Our maple pecan cookies are loaded with toasted chopped pecans and the perfect amount of maple flavor. These are soft and chewy cookies topped with a sweet maple icing that is simply irresistible!
The flavor of nutty pecans naturally pair so well with the taste of maple which is what makes this such a delicious recipe you’ll want to make over and over again!
We have a cookie recipe for any day and any occasion here on the blog and these maple pecan cookies are a new favorite! They’re right up there with our oatmeal chocolate chip cookies , chewy molasses cookies and these soft lemon ricotta cookies.
And if you want a fun monster themed party, try our Cookie Monster cookies and monster ice cream.
But what sets our maple pecan cookies apart is the intense maple flavor that falls somewhere between molasses and brown sugar cookies. Pure maple syrup and maple flavoring give these the ultimate maple taste!
Even better, this is an easy cookie recipe that requires minimal effort.
Why This Recipe Works
- Toasting the pecans brings out the nuttiness and makes the cookies a rich and nutty treat.
- Maple extract or maple emulsion intensifies the maple flavor without adding too much liquid from the maple syrup.
- The maple glaze adds an extra pop of maple flavor and takes them to the next level.
- Perfect for every occasion, including the holiday season, cookie exchanges, or any day that calls for cookies.
The Ingredient List
To make our maple cookies, you will need:
- all-purpose flour
- baking soda
- baking powder
- cinnamon
- salt (for the cookies and the glaze)
- butter, softened
- dark brown sugar, packed
- eggs
- pure maple syrup (for the maple glaze and the cookies)
- maple extract or maple emulsion
- vanilla extract
- chopped toasted pecans
- powdered sugar
- melted butter (for the glaze)
- pecan halves for the tops of the cookies
When it comes to equipment, have your baking sheet (or cookie sheet) ready. You will also need a standup mixer or a hand mixer with a large bowl. Parchment paper, a wire rack, and a cookie scoop will all come in handy, too.
How to Make Maple Pecan Cookies
The baking process is simple and the recipe results in a tender cookie with a chewy texture that is sure to impress!
Here’s a brief step-by-step of the process but be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to view the full, printable recipe card.
- Mix dry ingredients: Sift the dry ingredients and set them aside.
- Combine the wet ingredients: Cream the butter and sugar. Add the eggs then the maple syrup and extracts. Stir in the flour mixture and the pecans.
- Scoop and chill: Scoop out portions of dough and place cookie dough balls on a baking tray. Chill them in the fridge.
- Bake the maple pecan cookies: Arrange the scoops of cookie dough on your baking tray and bake until golden brown on the edges. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack.
- Ice the cookies: Combine the maple glaze ingredients and whisk until smooth. If you want the icing thinner, whisk in extra maple syrup. Dip the tops of the cookies in the icing and place them on a rack. Top each cookie with a pecan half and let them sit for 1 hour to let the icing dry and set.
Tips for the Best Results
- Using maple extract or maple emulsion helps boost the maple flavor without adding too much liquid from more maple syrup.
- Maple emulsion and pure maple extract will provide a more authentic maple flavor than imitation maple flavoring.
- Scoop the cookie dough before you chill it. The dough is easier to scoop if it isn’t cold.
- Since maple emulsion gets made with water instead of alcohol, the flavor does not bake out as easily as it does with maple extract. Both extract and emulsion will provide great flavor but the emulsion seems to have a more vibrant and concentrated maple flavor.
- Store these maple cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These are the best cookies when you’re searching for something sweet, slightly nutty and packed with maple flavor! They will satisfy any sweet tooth and will leave you reaching for another and another!
This maple pecan cookie recipe results in sweet, nutty, and tender treats that are sure to brighten up your day.
If you try them and love this recipe, we hope you consider giving it a five-star rating in the recipe card below! Thank you and happy baking!
Helpful Tools
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- baking sheet and wire rack
- cookie dough scoop
- electric mixer or stand mixer
- Maple emulsion or pure maple extract
Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love:
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Maple Pecan Cookies
Ingredients
For the cookies
- 3 cups all purpose flour 360 grams
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 16 tablespoons butter softened (2 sticks)
- 1-¼ cups dark brown sugar packed (260 grams)
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons maple extract or maple emulsion
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-½ cup chopped toasted pecans
Maple Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar 226 grams
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- ½ teaspoon maple extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Pecan topping
- 48 pecan halves for the tops of the cookies
Instructions
- Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Sift or whisk to combine well and set aside.
- Add the butter and brown sugar to a mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed until light and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg and beat well. Add the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and maple extract. Beat well to combine.
- Stir in the dry ingredients and the pecans.
- Scoop balls of dough (about 1 tablespoon in size) and place on a plate or baking sheet then transfer to the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours. It is easier to scoop the cookie dough before you chill it.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the scoops of cookie dough on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9 to 12 minutes or until golden brown on the edges.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes then transfer them to a cooling rack.
Ice the Cookies
- Combine the powdered sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, maple extract, and salt in a bowl. Whisk until smooth. If you want the icing thinner, whisk in additional maple syrup (1 tablespoon at a time) until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Dip the tops of the cookies in the icing and place them on a rack. Top each cookie with a pecan half and let the cookies sit undisturbed for 1 hour until the icing dries.
Notes
- Using maple extract or maple emulsion helps boost the maple flavor without adding too much liquid from more maple syrup.
- Maple emulsion and maple extract will provide a more authentic maple flavor than imitation maple flavoring.
- Since maple emulsion gets made with water instead of alcohol, the flavor does not bake out as easily as it does with maple extract. Both extract and emulsion will provide great flavor but the emulsion seems to have a more vibrant maple flavor.
angiesrecipes
Thursday 26th of May 2022
Icing makes the difference, doesn't it? These cookies look fabulous.
Dahn Boquist
Thursday 26th of May 2022
thanks Angie!