Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall. With their soft, fluffy texture and a sweet maple glaze, these cookies are ideal for gatherings, cozy evenings at home, or as a festive dessert. The combination of pumpkin and pecans creates a unique flavor profile that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The blend of pumpkin, maple, and pecans gives these cookies a taste that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time, making them great for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a snack with coffee or serve them at parties; they fit any occasion beautifully.
• Perfectly Soft Texture: These cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes each bite delightful.
• Seasonal Delight: The flavors of pumpkin and maple make this recipe especially suitable for fall festivities.

Tools and Preparation

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

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 good mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients evenly without spills.
• Electric or stand mixer: This tool saves time and ensures a well-mixed batter, vital for fluffy cookies.
• Rubber spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of your bowl and folding in ingredients smoothly.

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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 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 (165°C) so it’s ready when you need it.

Step 2: Prepare Your Butter

Take unsalted butter out of the refrigerator about 20-30 minutes before mixing. It should be firm yet slightly yielding when pressed.

Step 3: Gather Ingredients

While waiting for the butter to soften, gather all your ingredients and tools to streamline your preparation process.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Whisk well to combine everything thoroughly.

Step 5: Chop Pecans

Chop the pecans and divide them into two equal portions—one half for the dough and one half for topping later.

Step 6: Cream Butter and Sugars

In your mixing bowl, cream together:
1. Softened butter
2. White sugar
3. Dark brown sugar

Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes until well combined. Scrape down the sides occasionally to ensure even mixing.

Step 7: Blot Pumpkin Puree

To remove excess moisture from pumpkin puree:
1. Place high-quality paper towels in a small bowl.
2. Add pumpkin puree on top.
3. Fold edges over to absorb moisture.

Step 8: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the following to your creamed mixture:
1. Egg
2. Maple syrup
3. Blotted pumpkin puree

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

Step 9: Mix Dry Into Wet Ingredients

Gradually add one-third of your dry mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Repeat until fully combined.

Step 10: Fold in Pecans

Gently fold in half of your chopped pecans into the cookie dough using a rubber spatula.

Step 11: Scoop Cookie Dough

Using a cookie scoop or measuring spoon, create balls of dough about two tablespoons each and place them on an ungreased baking sheet spaced two inches apart.

Step 12: Bake Cookies

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

Step 13: Cool Cookies

Transfer baked cookies onto a cooling rack placed over another cookie sheet to catch drips.

Step 14: Make Maple Icing

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
1. Powdered sugar
2. Maple syrup
3. Ground cinnamon
4. Ground cloves

Whisk until smooth.

Step 15: Ice Cookies

Once cooled, drizzle each cookie with maple icing and sprinkle remaining chopped pecans on top while icing is still wet for better adherence.

Step 16: Enjoy!

Your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are now ready! Enjoy them fresh or share with friends and family!

How to Serve Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

These delightful Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. Here are some fun serving suggestions to enhance your enjoyment of these treats.

With a Warm Beverage

• Coffee – Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee for a comforting morning or afternoon snack.
• Hot Chocolate – The rich sweetness of hot chocolate complements the flavors in the cookies beautifully.
• Herbal Tea – A calming herbal tea adds a soothing touch that balances the cookie’s sweetness.

As an After-Dinner Treat

• Ice Cream Sandwiches – Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies for a scrumptious dessert.
• Cheese Platter – Serve alongside soft cheeses like brie to create a sweet and savory contrast.
• Fruit Compote – Drizzle with warm fruit compote for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

For Holiday Gatherings

• Gift Packaging – Package these cookies in festive boxes or bags as homemade gifts for friends and family.
• Cookie Platter – Arrange cookies on a decorative platter with other seasonal treats for a beautiful dessert spread.

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 – Allow butter and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smoother batter.
• Properly Measure Flour – Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense cookies caused by too much flour.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough – Mix until just combined to keep your cookies light and fluffy; overmixing can make them tough.
• Chill Cookie Dough (Optional) – If time allows, chill the dough for 30 minutes to enhance flavors and prevent spreading during baking.
• Watch Baking Time Closely – Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
• Cool Before Icing – Let cookies cool completely before icing them to prevent melting and ensure a nice finish.

Best Side Dishes for Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some tasty options.

1. Cinnamon Apples – Sautéed apples sprinkled with cinnamon add a warm, fruity complement that pairs well with pumpkin flavors.
2. Vanilla Yogurt – A dollop of creamy vanilla yogurt provides a refreshing contrast that balances sweetness.
3. Pumpkin Spice Granola – Serve alongside crunchy granola for added texture and flavor that echo the cookie’s ingredients.
4. Caramel Sauce – Drizzling warm caramel sauce over the cookies enhances their sweetness while adding richness.
5. Whipped Cream – Lightly sweetened whipped cream offers a fluffy counterpart, perfect for dipping or topping the cookies.
6. Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bites – These bites can provide a wholesome snack option that complements the rich flavors of pumpkin and maple.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using cold butter: Cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Always ensure your butter is at room temperature for better texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
• Skipping the pumpkin blotting step: Excess moisture from pumpkin puree can affect cookie consistency. Blotting helps achieve the right texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined for soft and fluffy results.
• Ignoring cooling time: Icing warm cookies can cause the icing to melt. Allow cookies to cool completely before drizzling with icing.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• 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 warm for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covered, for a couple of minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions readers often have about making Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies.

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just chop them finely and use them in the same amount.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure it has xanthan gum included for structure.

Can I add chocolate chips to Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips will enhance sweetness and create a delightful contrast with the spices.

What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?

Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, or freeze them for longer storage.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

The edges should be lightly golden, but the center may look slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Final Thoughts

These Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies offer a wonderfully soft and fluffy treat that is perfect for any fall gathering or cozy night in. With their sweet maple flavor and crunchy pecans, they appeal to both kids and adults alike. Feel free to customize with different nuts or spices according to your preference!