Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly capture the essence of fall. These cookies are soft and fluffy, featuring a harmonious blend of pumpkin, maple syrup, and crunchy pecans. Ideal for gatherings, cozy afternoons, or even as a gift, they are sure to impress your friends and family with their rich flavors and inviting aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, maple syrup, and spices creates a warm and comforting taste experience.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and requires minimal equipment, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual coffee date, these cookies fit right in.
• Soft Texture: These fluffy cookies melt in your mouth, providing a delightful contrast to the crunchy pecans.
• Customizable Toppings: Drizzle with icing or enjoy plain; either way, they’re delicious!

Tools and Preparation

To prepare Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies efficiently, having the right tools is essential. Gather these items before you start baking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows for easy mixing of ingredients without spills.
• Electric mixer or stand mixer: Ensures thorough mixing of butter and sugars for a fluffy texture.
• Cookie scoop or measuring spoon: Helps in creating 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 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 for baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Butter

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

Step 3: Gather Ingredients

While waiting for the butter to soften, gather all your ingredients and equipment so everything is ready when you begin mixing.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:
1. Flour
2. Baking powder
3. Ground cloves
4. Ground cinnamon
5. Salt
Whisk them together well.

Step 5: Chop Pecans

Chop the pecans and divide them in half; one half will be mixed into the dough, while the other half will be used as topping.

Step 6: Cream Butter and Sugars

In your mixing bowl with softened butter, add both sugars. Mix using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 7: Blot Pumpkin Puree

Blot excess moisture from your pumpkin puree by placing it on high-quality paper towels in a small bowl. Fold the towels over it to soak up moisture.

Step 8: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add in the egg, maple syrup, and blotted pumpkin puree into your creamed mixture. Mix on medium/high speed for another 2 minutes until well combined.

Step 9: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add one third of your dry ingredient mix into the wet ingredients at low speed. Repeat this process until fully incorporated.

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 Dough onto Baking Sheet

Using a cookie scoop or measuring spoon, form balls of dough approximately 2 tablespoons each. Arrange them about 2 inches apart on your baking sheet.

Step 12: Bake Cookies

Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 13-15 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 13: Cool Your Cookies

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

Step 14: Prepare Maple Icing

While cookies are cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves until smooth.

Step 15: Ice Your Cookies

Once cooled completely, drizzle each cookie with icing and sprinkle with remaining chopped pecans immediately so they stick well.

Step 16: Enjoy!

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

How to Serve Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

These delightful Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these treats can be served in a variety of ways that enhance their flavor and presentation.

With a Hot Beverage

• Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The spices in the cookies complement the warmth of your drink perfectly.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a beautiful dessert platter along with other fall-inspired treats like pumpkin bread or apple pie for an inviting display.

As Party Favors

• Wrap individual cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with twine. These make for charming party favors at autumn gatherings or holidays.

With Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The contrast of warm and cold creates a delicious treat.

How to Perfect Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

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

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow the butter and egg to come to room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t skip the blotting step: Blotting the pumpkin puree removes excess moisture, ensuring your cookies don’t turn out too wet.
• Mix just until combined: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies; mix dry and wet ingredients just until you no longer see flour.
• Chill the dough if necessary: If your dough is too sticky, chilling it for about 30 minutes can make it easier to handle.
• Watch your bake time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; they should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when done.

Best Side Dishes for Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies enhances their flavors. Here are some delightful options that complement this sweet treat well.

1. Spiced Apple Cider – A warm, spiced apple cider brings out the flavors of fall, making it a perfect drink pairing.
2. Pumpkin Soup – A creamy pumpkin soup offers a savory contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Candied Pecans – Sweet, crunchy pecans can be served alongside or sprinkled over whipped cream as an added treat.
4. Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses pairs well with the rich flavors of pumpkin and maple.
5. Caramel Dip – Serve caramel dip for dipping; its sweetness matches beautifully with the cookies’ flavors.
6. Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and balances the richness of the cookies with its natural sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making cookies can be fun, but there are a few common mistakes that can ruin your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies experience. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Incorrect butter temperature: Using cold butter leads to dense cookies. Always let your butter sit out for 20-30 minutes until it’s soft but still cool.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can make cookies tough. Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep them fluffy.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour results in dry cookies. Use a spoon to fill your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy.
• Skipping the cooling step: Icing warm cookies can cause the icing to melt. Allow your cookies to cool completely before adding the maple icing.
• Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality ingredients affects flavor. Opt for fresh spices and high-quality maple syrup for the best taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a cookie sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 5 minutes for fresh-tasting cookies.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds, being careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a pan over low heat, covering it with a lid for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

You can replace pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just chop them up similarly before adding.

How do I make these Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies gluten-free?

Substituting all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour works well. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I use canned pumpkin puree?

Yes! Canned pumpkin puree is convenient and works perfectly in this recipe, just remember to blot excess moisture.

How do I store leftover icing?

Store any leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir well before using again.

What can I add to customize my Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies?

Feel free to add chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even spices like nutmeg for extra flavor!

Final Thoughts

These Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are soft, fluffy, and full of delightful flavors that embody fall. With their sweet maple icing and crunchy pecans, they are perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Don’t hesitate to customize them with different nuts or spices according to your taste!