The BEST Maple Pecan Cookies

The BEST Maple Pecan Cookies are everything you crave in a fall or holiday treat — soft in the center, chewy around the edges, and packed with nutty pecans and real maple flavor. Each bite is sweet, cozy, and just the right amount of crunchy. These cookies aren’t just another dessert; they’re the kind you’ll want to bake again and again for family gatherings, cookie swaps, or simply to enjoy with a steaming cup of coffee on a chilly afternoon.

Why Choose These The BEST Maple Pecan Cookies?

What Makes These Cookies The BEST Maple Pecan Cookies?

These cookies aren’t just “good” — they’re The BEST Maple Pecan Cookies because of their:

• Rich, unmistakable maple flavor (thanks to using both pure maple syrup and maple extract)
• Soft, chewy texture enhanced by dark brown sugar
• Crunchy, toasted pecans that contrast beautifully
• Balanced sweetness, with an optional glaze for added flair
• Reliability: these cookies hold their shape (with proper chilling)
• Versatility: great plain, glazed, or even as sandwich cookies

Every element is engineered to support that core claim: The BEST Maple Pecan Cookies.

Seasonal & Holiday Appeal

Maple and pecans evoke cozy, autumnal vibes — fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or holiday cookie swaps. These cookies make a great addition to seasonal spreads when people are craving warmth and nutty comfort.

Ingredient Tips for The BEST Maple Pecan Cookie

Must-Have Ingredients to Achieve “BEST” Status

• Pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup) — Opt for Grade B if you want a more intense maple flavor
• Maple extract — Adds the depth that syrup alone often lacks
• Dark brown sugar — The molasses content enhances chewiness and flavor
• All-purpose flour, baking soda, salt — The standard dry base
• Unsalted butter, egg + extra yolk — Provide structure and richness
• Pecans, roughly chopped — For crunch and nutty flavor

Tips on Ingredient Handling & Substitutions

• Bring butter and eggs to room temperature before mixing
• Use a kitchen scale for accuracy; if using cups, stir and spoon flour, do not pack
• Substitute walnuts or almonds if pecans aren’t available
• If maple extract is unavailable, the cookies still work — just expect milder maple flavor
• Use fresh pecans; stale nuts will detract from flavor

Step-by-Step: How to Make The BEST Maple Pecan Cookies

1. Prepare the Dry Mix

Whisk together:

• 2¼ cups (≈ 280 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Set aside this dry blend.

2. Cream Butter & Sugar

In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer:

• Cream ½ cup (≈ 170 g) unsalted butter +
• ¾ cup (≈ 150 g) packed dark brown sugar

Beat for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.

3. Add Egg, Maple, & Extract

• Add 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk (both room temperature), mixing until combined
• Stir in ¼ cup (≈ 60 ml) pure maple syrup
• Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract + 1 teaspoon maple extract

Mix until smooth and homogenous.

4. Combine With Dry Mix & Add Pecans

• Add your flour mixture gradually, mixing just until nearly combined
• Fold in 1 cup (≈ 150 g) chopped pecans by hand — do not overmix

5. Chill the Dough

• Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (you can chill up to 48 hours)
• Chilling is essential — The BEST Maple Pecan Cookies depend on it to prevent spreading

6. Bake the Cookies

• Preheat oven to 350°F (≈ 175°C)
• Line baking sheets with parchment paper
• Scoop dough (medium cookie scoop) and roll into balls (optional: roll in crushed pecans)
• Place dough balls ~2 inches apart
• Bake for 12 minutes
• Let cookies rest on baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring to a cooling rack

7. Add the Maple Glaze (Optional, but stunning)

• Whisk:
    • 1 cup (≈ 120 g) confectioners’ sugar
    • 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup
    • ½ tsp vanilla extract
    • 1 Tbsp milk (adjust for thickness)
• Drizzle the glaze over fully cooled cookies
• Optionally sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top

Serving Tips, Storage & Freezing for The BEST Maple Pecan Cookies

Serving Suggestions

• Arrange on a decorative cookie platter
• Tie in bundles with twine and gift to friends/family
• Pair with hot coffee, chai, spiced cider, or even a glass of milk
• Use as part of a dessert board alongside fruit, cheese, and nuts

Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
• If glaze is applied, layer with parchment to prevent sticking
• Keep away from direct heat or sunlight

Freezing Tricks

• Baked cookies: wrap in plastic wrap, place in airtight container, freeze up to 3 months
• Dough: portion into balls, freeze on tray, then transfer to freezer bag; thaw in refrigerator before baking
• For best quality, let cookies come to room temperature before serving

Variations to Elevate Your Maple Pecan Cookies

Nut Swaps & Mixes

Use walnuts or almonds in place of pecans — or mix nuts for a custom flavor.

Extra Crunch

Roll cookie dough balls in crushed pecans or nut dust before baking — gives a crunchy exterior.

Brown Butter Glaze

Instead of maple glaze, brown ¼ cup butter, then whisk with 1 cup confectioners’ sugar + 1-2 Tbsp milk. Skip the maple syrup. The result is a rich, toasty glaze.

Sandwich Style Cookies

Use maple cream cheese frosting or cinnamon buttercream between two cookies for a sandwich version.

Less Sweet Option

Leave off the glaze entirely and enjoy the base cookie — the maple + pecan flavors are strong enough to stand alone.

FAQs

How to Troubleshoot & Perfect Your Cookies

• If cookies are flat and greasy, chill the dough longer and reduce oven temperature slightly.
• If cookies are too dry or crumbly, add a bit more maple syrup (1–2 tsp) next time.
• For extra chew, you can underbake by 1 minute (cookies will continue to set off the oven).
• Rotate baking sheets halfway to ensure even browning.

Related recipes

This side dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains, including  honey garlic chicken, baked caprese chicken, or grilled salmon. You can also enjoy it as part of a hearty vegetarian dinner.

The BEST Maple Pecan Cookies

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• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes (including chilling)
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Soft, chewy, and nut-crunchy, The BEST Maple Pecan Cookies are bursting with rich maple flavor and toasty pecans, perfect for fall or holiday baking.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150 g) dark brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon maple extract
• 1 cup (150 g) chopped pecans
• Optional Glaze: 1 cup (120 g) confectioners’ sugar, 1 Tbsp maple syrup, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, 1 Tbsp milk

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Instructions

1. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
2. Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (≈3 minutes).
3. Add egg, egg yolk, maple syrup, vanilla, and maple extract; mix until smooth.
4. Gradually add flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped pecans gently.
6. Cover and chill dough for at least 2 hours (up to 48 hours).
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment.
8. Scoop dough into balls, place 2 inches apart, and bake for 12 minutes.
9. Cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
10. Optional: Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled cookies, sprinkle with extra pecans if desired.

Equipment

Oven

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Notes

Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading. Use fresh pecans for the best flavor. For a less sweet option, skip the glaze.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Final thoughts

By carefully combining pure maple syrup with maple extract, using dark brown sugar, folding in toasty pecans, and enforcing a solid chill step, these cookies deliver on the promise of The BEST Maple Pecan Cookies. You get softness, chewiness, flavor depth, and nutty crunch — all in one bite. The optional glaze adds extra sweetness and visual appeal, but the cookie itself stands strong.

Whether you’re baking for a seasonal celebration, gifting homemade treats, or simply indulging in fall vibes at home, these cookies shine. They’re flexible, forgiving, and full of character.

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