Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. These delightful cookies combine the warm flavors of pumpkin and maple with a satisfying pecan crunch, making them an ideal choice for fall gatherings or cozy nights at home. Soft and fluffy, they are sure to impress your family and friends while being easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of pumpkin, maple, and spices makes these cookies irresistibly tasty.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, even novice bakers can whip up a batch without hassle.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a sweet snack at home.
• Soft and Fluffy Texture: These cookies melt in your mouth with each bite.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or spices for a personal touch.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Cookie scoop or measuring spoons
• Baking sheet
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients thoroughly.
• Electric Mixer: Saves time in creaming butter and sugars together for a perfect texture.
• Cookie Scoop: Helps achieve uniform cookie sizes, ensuring even baking.
• Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly without getting soggy on the bottom.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

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 (160°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Butter

Take the unsalted butter out of the refrigerator to bring it to room temperature. Let it sit out for about 20–30 minutes until it’s firm yet slightly yielding when pressed.

Step 3: Gather Your Ingredients

While waiting for the butter, gather all your ingredients and equipment on your countertop.

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 fully combined.

Step 5: Chop Pecans

Chop the pecans into small pieces and divide them in half—one half will go into the cookie dough, while the other half will be used as a topping later.

Step 6: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream together the room-temperature butter with both sugars for about 3–5 minutes. Occasionally scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are well-mixed.

Step 7: Blot Pumpkin Puree

To remove excess moisture from your pumpkin puree, place it in high-quality paper towels. Fold over the edges of the towels to absorb moisture effectively.

Step 8: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add:
1. Egg
2. Maple syrup
3. Blotted pumpkin puree

Mix these at medium/high speed for about 2 minutes until blended well.

Step 9: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add one-third of your dry mixture into your wet mixture at low speed. Repeat this process until all ingredients are combined.

Step 10: Add Pecans to Dough

Fold half of your chopped pecans into the cookie dough using a spatula until evenly distributed.

Step 11: Form Cookie Balls

Using a cookie scoop or round measuring spoon, form balls of dough that are approximately two tablespoons each. Place them about two inches apart on a large baking sheet.

Step 12: Bake Cookies

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 13–15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.

Step 13: Cool Cookies

Once baked, transfer cookies onto a cooling rack placed over a cookie sheet to catch any drips.

Step 14: Make Maple Icing

While cookies are cooling, prepare your icing by mixing together:
1. Powdered sugar
2. Maple syrup
3. Ground cinnamon
4. Ground cloves

Whisk until smooth.

Step 15: Ice Cookies

After cooling completely, drizzle icing over each cookie and sprinkle with remaining chopped pecans while icing is still wet so they stick.

Step 16: Enjoy!

Your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are ready! Enjoy them fresh or store them in an airtight container for later deliciousness!

How to Serve Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these cookies can elevate any occasion.

With a Warm Beverage

• Coffee – Pair these cookies with a cup of freshly brewed coffee for a delightful morning treat.
• Tea – Enjoy with your favorite herbal or spiced tea to complement the warm flavors of pumpkin and maple.

As a Dessert Platter

• Cookie Assortment – Include Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies on a dessert platter alongside other seasonal treats for an appealing array.
• Cheese Board – Add them to a cheese board for a sweet contrast to savory cheeses and nuts.

For Special Occasions

• Festive Events – Serve these cookies at fall gatherings, Halloween parties, or Thanksgiving celebrations to impress your guests.
• Gift Giving – Package them in decorative boxes as thoughtful homemade gifts during the holiday season.

How to Perfect Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

To ensure your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Make sure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough – Mix just until combined to keep the cookies soft and fluffy; overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
• Blot Pumpkin Puree – Remove excess moisture from pumpkin puree by blotting it with paper towels, ensuring your cookies aren’t too wet.
• Bake in Batches – Bake one tray at a time to ensure even cooking; if using multiple trays, rotate them halfway through baking.
• Cool Completely Before Icing – Allow cookies to cool fully before adding icing. This prevents the icing from melting into the cookie.

Best Side Dishes for Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies pair well with various side dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Here are some delicious options:

1. Apple Crisp – The sweetness of baked apples complements the spices in the cookies beautifully.
2. Pecan Pie Bars – These bars echo the nutty flavor of pecans and add richness to your dessert table.
3. Cranberry Sauce – A tart cranberry sauce provides a refreshing contrast that balances sweetness well.
4. Pumpkin Spice Latte – This seasonal drink enhances the pumpkin flavor and offers a cozy pairing for your cookies.
5. Chocolate Chip Muffins – The chocolate adds indulgence while still maintaining the fall theme of flavors.
6. Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of creamy ice cream is perfect for serving alongside warm cookies, creating a delightful dessert experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some tips to help you avoid them:

• Using cold butter: Cold butter will not cream well with the sugars, resulting in dense cookies. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for optimal mixing.
• Skipping the blotted pumpkin puree: Excess moisture from pumpkin puree can lead to soggy cookies. Always blot it with paper towels before mixing.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can develop gluten, making the cookies tough instead of fluffy. Mix just until combined.
• Not spacing cookies properly: Cookies need room to spread while baking. Space them at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
• Ignoring cooling time: Icing warm cookies can cause the icing to melt away. Allow cookies to cool completely before adding icing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

• Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat a cookie for about 10-15 seconds on medium power. Avoid overheating as it can lead to dry cookies.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a covered pan over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies that may help you:

What makes Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies so special?

These cookies combine the warmth of pumpkin, sweetness of maple syrup, and crunch of pecans, creating a delightful fall treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Can I use other nuts in this recipe?

Yes! While pecans add a unique flavor, walnuts or almonds can also work well if you prefer those options.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips can give your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies an extra layer of flavor. Just fold them in along with the chopped pecans.

How should I store my Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about 5 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are not only soft and fluffy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them by adding different nuts or chocolate chips based on your preference. Perfect for enjoying on a cool fall day, they are sure to impress friends and family alike. Don’t hesitate to try this delicious recipe and share it with loved ones!