Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are the perfect treat for celebrating the flavors of fall. These soft and fluffy cookies combine the rich taste of pumpkin, the sweetness of maple syrup, and a delightful pecan crunch. They make an excellent dessert for gatherings, cozy evenings at home, or as a special treat to share with friends. With their unique flavor profile and inviting aroma, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The mix of pumpkin and maple syrup creates a unique sweetness that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these delightful cookies.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday celebration or a casual get-together, these cookies fit right in.
• Soft and Fluffy Texture: Each bite melts in your mouth thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients.
• Versatile Icing Options: The maple icing can be adjusted to your taste, offering flexibility in sweetness.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these delicious Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies, gather your equipment. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie scoop or round measuring spoon
• Baking sheet
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without making a mess.
• Electric Mixer: Helps achieve a creamy consistency quickly when mixing butter and sugars.
• Cookie Scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.

Ingredients

Yield: 20 cookiesThese 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 (163°C) to ensure it’s ready when you’re prepared to bake.

Step 2: Prepare the Butter

Take unsalted butter out of the refrigerator so it can come to room temperature. Allow it to sit out for about 20-30 minutes until it’s slightly soft but still cool.

Step 3: Gather Your Ingredients

While waiting for the butter, gather all your ingredients and tools. This helps streamline the baking process.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 & ½ teaspoons baking powder
3. 1 teaspoon ground cloves
4. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
5. ¼ teaspoon salt

Whisk well until everything is mixed evenly.

Step 5: Chop Pecans

Chop half of your pecans and set aside; you’ll fold this into the dough later while saving the other half for topping.

Step 6: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, cream together:
– Room temperature butter,
– White sugar,
– Dark brown sugar.

Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes until creamy. Make sure to scrape down any mixture stuck on the sides of the bowl using a rubber spatula.

Step 7: Blot Pumpkin Puree

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

Step 8: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add:
– One large egg,
– Three tablespoons of maple syrup,
– The blotted pumpkin puree

to your creamed mixture. Mix on medium/high speed for about two minutes until well combined.

Step 9: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add one-third of dry ingredients into wet mixture while mixing on low speed. Repeat until everything is combined smoothly.

Step 10: Fold in Pecans

Stir half of your chopped pecans into the cookie dough gently with a spatula.

Step 11: Scoop Cookie Dough

Using a cookie scoop or measuring spoon, create approximately two-tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Space them about two inches apart on a lined baking sheet.

Step 12: Bake

Bake cookies in preheated oven for about 13-15 minutes until they are just set but still soft in the center.

Step 13: Cool Cookies

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

Step 14: Make Maple Icing

While cooling, prepare icing by whisking together:
– One cup powdered sugar,
– A quarter cup maple syrup,
– Half teaspoon each of cinnamon and cloves.

Step 15: Ice Cookies

Once cooled, drizzle icing over cookies and sprinkle remaining chopped pecans on top while icing is still wet to help them stick.

Step 16: Enjoy!

Savor your homemade Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies; they’re perfect with coffee or tea!

How to Serve Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any gathering or cozy evening at home. They can be served in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee or Tea: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or your favorite herbal tea for a comforting experience.
• Apple Cider: Serve alongside hot apple cider to complement the fall flavors in the cookies.

For Dessert Platters

• Cookie Assortments: Include these cookies on dessert platters with other seasonal treats like ginger snaps and chocolate chip cookies for variety.
• Cheese Board: Add them to a cheese board with soft cheeses and dried fruits for a sweet contrast.

As Party Favors

• Gift Boxes: Package cookies in decorative boxes tied with ribbon as thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
• Cookie Jars: Fill mason jars with cookies, creating an attractive homemade gift that is sure to impress.

How to Perfect Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

Achieving the perfect Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies requires attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out just right.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Blot Pumpkin Puree: Removing excess moisture from the pumpkin puree prevents soggy cookies and enhances flavor concentration.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill Cookie Dough (Optional): If time allows, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can improve texture and help prevent spreading during baking.
• Watch Baking Time Closely: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; they should be set but still soft in the center when done.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

These cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes, enhancing your dessert experience. Consider these options:

1. Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy texture that complements the cookie’s richness.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies à la mode for a delicious contrast of temperatures and flavors.
3. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide crunchiness that pairs well with the soft texture of the cookies.
4. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances sweetness with acidity, making it a great accompaniment.
5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit alongside these cookies for a delightful brunch option.
6. Cheese Plate: Offer mild cheeses such as cream cheese or brie; their creamy texture contrasts nicely with the crunchy pecans.

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 – Cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for a light and fluffy texture.
• Not measuring flour properly – Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Skipping the cooling step – Icing warm cookies can cause the glaze to melt away. Always let your cookies cool completely before icing.
• Overmixing the dough – Mixing too long can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined for soft, tender Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies.
• Neglecting to blot pumpkin puree – Excess moisture from pumpkin can lead to soggy cookies. Always blot your pumpkin puree before adding it to the mix.

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, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Separate layers with parchment paper for easy access.

Reheating Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F, and warm cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual cookies on a plate for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
• Stovetop – Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies that might help you out!

Can I use different nuts in Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies?

Yes! Feel free to substitute walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just chop them finely and incorporate them like pecans.

How do I make Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies vegan?

You can replace the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water or use applesauce as an egg substitute.

Can I add chocolate chips to my Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips would make a delicious addition. Just fold them into the dough along with the pecans.

What is the best way to store Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for fresher taste longer.

Final Thoughts

These Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are not only soft and fluffy but also offer delightful flavors perfect for any fall gathering. They are versatile; you can customize them with different nuts or spices according to your preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these sweet treats fresh from your oven!