Maple Pecan Cookies Recipe

Oh, I am so excited to share this delightful Maple Pecan Cookies Recipe with you! These cookies are everything you want in a treat—crisp edges, chewy centers, and that incredible nutty sweetness from toasted pecans glazed in pure maple syrup. The buttery, caramelized flavor combined with just the right touch of vanilla and maple extract makes these cookies unforgettable. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack or to impress at a gathering, this recipe will quickly become your go-to comfort cookie.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Maple Pecan Cookies Recipe plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and richness. From the browned butter’s nutty aroma to the maple syrup’s natural sweetness, every element is simple yet crucial.

• Chopped pecans (2 cups): Adds crunch and a toasty, buttery flavor crucial for these cookies.
• 100% pure maple syrup (¼ cup): Infuses the pecans with natural sweetness and that signature maple magic.
• Light brown sugar (2 tablespoons + ¾ cup): Provides moisture and a mild caramel undertone that complements the nuts.
• Sea salt (¼ teaspoon and 1 teaspoon): Enhances sweetness and balances flavors perfectly.
• All-purpose flour (1¾ cups): The foundation that gives these cookies their structure.
• Malted milk powder (2 tablespoons): Adds a depth of flavor and helps with that tender texture.
• Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Gives a slight lift for a perfect chew.
• Unsalted butter (14 tablespoons): Browned to perfection, it brings a rich, nutty dimension.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup): Balances the brown sugar and adds crispness.
• Vanilla bean paste (2 teaspoons): Brings fragrant warmth that’s simply irresistible.
• Maple extract (½ teaspoon): Boosts that classic maple flavor without overwhelming.
• Large eggs (1 whole + 1 yolk): Create the perfect chewy texture and glossy batter.
• Vanilla simple syrup (¼ cup): Adds a shiny, sweet glaze on top.
• Flaky sea salt: A final sprinkle for crunch and flavor contrast.

How to Make Maple Pecan Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Toast and Candy the Pecans

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. In a skillet, combine your chopped pecans with pure maple syrup, light brown sugar, and sea salt. Cook over medium heat until the nuts are glossy and coated but not sticky—this step transforms the nuts into irresistibly candied morsels that will add that signature crunch and flavor to your cookies. Let them cool on parchment to firm up.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

While your pecans are cooling, whisk together the flour, malted milk powder, and baking soda in a bowl. This dry mix lays the groundwork for your cookie dough’s tender crumb and subtle maltiness.

Step 3: Brown the Butter

The butter is where the magic really starts. Melt 10 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook until foamy with delicious browned bits forming—this nutty aroma is so dreamy! Then stir in the remaining 4 tablespoons until melted and transfer the whole buttery treasure to your mixing bowl.

Step 4: Mix Sugars and Flavorings

Combine the browned butter with light brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla bean paste, salt, and maple extract. Mix well until smooth—the sugars begin dissolving into the warm butter, creating a luxuriously rich base.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Create the Batter

In goes one whole egg and an extra egg yolk for moisture and richness. Whisk the mixture, then be patient—let the batter rest and whisk a few times more until it’s smooth, thick, and shiny, just like caramel sauce. This step ensures your cookies have that delicate chew.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold your dry ingredient mixture into the wet batter with a spatula or paddle attachment. The dough might seem soft but trust the process—this softness means your cookies will bake up tender.

Step 7: Fold in the Candied Pecans

Carefully mix in most of your cooled candied pecans but save some for topping each cookie. This gives every bite that perfect burst of maple-glazed nutty joy.

Step 8: Scoop and Bake

Drop generous spoonfuls of dough about 3 inches apart on your parchment-lined baking sheets. Top each with reserved pecans. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through to ensure even baking. Watch as the cookies puff, spread, and take on a beautiful golden color.

Step 9: Shape and Finish

When cookies come out of the oven, quickly use a round biscuit cutter to shape their edges—this step makes each cookie look as pretty as it tastes. Let them cool briefly before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling. Don’t forget to brush warm cookies with vanilla simple syrup and sprinkle flaky sea salt for that irresistible sweet-salty contrast!

How to Serve Maple Pecan Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

To add a little extra sparkle and texture, sprinkle a few more candied pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top before serving. A tiny drizzle of maple syrup on each plate can also elevate the experience, making each bite feel special.

Side Dishes

This cookie pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, creamy chai tea, or a tall glass of cold milk. For a truly indulgent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the sweet and nutty flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Present these Maple Pecan Cookies by stacking them neatly on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra maple syrup and sea salt flakes. Wrapping a few in parchment tied with twine makes for an adorable gift. You can also sandwich them with caramel or maple buttercream for an exciting twist that will wow anyone lucky enough to try them.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your baked Maple Pecan Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days, maintaining their chewy, buttery goodness.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

To enjoy your cookies warm, pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This revives the chewy texture and melts the butter just enough to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feeling.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or hazelnuts also work wonderfully in this Maple Pecan Cookies Recipe, providing a different but equally delicious nutty crunch.

Is the maple extract necessary?

While the extract boosts the maple flavor, you can omit it if you prefer a more subtle taste. The pure maple syrup still shines beautifully on its own.

Why do you brown the butter instead of just melting it?

Browning the butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that complements the pecans perfectly and elevates the cookie’s overall taste beyond a simple butter cookie.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum for texture, or add it separately.

What’s the purpose of the vanilla simple syrup glaze?

The glaze adds a beautiful sheen and a subtle extra layer of vanilla sweetness, while the flaky sea salt sprinkled on top provides a lovely contrast that makes these cookies unforgettable.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Maple Pecan Cookies Recipe a try because every bite feels like a warm hug mixed with a little sweet celebration. Once you taste that nutty, caramelized butter and genuine maple syrup flavor, I promise these cookies will become an adored staple in your baking rotation. Happy baking and even happier snacking!

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