Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

These Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are the perfect treat for a cozy fall day. With their soft texture, delightful flavor, and a crunchy pecan topping, they bring warmth and sweetness to any gathering. Ideal for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee, these cookies are versatile and sure to impress friends and family. Their unique combination of pumpkin and maple creates an irresistible taste that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This cookie recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of pumpkin, maple syrup, and spices creates a rich flavor that is warm and inviting.
• Perfect for Fall: These cookies capture the essence of fall with seasonal ingredients like pumpkin and maple.
• Great for Sharing: Yielding 20 cookies, they are perfect for gatherings, parties, or just to share with neighbors.
• Customizable Toppings: You can easily adjust toppings or add chocolate chips to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin baking your delicious cookies, it’s essential to gather all your tools and prepare your kitchen. Having everything ready will streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all the ingredients without spilling.
• Electric mixer: This tool saves time when creaming butter and sugars together, ensuring a smooth mixture.
• Cookie scoop: Using a scoop ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.

Ingredients

Yield: 20 cookies

Ingredients:
– 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
– 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 (165°C). This allows your cookies to bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Butter

Take the unsalted butter out of the refrigerator so it can reach room temperature. Let it sit out for about 20–30 minutes until it’s firm yet yielding when pressed.

Step 3: Gather Ingredients

While waiting for the butter, gather all your ingredients and equipment. This will make mixing much 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 well until fully combined.

Step 5: Prepare Pecans

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

Step 6: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using an electric or stand mixer on medium speed:
1. Cream together room temperature butter with white sugar and dark brown sugar for about 3–5 minutes.
2. Occasionally stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.

Step 7: Blot Pumpkin Puree

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

Step 8: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add egg, maple syrup, and blotted pumpkin puree to creamed mixture:
1. Mix on medium/high speed for about two minutes until smooth.

Step 9: Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients

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

Step 10: Fold in Pecans

Gently fold in half of your chopped pecans into the cookie dough using a spatula until evenly distributed.

Step 11: Scoop Cookie Dough

Use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon to portion out approximately two tablespoons per cookie:
1. Space them about two inches apart on a large cookie sheet.

Step 12: Bake Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for about:
13–15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Step 13: Cool Cookies

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

Step 14: Make Maple Icing

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

Whisk until smooth.

Step 15: Ice Cookies

Once cooled:
1. Drizzle each cookie with icing.
2. Sprinkle remaining chopped pecans on top while icing is still wet.

Step 16: Enjoy!

Indulge in these delightful Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies, perfect with coffee or tea!

How to Serve Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

These delightful Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Their soft texture and rich flavors make them a treat that everyone will love. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee or Tea: Pair your cookies with a warm cup of coffee or spiced tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
• Hot Chocolate: Enjoy these cookies alongside a rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream for a sweet treat on chilly days.

As a Dessert Platter

• Cookie Assortment: Combine these cookies with other fall-themed treats like apple cider donuts and ginger snaps for a festive dessert platter.
• Cheese Board: Add them to a cheese board with soft cheeses, nuts, and seasonal fruits for an elegant touch.

At Fall Gatherings

• Thanksgiving Treat: Serve them as a dessert option during Thanksgiving dinner; they will complement the seasonal flavors beautifully.
• Halloween Party: Incorporate these cookies into your Halloween festivities as fun treats that both kids and adults will enjoy.

How to Perfect Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

Achieving the perfect Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out delicious every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Blot the Pumpkin Puree: Removing excess moisture from the pumpkin puree helps prevent overly wet dough, leading to fluffier cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients to keep your cookies light and tender.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If time allows, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can enhance flavor and make it easier to scoop.
• Watch Baking Time Closely: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; they should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.

Best Side Dishes for Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

These Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Consider these options to create a well-rounded menu.

1. Cream Cheese Frosting: A creamy frosting adds richness and pairs beautifully with the spices in the cookies.
2. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over each cookie can enhance their sweetness and add another layer of flavor.
3. Spiced Apple Cider: This warm drink is perfect for fall gatherings and complements the cookie flavors nicely.
4. Pumpkin Spice Latte: A trendy beverage that matches perfectly with these cookies, enhancing their pumpkin essence.
5. Roasted Nuts: Serve alongside spiced roasted nuts for added crunch and flavor contrast.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can balance out the sweetness of the cookies while adding freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Using cold butter: Always ensure your butter is at room temperature before mixing. Cold butter will not cream well with sugars, leading to dense cookies.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring cups and spoons. Incorrect measurements can drastically change the texture and taste of your cookies.
• Skipping the blotting step for pumpkin puree: Blotting removes excess moisture from the pumpkin, preventing soggy cookies. Always take this extra step for the best results.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix until just combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can result in tough cookies instead of soft and fluffy ones.
• Neglecting to space cookies properly on the baking sheet: Be sure to leave enough space between cookie dough balls. This allows them to spread without sticking together during baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from drying out.
• If you prefer, you can layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

• Place baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and heat cookies for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds. This makes them soft but be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, watching closely so it doesn’t burn.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies soft?

The combination of pumpkin puree and creamed butter creates a moist texture, ensuring these cookies are soft and fluffy.

Can I substitute other nuts in this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to replace pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different flavor or texture.

How do I store leftover Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for extended freshness.

Can I use canned pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is convenient and works perfectly for this recipe as long as you blot excess moisture.

How do I customize my Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies?

You can add chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even spices like nutmeg for added flavor variations.

Final Thoughts

These Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are perfect for any occasion, especially during fall! Their unique blend of flavors makes them delightful treats that everyone will enjoy. Feel free to customize with your favorite nuts or spices to make them truly yours!