Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

These Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly capture the essence of fall. With a soft and fluffy texture, these cookies combine the warm flavors of pumpkin and maple with a satisfying pecan crunch. Ideal for cozy gatherings or a sweet afternoon snack, they are sure to impress friends and family alike. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a special dessert for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of pumpkin, maple syrup, and spices creates an irresistible taste that screams fall.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfect for Sharing: Yielding 20 cookies, this recipe is great for potlucks, parties, or just sharing with loved ones.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies can be enjoyed on their own or dressed up with icing for a festive touch.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: Each bite delivers the perfect balance of softness and crunch from the pecans.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies, gather your tools to streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Cookie scoop or round measuring spoon
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric or Stand Mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a light texture in your cookies.
• Cookie Scoop: Using a cookie scoop helps create uniform cookie sizes for even baking.

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) to prepare it for baking.

Step 2: Prepare Your Butter

Remove the unsalted butter from the refrigerator so it can come to room temperature. Let it sit out for about 20-30 minutes until it is firm yet slightly softened.

Step 3: Gather Your Ingredients

While waiting for the butter, gather all necessary ingredients and tools to ensure you have everything ready.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Flour
2. Baking powder
3. Ground cloves
4. Ground cinnamon
5. Salt

Whisk well to ensure they are thoroughly combined.

Step 5: Chop Pecans

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

Step 6: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using an electric mixer:
1. Cream together butter and both sugars on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes.
2. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to incorporate all ingredients evenly.

Step 7: Blot Pumpkin Puree

To reduce moisture in your pumpkin puree:
1. Place high-quality paper towels in a small bowl.
2. Add pumpkin puree on top.
3. Fold edges over to soak up excess moisture.

Step 8: Combine Wet Ingredients

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

Mix on medium/high speed for about 2 minutes until well combined.

Step 9: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in thirds while mixing on low speed until fully blended.

Step 10: Fold in Pecans

Add half of your chopped pecans to the cookie dough and gently fold them in using a spatula.

Step 11: Shape Cookie Dough Balls

Use either a cookie scoop or round measuring spoon to form approximately two-tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Space them about two inches apart on a large cookie sheet.

Step 12: Bake Cookies

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

Step 13: Cool Cookies

Once baked, transfer cookies onto a cooling rack with another cookie sheet underneath to catch any drips.

Step 14: Make Maple Icing

While cookies cool:
1. In a separate bowl, combine powdered sugar, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves.
2. Whisk together until smooth.

Step 15: Ice Cookies

Drizzle cooled cookies with maple icing using a spoon or piping bag. Quickly sprinkle remaining chopped pecans on top so they adhere to the icing.

Step 16: Enjoy!

Savor these delicious Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies fresh out of the oven or share them with friends!

How to Serve Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are hosting a gathering or simply enjoying them at home, these cookies can be paired with different accompaniments for a perfect experience.

With a Cup of Tea

• Pair these cookies with your favorite herbal or green tea for a cozy afternoon treat.

As Dessert After Dinner

• Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that balances flavors beautifully.

At Fall Gatherings

• Arrange on a decorative platter for festive gatherings or potlucks. Their seasonal flavors will surely impress your guests.

With Coffee

• Enjoy alongside your morning coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up. The maple notes complement the bitterness of coffee perfectly.

With Milk

• A classic pairing! Enjoy these cookies dipped in cold milk for a nostalgic and satisfying snack.

How to Perfect Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

Perfecting your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies can elevate their taste and texture. Here are some essential tips to ensure they turn out wonderfully every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your spices and baking powder are fresh for the best flavor and rise in your cookies.

• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense cookies caused by too much flour.

• Blot Pumpkin Puree: Removing excess moisture from pumpkin puree helps achieve the ideal cookie consistency, preventing them from being too wet.

• Cool Before Icing: Allow cookies to cool completely before icing to prevent the icing from melting and losing its shape.

• Don’t Overmix Dough: Mix just until combined after adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.

Best Side Dishes for Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies pair well with a variety of side dishes, enhancing their delicious flavors. Here’s a list of perfect sides to consider:

1. Spiced Apple Cider: Serve warm spiced apple cider alongside the cookies for a comforting fall vibe.
2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness complements the cookies nicely while adding a savory element.
3. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A surprising yet delightful pairing; the creaminess balances the cookie’s sweetness.
4. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness contrasts beautifully with the sweet cookie flavors.
5. Pumpkin Soup: Continue the pumpkin theme by serving these cookies with a bowl of warm pumpkin soup for extra comfort.
6. Cheese Platter: Offer an assortment of cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, which pairs well with the maple flavor.
7. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a light and vibrant contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.
8. Chai Latte: This spiced beverage complements the spices in the cookies, making it an excellent side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies can be easy, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out great.

• Using cold butter – Cold butter will not cream well with the sugars and can result in dense cookies. Always use butter at room temperature for the best texture.
• Not measuring flour accurately – Too much or too little flour can ruin your cookie dough. Use a kitchen scale or fluff up the flour before spooning it into the measuring cup for precise measurement.
• Skipping the pumpkin blotting – Excess moisture from pumpkin puree can lead to soggy cookies. Always blot your pumpkin to absorb extra liquid before adding it to the dough.
• Overmixing the dough – Overmixing can develop gluten, making cookies tough instead of soft and fluffy. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
• Ignoring baking time – Every oven is different; check your cookies a minute or two before the recommended baking time to avoid overbaking.
• Not letting cookies cool before icing – Icing warm cookies can cause it to melt away. Always let your cookies cool completely before adding icing for better presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Layer parchment paper between cookies to keep them separate.

Reheating Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat individually for about 10-15 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop – Warm in a covered skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions frequently asked by those who love baking Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies.

How do I make my Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies more flavorful?

Adding spices like nutmeg or ginger can enhance flavor. You could also experiment with different types of sugar.

Can I substitute other nuts in this recipe?

Yes! Walnuts or pecans work well as substitutes in Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies, giving you a different crunch and flavor profile.

Are Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies healthy?

While they are a treat, using whole grain flour or reducing sugar can make them a bit healthier without sacrificing taste.

How long do Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies last?

They will stay fresh for about five days in the refrigerator and up to three months if frozen correctly.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

You can replace regular butter with plant-based alternatives and use flaxseed or chia seeds as an egg substitute.

Final Thoughts

Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall with their soft texture and rich flavors. They are perfect for gatherings or enjoying with a cozy cup of tea. Feel free to customize these cookies by adding chocolate chips, swapping nuts, or adjusting spices according to your taste!