookies.
- Rubber spatula: Helps scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl to incorporate all ingredients fully.
- Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking and presentation.
Ingredients
Yield: 20 cookies
These soft, fluffy cookies with pumpkin, maple, and a pecan crunch will melt in your mouth. Perfect for a cool fall day!
For the Cookie Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 & ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ¾ cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- ⅔ cup pumpkin puree, blotted
For the Maple Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
How to Make Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Butter
Take the unsalted butter out of the refrigerator so it can come to room temperature. Leave it out for 20–30 minutes until it’s firm yet slightly soft when pressed.
Step 3: Gather Ingredients
While waiting for the butter, gather all your ingredients and tools. This makes the baking process smoother.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Flour
2. Baking powder
3. Ground cloves
4. Ground cinnamon
5. Salt
Whisk these ingredients well until they are fully combined.
Step 5: Chop Pecans
Chop your pecans into small pieces and divide them in half — one half for mixing into the dough and one half for topping later.
Step 6: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using an electric or stand mixer on medium speed, cream together:
1. Room temperature butter
2. White sugar
3. Dark brown sugar
Mix for about 3–5 minutes until light and fluffy. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides as needed.
Step 7: Blot Pumpkin Puree
To remove excess moisture from your pumpkin puree:
1. Place high-quality paper towels in a small bowl.
2. Add pumpkin puree on top.
3. Fold the paper towels over to soak up moisture.
Step 8: Add Wet Ingredients
Add to your creamed mixture:
1. Egg
2. Maple syrup
3. Blotted pumpkin puree
Mix on medium/high speed for about 2 minutes until fully combined.
Step 9: Combine Dry with Wet Ingredients
Gradually add one-third of your dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture:
1. Mix on low speed.
2. Repeat until all dry ingredients are incorporated.
Step 10: Fold in Pecans
Gently fold half of your chopped pecans into the cookie dough using a spatula.
Step 11: Scoop Cookie Dough
Using a cookie scoop or measuring spoon, portion out approximately two tablespoons of dough per cookie:
1. Space them about 2 inches apart on a large baking sheet.
Step 12: Bake Cookies
Place the cookie sheet in your preheated oven:
Bake for about 13–15 minutes until lightly golden around the edges.
Step 13: Cool Cookies
Transfer baked cookies onto a cooling rack with a cookie sheet underneath to catch any drips.
Step 14: Make Maple Icing
While cooling, prepare your icing by whisking together:
1. Powdered sugar
2. Maple syrup
3. Ground cinnamon
4. Ground cloves
Combine until smooth.
Step 15: Ice Cookies
Once cooled, drizzle each cookie with icing and sprinkle remaining chopped pecans on top while icing is still wet for better adherence.
Step 16: Enjoy!
Your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are now ready to be devoured! Enjoy them fresh or store them in an airtight container for later treats!
How to Serve Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies
Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Their soft texture and rich flavors make them a perfect fall dessert. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.
Pair with a Warm Beverage
- Coffee: The rich bitterness of coffee complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
- Hot Chocolate: Enjoy these cookies with a cozy cup of hot chocolate for a comforting treat.
- Chai Tea: The spices in chai tea pair beautifully with the cinnamon and cloves in the cookies.
Create a Dessert Platter
- Mix and Match: Arrange your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies alongside other seasonal treats like gingerbread or apple pie for a festive dessert spread.
- Garnish with Fresh Fruits: Add slices of pear or apple to your platter for a fresh contrast to the sweet cookies.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent dessert.
- Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream: Elevate the flavors by using pumpkin spice ice cream, making it a seasonal delight.
How to Perfect Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies
To achieve the best results with your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies, follow these helpful tips for perfecting your baking technique.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined to keep your cookies soft and fluffy.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much flour, which can lead to dense cookies.
- Chill Cookie Dough (Optional): If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Watch Baking Time Closely: Ovens may vary; start checking cookies at 13 minutes to prevent overbaking.
- Cool Completely Before Icing: Allow cookies to cool fully before adding icing, ensuring it adheres properly.
Best Side Dishes for Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies
Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies can be complemented with various side dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Here are some delicious options to consider.
- Apple Cider: A warm glass of apple cider adds a sweet and spiced note that pairs well with pumpkin flavors.
- Cheese Platter: Include creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory contrast to sweet cookies.
- Roasted Nuts: Serve mixed roasted nuts as a crunchy side that echoes the pecan flavor in the cookies.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over cookies or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with berries and citrus provides freshness alongside rich cookies.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit as a refreshing accompaniment to your sweet treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making cookies can be fun, but there are a few common pitfalls that can lead to less than perfect results. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Accurate measurements ensure the right texture and flavor. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
- Skipping the room temperature butter: Cold butter doesn’t cream well with sugar, leading to dense cookies. Always let butter sit out for 20-30 minutes before mixing.
- Overmixing the dough: This can result in tough cookies. Mix just until the dry ingredients are combined with the wet ingredients.
- Not blotting pumpkin puree: Excess moisture can make cookies too wet. Blotting pumpkin helps achieve the right consistency.
- Baking at the wrong temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated correctly. Baking at too high or low temperatures affects cookie texture and doneness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- They can last up to one week when stored properly.
Freezing Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions related to Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies:
What makes Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies soft?
The combination of butter, pumpkin puree, and proper mixing methods creates a soft and fluffy texture.
Can I substitute other nuts in this recipe?
Yes! You can use walnuts or pecans interchangeably based on your preference.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Cookies should be lightly golden at the edges while still being soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
You can substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg replacement.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container either at room temperature or in the refrigerator for maximum freshness.
Final Thoughts
These Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Their soft texture combined with the sweet maple flavor makes them perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights at home. Feel free to customize them with different nuts or spices according to your taste!
Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies
Indulge in the comforting flavors of fall with Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies. These soft, fluffy cookies combine the sweetness of maple syrup with rich pumpkin puree and crunchy pecans, creating a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon with tea, these cookies are sure to impress. Easy to make and customizable, you can add your favorite nuts or chocolate chips for a personal touch. With their unique flavor combination and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they offer the ultimate autumn dessert experience.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 & ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ¾ cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- ⅔ cup pumpkin puree (blotted)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, cloves, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugars together until light and fluffy.
- Add in egg, maple syrup, and blotted pumpkin puree; mix until combined.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Fold in half of the chopped pecans.
- Scoop two tablespoons of dough per cookie onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes until lightly golden around the edges.
- Cool on a rack and drizzle with maple icing topped with remaining pecans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg