Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are the perfect treat for fall, combining warm spices and the rich flavors of pumpkin and maple. These cookies are soft, fluffy, and topped with a delightful maple icing that adds an extra layer of sweetness. Ideal for gatherings, cozy evenings at home, or even as a gift, these cookies will surely impress anyone who takes a bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, maple syrup, and pecans creates a unique taste that is both comforting and indulgent.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch of these cookies in no time!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or an afternoon snack, these cookies fit right in.
• Customizable Toppings: You can easily adjust the toppings to your liking—try adding chocolate chips or different nuts!
• Baking Fun: Enjoy the process of baking with family or friends; it’s a great way to bond over something delicious.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies, gather all necessary tools and equipment. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make baking more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Cookie sheet
• Cooling rack
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients thoroughly without mess.
• Electric mixer or stand mixer: These tools make it easy to cream butter and sugar together smoothly, ensuring well-mixed dough.
• Rubber spatula: A rubber spatula helps scrape down the sides of the bowl, ensuring all ingredients are incorporated evenly.
• Cookie sheet: A good quality cookie sheet ensures even baking for perfectly cooked cookies.

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 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). This ensures your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Butter

Take unsalted butter out of the refrigerator so it can come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. Room temperature butter is easier to cream.

Step 3: Gather Ingredients

While waiting for your butter, gather all your ingredients and equipment. This makes the process smoother.

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 until evenly mixed.

Step 5: Chop Pecans

Chop half of the pecans finely and set aside; these will be folded into the cookie dough later.

Step 6: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using an electric mixer or stand mixer:
1. Cream together the room temperature butter and both sugars on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes.
2. Occasionally stop mixing to scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula.

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 soak up moisture.

Step 8: Combine Wet Ingredients

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

Mix on medium/high speed for approximately two minutes until combined.

Step 9: Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients

Gradually add one-third of dry ingredients into wet mixture at low speed; repeat until fully combined.

Step 10: Add Pecans

Fold in half of your chopped pecans gently into the cookie dough using a spatula.

Step 11: Scoop Cookie Dough

Use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon to create balls of dough (about two tablespoons each) spaced two inches apart on your cookie sheet.

Step 12: Bake Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for about 13-15 minutes until golden brown.

Step 13: Cool Cookies

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

Step 14: Make Maple Icing

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

Whisk until smooth.

Step 15: Ice Cookies

Once cooled:
1. Drizzle icing over each cookie.
2. Sprinkle with remaining chopped pecans while icing is still wet so they stick nicely.

Step 16: Enjoy!

Indulge in these delicious Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies! Perfectly sweetened with maple flavor and nutty crunches await you!

How to Serve Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

These delightful Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. They pair well with various beverages and snacks, making them a versatile treat for any occasion.

With Coffee

• A warm cup of coffee enhances the cookie’s flavors. The richness of coffee complements the sweetness of maple and pumpkin perfectly.

With Tea

• Pair these cookies with herbal or chai tea for a cozy experience. The spices in the cookies harmonize beautifully with fragrant tea.

As a Dessert Platter

• Serve these cookies alongside other fall-inspired desserts like pumpkin pie or pecan pie. This adds variety and showcases autumn flavors.

With Ice Cream

• Enjoy a cookie sandwich by placing a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies. This creates a deliciously creamy treat.

At Fall Gatherings

• Present them at parties or potlucks as a seasonal dessert option. Their unique flavor will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

How to Perfect Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

Making the perfect Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies is easy with just a few tips. These suggestions will help you achieve that ideal texture and flavor every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies soft and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.

• Blot the Pumpkin Puree: Removing excess moisture from the pumpkin puree ensures your cookies won’t be too wet, maintaining their fluffy texture.

• Chill the Dough (Optional): If time allows, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to enhance flavor and prevent spreading.

• Bake Until Just Set: Watch closely as they bake; take them out when the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft for perfect cookies.

Best Side Dishes for Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

These Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies can be complemented by side dishes that bring out their flavors or add variety to your dessert table.

1. Apple Cider: A warm mug of spiced apple cider balances the sweetness of the cookies, enhancing their fall flavors.

2. Pumpkin Spice Latte: This classic drink pairs perfectly, echoing the cookie’s flavors while offering a cozy beverage option.

3. Cheese Platter: Add some sharp cheddar or creamy brie to contrast with the sweetness of the cookies for an interesting taste experience.

4. Caramel Dip: Serve with a creamy caramel dip for a rich, indulgent side that enhances the maple flavor in your cookies.

5. Roasted Nuts: A mix of roasted almonds and walnuts adds crunchiness while complementing the pecans in your cookies.

6. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad with seasonal fruits brightens up your dessert table while providing a refreshing contrast to sweet cookies.

7. Chocolate Milkshake: For those who crave something decadent, a thick chocolate milkshake pairs nicely with these spiced treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can result in tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep them soft.
• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using cold butter or eggs can affect the texture. Ensure butter is at room temperature and eggs are slightly warm.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method to accurately measure your flour.
• Skipping the cooling step: Icing warm cookies can cause the icing to melt. Allow cookies to cool completely before drizzling with icing.
• Using stale spices: Fresh spices enhance flavor. Check your spices for freshness to ensure the best taste in your cookies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezing Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

• Oven: Preheat at 350°F and reheat cookies for about 5-8 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common inquiries about Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

You can, but it may alter the flavor and sweetness. Adjust spices accordingly if you choose this option.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

They should be slightly golden around the edges but soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.

Can I substitute other nuts for pecans?

Yes! Walnuts or almonds could work well. Just chop them finely and follow the same measurements.

How do I store leftover icing?

Store leftover maple icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Rewhip before using.

Final Thoughts

These Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can tweak the spices or add chocolate chips for a different twist. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and enjoy its warm, comforting flavors perfect for any fall gathering!