Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are a delightful treat that brings the flavors of fall right to your kitchen. These soft, fluffy cookies combine pumpkin puree with rich maple syrup and crunchy pecans, making them perfect for cozy gatherings or an afternoon snack. Whether you’re baking for a holiday celebration or simply enjoying a quiet moment at home, these cookies will surely impress with their irresistible taste and aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, maple, and pecans creates a unique flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for fall festivities, potlucks, or just a sweet treat to enjoy with your favorite beverage.
• Soft and Fluffy Texture: These cookies are light and airy, ensuring each bite melts in your mouth.
• Customizable Icing: The maple icing adds an extra layer of sweetness and can be adjusted based on your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

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

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients; having multiple sizes helps in organizing the recipe steps.
• Electric or stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugars effortless, ensuring a well-blended cookie dough.
• Cookie sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking cookies evenly; non-stick sheets can help prevent sticking.
• Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool properly without getting soggy on the bottom.

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 Your Butter

Take the unsalted butter out of the refrigerator to reach room temperature. Allow it to sit out for about 20–30 minutes. When pressed gently, it should feel firm but yield slightly.

Step 3: Gather Ingredients

While waiting for the butter to soften, gather all your ingredients and tools in one place. This makes the baking process more efficient.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Whisk these dry ingredients together until well mixed.

Step 5: Prepare Pecans

Chop the pecans into small pieces and divide them in half—one portion will go into the cookie dough while the other will be used as a topping.

Step 6: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using an electric or stand mixer:
1. Combine softened butter with white sugar and dark brown sugar.
2. Mix on medium speed for about 3–5 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Occasionally scrape down the sides of the bowl using a rubber spatula 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. Scoop pumpkin puree onto the towels.
3. Fold edges over to soak up moisture effectively.

Step 8: Combine Wet Ingredients

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

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

Step 9: Combine Dry & Wet Ingredients

Gradually add one-third of dry ingredients into wet mixture:
1. Mix on low speed until incorporated.
2. Repeat until all dry ingredients are mixed in smoothly.

Step 10: Fold in Pecans

Add half of your chopped pecans into the cookie dough and gently fold them in using a spatula.

Step 11: Scoop Cookie Dough

Using a cookie scoop or round measuring spoon:
1. Create balls of dough about two tablespoons each.
2. Space them approximately two inches apart on a large cookie sheet.

Step 12: Bake Cookies

Place the cookie sheet in preheated oven:
Bake for about 13–15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.

Step 13: Cool Cookies

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

Step 14: Make Maple Icing

While cooling:
1. In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves.
2. Whisk together until smooth.

Step 15: Icing Cookies

After cooling completely:
1. Drizzle icing over each cookie.
2. Sprinkle remaining chopped pecans on top before icing dries to help them stick.

Step 16: Enjoy!

Savor your delicious Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies with friends or family!

How to Serve Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

Serving Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies is a delightful experience that can be tailored to various occasions. Whether it’s a cozy gathering or a festive celebration, these cookies are sure to impress.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: The rich flavor of coffee pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies.
• Tea: A warm cup of chai or herbal tea complements the spices in the cookies perfectly.

As Dessert Platter

• Cookie Assortment: Serve alongside other fall-themed cookies for a vibrant dessert spread.
• Fruit Compote: Add a side of apple or pear compote for an extra touch of sweetness and texture.

For Special Occasions

• Holiday Gatherings: Present them on a decorative platter during Thanksgiving or autumn festivities.
• Gift Boxes: Package them in festive boxes to give as thoughtful homemade gifts.

How to Perfect Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

To achieve the best results with your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies, follow these helpful tips. These small adjustments can make a big difference in taste and texture.

• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices enhance flavor more than pre-ground options, giving your cookies an aromatic boost.
• Blot Pumpkin Puree: Removing excess moisture from pumpkin puree ensures your cookies stay fluffy and don’t become soggy.
• Chill Dough If Needed: If your cookie dough feels too soft, chilling it for 30 minutes can help in shaping perfectly round cookies.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to confirm your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently fold ingredients until just combined to keep your cookies soft and chewy.

Best Side Dishes for Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

Pairing side dishes with Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies can enhance their appeal. Here are some delicious options that complement their flavors well.

1. Cream Cheese Frosting: A tangy frosting can balance the sweetness of the cookies, adding creaminess.
2. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over the cookies adds richness and an indulgent touch.
3. Spiced Nuts: A mixture of roasted spiced nuts provides a crunchy contrast to the soft cookies.
4. Apple Slices: Fresh apple slices bring a crisp freshness that pairs nicely with pumpkin flavors.
5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a healthy side that balances sweetness.
6. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for an elegant touch that contrasts well with cookie sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially with cookies like Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Using cold butter: Cold butter won’t cream properly with sugars, leading to dense cookies. Always let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Overpacking flour can result in dry cookies. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can create tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep them soft and fluffy.
• Skipping the cooling rack: Leaving cookies on the baking sheet can lead to sogginess. Transfer them to a cooling rack immediately after baking.
• Ignoring the icing timing: Icing dries quickly, making it hard to stick pecans on top. Icing a few cookies at a time will help.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep layers of cookies separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

• Freeze cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies when storing.

Reheating Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for about 1 minute, covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s a compilation of common questions regarding Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies.

Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices?

Yes, you can substitute pumpkin pie spice for cloves and cinnamon. Adjust according to your taste preference.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Definitely! Adding semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips can enhance flavor. Mix them gently into the dough before baking.

How do I store leftover icing?

Store leftover maple icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Re-whip before using again if it thickens.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your cookie dough is too sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before scooping and baking.

Final Thoughts

These Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are not only soft and fluffy but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize them by adding chocolate chips or swapping pecans for walnuts. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for fall gatherings or cozy afternoons!