Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

These Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall with their soft and fluffy texture. Infused with pumpkin and sweetened with maple syrup, these cookies offer a delicious crunch from pecans. They are perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea on a brisk day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of maple syrup, pumpkin, and spices creates a mouthwatering taste that you’ll crave.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can whip up these delightful cookies.
• Versatile Treat: Great for any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering or a casual afternoon snack.
• Perfectly Soft: The unique blend of pumpkin and butter ensures each cookie is soft and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
• Beautiful Presentation: Drizzled with maple icing and topped with pecans, these cookies look as good as they taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather all necessary tools to streamline your experience. Having everything organized will make it easier to create these amazing cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Cookie sheet
• Cooling rack
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to mix all ingredients thoroughly without spills.
• Electric or stand mixer: This tool saves time and ensures even mixing for the butter and sugars.
• Cooling rack: Placing cookies on a cooling rack helps them cool evenly, preventing sogginess.

Ingredients

Yield: 20 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
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ¼ cup maple syrup (for icing)
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves (for icing)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for icing)
• ¼ cup chopped pecans (for topping)

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 the Butter

Take the unsalted butter out of the refrigerator so it can come to room temperature. Allow it to sit for 20–30 minutes until it is slightly softened but still cool.

Step 3: Gather Ingredients

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

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk well until everything is evenly mixed.

Step 5: Chop Pecans

Chop the pecans finely and divide them in half. One half will be mixed into the cookie dough while the other half will be used for topping.

Step 6: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using an electric or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and dark brown sugar on medium speed for about 3–5 minutes. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula.

Step 7: Blot Pumpkin Puree

To remove excess moisture from your pumpkin puree, place it in high-quality paper towels within a small bowl. Fold the paper towels over it to absorb moisture effectively.

Step 8: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add one large egg, three tablespoons of maple syrup, and the blotted pumpkin puree into the creamed mixture. Mix on medium/high speed for about two minutes until well combined.

Step 9: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add one-third of your dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture while mixing on low speed. Repeat this process until all ingredients are well incorporated.

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 round measuring spoon to create balls of cookie dough about two tablespoons in size. Space them approximately two inches apart on a large cookie sheet.

Step 12: Bake Cookies

Bake your cookies in preheated oven for about 13–15 minutes until they are set but still soft.

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

While cookies cool down, prepare the maple icing by whisking together powdered sugar, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves until smooth.

Step 15: Ice Cookies

After cookies have cooled completely, drizzle them with maple icing and sprinkle remaining chopped pecans over each cookie before the icing sets.

Step 16: Enjoy!

Serve these delightful Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies fresh! Enjoy them warm or at room temperature with friends or family.

How to Serve Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are delightful on their own or served with a variety of accompaniments. These cookies can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature and pair beautifully with different beverages and additions.

With a Warm Beverage

• Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of the cookies, making for a cozy pairing.
• Tea: A cup of herbal or chai tea enhances the spices in the cookies, creating a soothing experience.
• Hot Chocolate: The creamy chocolate flavor adds a delightful contrast to the pumpkin and maple notes.

As a Dessert Platter

• Mixed Nuts: Provide a crunchy contrast to the soft cookies, enhancing texture and flavor balance.
• Fresh Fruit Slices: Apples or pears add freshness that complements the rich flavors of the cookies.
• Cheese Selection: Mild cheeses, like brie or cream cheese, pair well and create a sophisticated dessert option.

For Special Occasions

• Holiday Gatherings: Present these cookies on festive platters to share with family and friends during celebrations.
• Bake Sales: Their unique flavor makes them an eye-catching choice that’s sure to attract buyers.

How to Perfect Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

Achieving the perfect Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out wonderfully every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing, leading to a fluffier texture.
• Blot Pumpkin Puree: Removing excess moisture from pumpkin puree prevents overly wet dough, which can lead to flat cookies.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until ingredients are combined; overmixing can result in dense cookies.
• Chill Dough (Optional): If time allows, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help improve texture and prevent spreading while baking.
• Check for Doneness: Cookies should look slightly underbaked when you take them out; they will continue cooking on the cooling rack.
• Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for optimal freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

When serving Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies, consider pairing them with side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Cream Cheese Frosting: A light layer of frosting adds extra sweetness and creaminess that complements the cookie’s flavors.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold creaminess of vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to warm cookies.
3. Pumpkin Spice Latte: This seasonal drink brings out the pumpkin flavors in your cookies while adding warmth and spice.
4. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel over cookies creates an irresistible sweet and buttery finish.
5. Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream can be served alongside for dipping or as an accompaniment on top of desserts.
6. Spiced Apple Compote: Warm spiced apples add fruity sweetness that pairs beautifully with pumpkin spices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies even more delightful.

• Using cold butter: Cold butter won’t cream properly with the sugars, leading to dense cookies. Always let your butter come to room temperature before mixing.
• Skipping the blotting step for pumpkin puree: Excess moisture in pumpkin puree can lead to soggy cookies. Make sure to blot it dry with paper towels.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for fluffy results.
• Not spacing cookies correctly: If cookies are too close together on the baking sheet, they may spread into each other. Keep at least 2 inches of space between each ball of dough.
• Ignoring cooling times: Allowing cookies to cool completely is essential for icing adherence. Drizzle icing only after they have cooled on a rack.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Layer with parchment paper and seal tightly to maintain freshness.

Reheating Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and place cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies.

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nutty flavor in your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

The edges should be lightly golden while the centers will still appear soft. They will firm up as they cool.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that is suitable for baking.

What should I serve with Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies?

These cookies pair well with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

How long do these cookies last once baked?

Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for about one week.

Final Thoughts

Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are a wonderful treat that captures the essence of fall. Their soft texture and rich flavors make them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them by adding chocolate chips or swapping out nuts based on your preference. Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious cookies!