Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are the perfect treat for those crisp autumn days. These cookies combine the warm flavors of pumpkin and maple with a delightful pecan crunch, creating a mouthwatering dessert that’s sure to please. They are great for gatherings, cozy nights in, or just when you want a sweet pick-me-up. Enjoy the soft, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth and the sweet icing that adds an extra touch of decadence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, maple syrup, and cinnamon creates a unique flavor profile that is comforting and satisfying.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, baking these cookies is a breeze even for beginners.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just an afternoon snack, these cookies fit right in.
• Soft and Fluffy: The texture is light and airy, making them irresistible to cookie lovers.
• Great for Sharing: Yielding 20 cookies means there’s plenty to share with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to streamline the baking process. Having everything ready will make your experience more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Cookie scoop or measuring spoon
• Baking sheet
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl provides enough space to mix all ingredients without spilling.
• Electric or stand mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a smooth dough.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of the bowl to incorporate every bit of dough.
• Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly without becoming soggy on the bottom.

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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 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 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 ensure it’s ready for baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Butter

Take unsalted butter out of the refrigerator so it can come to room temperature. Allow it to sit for about 20–30 minutes until it gives slightly when pressed.

Step 3: Gather Ingredients

While waiting for the butter, gather all your ingredients and equipment to streamline your cooking process.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients:
1. Whisk together flour, baking powder, cloves, cinnamon, and salt until well mixed.

Step 5: Chop Pecans

Chop pecans and divide them in half; one portion will go into the cookie dough while the other will be used as topping after icing.

Step 6: Cream Butter and Sugars

Cream together room temperature butter with white sugar and dark brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3–5 minutes.

Step 7: Blot Pumpkin Puree

Blot your pumpkin puree by placing it on high-quality paper towels in a small bowl. Fold over edges to soak up excess moisture.

Step 8: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add egg, maple syrup, and blotted pumpkin puree into the creamed mixture. Mix on medium/high speed for around 2 minutes.

Step 9: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add dry ingredients into wet ingredients:
1. Add one-third of dry mixture at a time while mixing on low speed until fully combined.

Step 10: Fold in Pecans

Gently fold half of your chopped pecans into the cookie dough.

Step 11: Scoop Dough

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon measuring spoon to form balls of dough about two tablespoons each. Space them approximately two inches apart on a large baking sheet.

Step 12: Bake Cookies

Bake cookies in preheated oven for about 13–15 minutes until edges are firm but centers are soft.

Step 13: Cool Cookies

Once baked, transfer cookies onto a cooling rack placed over another baking sheet.

Step 14: Prepare Maple Icing

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

Step 15: Ice Cookies

Once cooled:
1. Drizzle each cookie with maple icing.
2. Sprinkle remaining pecans on top before icing sets (ice only 2–3 cookies at a time).

Step 16: Enjoy!

Your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are ready! Serve them fresh and enjoy their delightful flavors!

How to Serve Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

These delightful Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are a treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

With a Warm Beverage

• Coffee: Pair your cookies with a hot cup of coffee for a comforting combination.
• Tea: A soothing herbal tea can complement the spices in the cookies beautifully.
• Hot Chocolate: Enjoy these cookies with rich hot chocolate for a cozy dessert.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Mixed Cookies: Include your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies alongside other flavors for variety.
• Cheese and Fruit: Add slices of cheese and fresh fruits for a balanced dessert platter.
• Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.

For Holiday Celebrations

• Thanksgiving Dessert Table: These cookies make an excellent addition to any Thanksgiving spread.
• Christmas Treats: Offer them during holiday gatherings as a festive sweet option.

How to Perfect Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

Perfecting your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips to elevate your baking game.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and pumpkin puree are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined; overmixing can make cookies tough instead of soft.
• Blot Pumpkin Puree Well: Remove excess moisture from the pumpkin puree to avoid soggy cookies.
• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking; they should be set but still soft in the center.
• Cool Before Icing: Allow cookies to completely cool before applying icing to prevent it from melting off.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

A good side dish can complement your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies wonderfully. Here are some options to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture contrasts nicely with the fluffy cookies.
2. Pumpkin Spice Latte: This seasonal favorite pairs perfectly with the flavors in the cookies.
3. Cream Cheese Frosting Dip: A sweet dip adds richness and goes well with the cookie’s spices.
4. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cookies or serve on the side for added sweetness.
5. Chai Tea Latte: The spiced flavor profile of chai enhances the cookie experience beautifully.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides freshness and balances the richness of the cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially with cookies. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies.

• Using cold butter: Always ensure your butter is at room temperature. Cold butter won’t cream well with sugars, affecting the texture of your cookies.
• Overmixing the dough: Once you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
• Not measuring pumpkin correctly: Make sure to blot your pumpkin puree to remove excess moisture. Too much moisture can lead to cakey cookies instead of soft ones.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allow cookies to cool completely before icing. This prevents the icing from melting and helps it adhere better.
• Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies, while underbaking may leave them too soft.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
• Stovetop: Place a pan over low heat and warm cookies briefly, checking frequently to avoid burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies that might help you while baking.

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, feel free to use walnuts or almonds if you prefer different nuts in your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it has xanthan gum for better texture.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips would add a delightful twist to your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies.

What if I don’t have maple syrup?

You can replace maple syrup with honey or agave syrup. Both will provide sweetness but will slightly alter the flavor.

How do I store leftover icing?

Store any leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Re-whip before using it again.

Final Thoughts

Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are not only soft and fluffy but also bursting with flavor. Their versatility allows for various customizations, such as adding different nuts or chocolate chips. We encourage you to try this recipe during your next baking session!