Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, look no further than these Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies. The combination of pumpkin, maple syrup, and crunchy pecans creates a cookie that’s not just delicious but also comforting. These cookies are perfect for family gatherings, cozy evenings at home, or even as a sweet surprise for your colleagues at work. Trust me, they will disappear quickly!

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. Even if you’re not an experienced baker, you’ll find that these soft and fluffy cookies come together seamlessly. Plus, the warm spices will fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma that makes everyone feel right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Soft: These cookies are soft and fluffy with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone will love.
• Perfect for Fall: The combination of pumpkin and warming spices makes them a seasonal favorite.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these treats – they’re great for any age!
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and ingredients, you’ll have fresh cookies ready in no time.
• Make Ahead: Bake a batch ahead of time for gatherings or school lunches; they stay fresh for days!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! This recipe uses simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to make your 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 flexible enough to suit any taste preference! Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra indulgent treat, fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips along with the pecans.
• Use Different Nuts: If pecans aren’t your thing, walnuts or almonds can be a great substitute.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of flavor.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) and use vegan butter.

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 important because it ensures even baking right from the start.

Step 2: Prepare Your Butter

Take your unsalted butter out of the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. Room temperature butter helps create a light and fluffy cookie dough.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cloves, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined. This step helps distribute the leaveners and spices evenly throughout your cookie dough.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter with both sugars on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes. Scraping down the sides occasionally ensures everything gets mixed in well.

Step 5: Blot Your Pumpkin

While your butter is creaming, take time to blot your pumpkin puree using paper towels. This removes excess moisture which helps your cookies maintain their fluffy texture.

Step 6: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the egg, maple syrup, and blotted pumpkin puree into the creamed mixture. Mix on medium/high speed for about 2 minutes until everything is well combined.

Step 7: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add one-third of your dry mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Repeat this process until all ingredients are fully combined—this prevents overmixing which could toughen your cookies.

Step 8: Fold in Pecans

Gently fold half of your chopped pecans into the dough using a rubber spatula. This adds delightful crunchiness throughout each cookie!

Step 9: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet

Using either a cookie scoop or spoon, drop about two tablespoons of dough onto a large cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Space them about two inches apart to allow room for spreading.

Step 10: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 13-15 minutes until they’re set but still soft in the center. They will continue cooking slightly after being removed from the oven.

Step 11: Cool Cookies

Carefully transfer baked cookies onto a cooling rack placed over another cookie sheet to catch any drips from icing later on.

Step 12: Prepare Maple Icing

While cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and cloves until smooth. This simple icing adds that perfect sweet touch!

Step 13: Ice Your Cookies

Once cooled completely—drizzle each cookie generously with maple icing and sprinkle them with remaining chopped pecans while icing is still wet so they stick nicely.

Step 14: Enjoy!

Now comes my favorite part—enjoying these delicious Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies! Share them with friends or keep them all to yourself; I won’t tell!

With this guide in hand, you’re all set to bake up some magic this fall! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

These cookies are a delightful treat, and with a few pro tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients – Allowing your butter and egg to come to room temperature helps them combine more smoothly, resulting in a better texture for your cookies.
• Don’t skip the blotted pumpkin – Blotting the pumpkin puree removes excess moisture, which prevents the cookies from becoming too soggy and helps maintain that fluffy texture we all love.
• Keep an eye on baking time – Every oven is different, so start checking your cookies around the 13-minute mark. They should be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center when done.
• Icing while warm – Drizzling icing over warm cookies allows it to melt slightly and create a beautifully smooth finish that sticks well. Just be sure to work in small batches so the icing doesn’t dry out too quickly!
• Experiment with spices – Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon or cloves based on your personal taste preferences. A little extra spice can add wonderful warmth to these autumnal treats.

How to Serve Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

Serving these cookies is just as fun as making them! Here are some creative ideas to elevate your dessert experience.

Garnishes

• Chopped pecans: Sprinkling additional chopped pecans on top of your iced cookies adds both texture and a nutty flavor that complements the maple syrup beautifully.
• Cinnamon dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon powder over the icing gives a pop of color and enhances the warm spice aroma as you enjoy each cookie.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider: This classic fall beverage pairs wonderfully with pumpkin cookies, enhancing their flavors while providing a cozy beverage option for chilly days.
• Vanilla almond milk: The creamy texture and subtle sweetness of vanilla almond milk provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.
• Pumpkin soup: A warm bowl of creamy pumpkin soup serves as a delightful starter before diving into these sweet treats, creating a comforting fall meal experience.
• Mixed green salad: A light salad with seasonal ingredients like roasted squash and cranberries adds a refreshing balance to the richness of the cookies, perfect for a complete fall-inspired feast.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to enjoy your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies in style! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch in advance, allowing you to enjoy them throughout the week or share with friends and family.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow cookies to cool completely before storing them.
• Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For added freshness, you can place a slice of bread in the container; it helps maintain moisture.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the cookies cool thoroughly.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour.
• Once frozen, transfer cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• For a warm treat, place cookies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Got questions? Here are some common ones about these delightful Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies:

Can I substitute the pecans in Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for nut-free options, you can replace the pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch without the nuts.

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

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free.

What makes these Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies so soft?

The combination of pumpkin puree and room temperature butter contributes to their soft texture. The moisture from the pumpkin keeps these cookies fluffy and tender.

Can I use other sweeteners instead of maple syrup in Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies?

Yes! You can swap maple syrup with agave nectar or honey if you prefer. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor profile.

How long does it take to prepare Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies?

From start to finish, including prep and baking time, you can have these scrumptious cookies ready in about 80 minutes!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delicious Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies as much as I do! They’re not just a treat; they bring the warmth of fall into your kitchen. Whether enjoyed solo with a cup of tea or shared at gatherings, they’re sure to delight everyone who tries them. Happy baking!