Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten your fall days, you’ve come to the right place! These Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavors that scream autumn. With their warm notes of pumpkin and spices, paired with the sweet drizzle of maple icing, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cozy night in, or just because you deserve something sweet, this recipe has got you covered.

I love how easy these cookies are to whip up. They require simple ingredients and minimal effort, making them perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Plus, the combination of maple and pecans gives them a unique twist that will impress everyone who takes a bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a handful of steps, you can have these cookies ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love helping out and enjoying these tasty treats after school.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch ahead of time and store them for when that cookie craving hits.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of pumpkin, maple syrup, and pecans creates an irresistible taste that’s perfect for fall.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just an afternoon snack, these cookies fit right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather up our simple, wholesome ingredients! You might already have many of these staples in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies:

For the Cookies

• 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 Icing

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup chopped pecans

Variations

This recipe is super flexible! Feel free to get creative with it. Here are some fun variations you might enjoy:

• Add Chocolate Chips: If you’re a chocolate lover, toss in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor.
• Swap Nuts: Don’t have pecans? Try walnuts or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option!
• Spice It Up: Add some nutmeg or ginger for an additional spice kick that enhances the fall flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend to make this treat suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.

How to Make Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This step is crucial as it ensures even baking once your cookie dough is ready.

Step 2: Prepare the Butter

Take the unsalted butter out of the refrigerator so it can soften while you prepare other ingredients. Room temperature butter is key for creating light and fluffy cookies.

Step 3: Gather Ingredients

While waiting on the butter, gather all your ingredients and tools. It makes the process smoother and more enjoyable when everything is at hand!

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cloves, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk well to ensure everything is evenly distributed. This step helps build flavor right from the start!

Step 5: Chop Pecans

Chop your pecans and divide them in half. Half will be folded into the dough while the other half will be sprinkled on top after icing. This adds nice texture both inside and out!

Step 6: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter with white sugar and dark brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes. This creates air pockets that make your cookies soft.

Step 7: Blot Pumpkin Puree

Blotting your pumpkin puree is essential to remove excess moisture. Just place it between paper towels before adding it into your mixture; this helps prevent overly wet dough.

Step 8: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add in the egg, maple syrup, and blotted pumpkin puree to your creamed mixture. Mix on medium/high speed for about two minutes until everything is well combined.

Step 9: Combine Dry & Wet Mixtures

Gradually add one-third of your dry ingredients into the wet mixture at low speed. Repeat until all ingredients are combined without overmixing; this keeps cookies tender!

Step 10: Fold in Pecans

Gently fold in half of your chopped pecans into the dough using a spatula. This ensures they are evenly distributed throughout each cookie.

Step 11: Scoop Dough onto Sheet

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to form balls of dough—about two tablespoons each—and space them about two inches apart on a large cookie sheet.

Step 12: Bake

Pop those cookies into the preheated oven for about 13-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be lightly golden around the edges.

Step 13: Cool Down

Once baked, transfer your cookies to a cooling rack resting on another cookie sheet to catch any drips from icing later!

Step 14: Make Maple Icing

While they cool down completely, whisk together powdered sugar with maple syrup and spices until smooth; this will create a delicious glaze!

Step 15: Ice & Sprinkle

Drizzle icing over cooled cookies then sprinkle remaining chopped pecans immediately so they stick well! I recommend doing just a few at a time since icing dries quickly.

Step 16: Enjoy!

Now comes my favorite part—enjoying these Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies! They’re best shared with friends or family over warm drinks while reminiscing about cozy fall days.

Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

Baking can be a delightful experience, and with these handy tips, you’ll ensure your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your butter and egg are at room temperature helps create a smooth batter, allowing the ingredients to blend seamlessly for light and fluffy cookies.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the soft texture we desire.
• Chill Your Dough (Optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavors and prevent spreading, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Adjust Baking Time as Needed: Every oven is different! Start checking your cookies around the 13-minute mark. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
• Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They also freeze well; just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking!

How to Serve Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

These delightful cookies not only taste wonderful but also look great on any dessert table! Present them with care and enjoy their festive charm.

Garnishes

• Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of caramel sauce adds an extra sweet touch and complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream offers a light, airy finish that pairs perfectly with the rich maple icing.
• Cranberry Sprinkles: Add a pop of color and tartness with some dried cranberries sprinkled on top for a beautiful contrast against the icing.

Side Dishes

• Warm Apple Cider: The warm spices in apple cider echo those in your cookies, making it a cozy pairing for fall gatherings.
• Pumpkin Spice Latte: Enjoying these cookies alongside a pumpkin spice latte will enhance their flavors and create a comforting coffee break.
• Spiced Chai Tea: The warmth of spiced chai tea complements the sweetness of your cookies while adding a fragrant touch to any afternoon snack or dessert spread.
• Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses—like creamy brie or sharp cheddar—provides a savory balance against sweet cookies, making for an interesting flavor combination.

Now that you’re equipped with tips and serving suggestions, it’s time to bake these Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are a fantastic treat to prepare in advance, making them perfect for meal prep or last-minute gatherings. With proper storage, they can maintain their delicious flavor and soft texture for days!

Storing Leftovers

• Place cooled cookies in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, you can refrigerate the cookies.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

If you have questions about making these delightful treats, you’re in the right place!

Can I use another type of nut instead of pecans in Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies?

Absolutely! You can substitute walnuts or even add chocolate chips if you prefer a different flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the quantities according to your taste.

How do I make Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking. The texture should remain deliciously soft!

What makes Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies so special?

The combination of pumpkin puree with maple syrup creates a moist cookie base, while the pecans add the perfect crunch. It’s a delightful fall treat that embodies cozy flavors and aromas.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies as much as I do! They are a wonderful way to bring warmth and joy into your kitchen during the fall season. Whether it’s for a gathering or just because you love cookies, this recipe is sure to please. Happy baking!