Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are the perfect treat for fall, combining soft and fluffy textures with the rich flavors of pumpkin and maple. These cookies not only delight your taste buds but also make for a great addition to any gathering or cozy afternoon snack. Their unique blend of spices and the crunch from pecans adds an irresistible charm that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, maple, and pecans creates a delightful taste that defines autumn.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for cookie exchanges, holiday gatherings, or just enjoying at home with a cup of tea or coffee.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies are soft on the inside with just the right amount of chewiness.
• Perfectly Iced: The maple icing adds an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these delicious Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies, gather your tools and ingredients. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer or stand mixer: Saves time and ensures even mixing of ingredients for a fluffy cookie texture.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of your bowl to incorporate all ingredients thoroughly.
• Cookie scoop: Helps in forming 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 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). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Butter

Take unsalted butter out of the refrigerator to come to room temperature. Let it sit out for about 20–30 minutes until it’s soft enough to press down with your fingertip.

Step 3: Gather Ingredients

While waiting for the butter, gather all your ingredients and necessary tools. This preparation makes baking easier.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Whisk all dry ingredients well to ensure they are mixed evenly.

Step 5: Chop Pecans

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

Step 6: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using an electric mixer or stand mixer, cream together:
1. Room temperature butter
2. White sugar
3. Dark brown sugar

Mix on medium speed for about 3–5 minutes until light and fluffy. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down sides as needed.

Step 7: Blot Pumpkin Puree

Place high-quality paper towels in a small bowl, add pumpkin puree, fold over edges, and soak up excess moisture.

Step 8: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add to the creamed mixture:
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 Ingredients

Gradually add one-third of dry ingredients into wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Repeat until fully combined.

Step 10: Add Pecans

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

Step 11: Shape Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or measuring spoon, form balls of dough (about 2 tablespoons each) and space them about 2 inches apart on a large cookie sheet.

Step 12: Bake Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for about 13–15 minutes until lightly golden around edges.

Step 13: Cool Cookies

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

Step 14: Prepare Maple Icing

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

Combine until smooth.

Step 15: Ice Cookies

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

Step 16: Enjoy!

Your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are now ready! Enjoy them fresh with family and friends or store them for later indulgence!

How to Serve Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

These delightful Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies can be enjoyed in various ways, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon, these cookies are sure to impress.

With a Cup of Tea or Coffee

• Pairing these cookies with your favorite hot beverage enhances their warm flavors. The spices and sweetness complement the rich notes of tea or coffee beautifully.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter alongside seasonal fruits and nuts. This adds color and variety to your dessert spread, making it visually appealing.

At Fall Gatherings

• Serve these cookies at your next autumn celebration. Their pumpkin flavor and pecan crunch will resonate with the season, making them an instant hit among guests.

Gift-Wrapped for Friends

• Package the cookies in festive boxes or bags as gifts for friends and family. A personal touch always makes treats more special, especially during the holidays.

How to Perfect Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

To ensure your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies come out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh spices and high-quality pumpkin puree for maximum flavor.
• Measure Accurately: Use proper measuring techniques for flour and sugar to avoid dense cookies. Spoon flour into the measuring cup without packing it down.
• Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature before creaming with sugars. This helps create a light texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients to prevent tough cookies. Overmixing can lead to less tender results.
• Chill Dough if Needed: If you find the dough too sticky, chill it for 30 minutes before scooping. This makes it easier to handle.
• Check Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is calibrated correctly as varying temperatures can affect baking times.

Best Side Dishes for Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

These cookies pair wonderfully with several side dishes, enhancing the overall experience of your treat. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture and flavor contrast beautifully against the spiced cookies, creating a delightful dessert combo.
2. Warm Apple Cider: A hot cup of apple cider complements the fall flavors in the cookies, making it a cozy pairing.
3. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese to balance sweetness with savory notes, creating an interesting flavor profile.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into melted chocolate for an indulgent twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
5. Seasonal Fruit Salad: Fresh fruits like pears, apples, and pomegranates add brightness and freshness alongside the rich flavors of the cookies.
6. Pumpkin Spice Latte: A classic fall drink that harmonizes well with the pumpkin flavors in your cookies while offering warmth on chilly days.
7. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the cookies or serve it on the side for an extra sweet touch that many will enjoy.
8. Nutty Granola: Serve crumbled granola on top of yogurt alongside these cookies for a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with their softness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and avoiding common pitfalls will ensure your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies turn out perfectly. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Incorrect Butter Temperature: Using cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Allow your butter to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before mixing.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and fluffy.
• Not Measuring Flour Properly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can pack it down, giving you too much. Use a spoon to fluff up the flour before measuring.
• Ignoring Cooling Time: Drizzling icing on warm cookies can cause it to melt away. Always let the cookies cool completely before icing them.
• Forgetting to Blot Pumpkin Puree: Excess moisture from pumpkin puree can make your cookies too wet. Blotting helps achieve the right consistency.
• Skipping Ingredient Preparation: Not preparing all ingredients before starting can lead to mistakes. Gather everything in advance for a smoother baking process.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They will maintain quality for about 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering with a lid for about 2-3 minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies:

What makes Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies so special?

The combination of maple syrup and pumpkin creates a unique flavor profile that is perfect for fall. The pecans add a delightful crunch, making these cookies irresistible.

Can I substitute pumpkin puree with something else?

Yes, you can use sweet potato puree as an alternative if you prefer a different flavor while maintaining similar texture.

How do I know when my Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are done?

Look for slight golden edges and a soft but set center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds would also work well in this recipe, offering different textures and flavors.

How should 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

These Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile enough for various occasions. You can customize them by adding chocolate chips or experimenting with different nuts. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or just a treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to impress!