Ingredients
For the Maple Pecan Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick, softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp pure maple extract
- 1 3/4 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the Maple Icing:
- 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 2-3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 pinch salt
- Optional: 1/2 to 1 tbsp half and half or milk (to adjust consistency)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and packed brown sugar for a couple of minutes until the mixture is light and creamy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, and maple extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt, stirring on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in Pecans: Gently fold the chopped pecans into the dough, ensuring even distribution.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight to enhance flavor and texture.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone liner to prevent sticking.
- Form Cookies: Scoop 2 tablespoons of dough and roll into smooth balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet spaced a couple of inches apart.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 10 to 14 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers are mostly set but still soft.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies rest on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Maple Icing: In a medium bowl, whisk together softened butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding half and half or milk if too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin.
- Drizzle Icing: Once the cookies are fully cooled, drizzle the maple icing over them using a spoon.
- Add Pecans: Sprinkle finely diced pecans on top of the icing before it sets for added crunch and flavor.
Notes
- Refrigerating the dough helps the cookies maintain shape and enhances flavor.
- Use pure maple syrup and maple extract for authentic maple flavor.
- Monitor baking time closely to avoid overbaking and keep cookies soft.
- Adjust icing consistency as needed for best drizzle effect.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American