Name: Maple Pecan Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (spoon and leveled); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature); 1 cup packed dark brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup pure maple syrup; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon maple extract; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/3 cup pure maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon maple extract; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar; Pinch of salt; 1 cup chopped toasted pecans; Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 1 review

If you are craving a cookie that perfectly balances rich buttery flavor with the warm, comforting notes of maple and crunch from toasted pecans, this Maple Pecan Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie infused with real maple syrup, topped with a luscious maple glaze, and finished with a delightful sprinkle of flaky sea salt and toasted pecans. These cookies are not only irresistibly tasty but also carry a cozy fall-inspired vibe that is sure to brighten your day or wow guests at any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl on a white marbled surface holds a mix of white flour and brown cinnamon powder in one layer, with the flour forming a mound and the cinnamon sprinkled on top. Around the bowl, there is a container filled with light brown sugar, a glass cup with an amber liquid, a small white dish holding a brown egg, and a small white cup filled with dark liquid, likely vanilla extract. A metal whisk with a wooden handle rests on the surface next to the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Maple Pecan Cookies Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to contribute to its irresistible taste and texture. From the all-purpose flour creating the perfect base, to spices and extracts that layer on the deep maple flavor, these essentials come together simply but wonderfully.

2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for soft, chewy cookies when spooned and leveled for accuracy.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps cookies rise and achieve a perfect light texture.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a subtle warm spice that complements the maple perfectly.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature: Creates that rich, tender crumb and buttery taste.
1 cup packed dark brown sugar: Contributes moisture and deep caramel notes.
1 large egg: Binds ingredients and aids in creating chewy texture.
1/4 cup pure maple syrup: The star ingredient that infuses cookies with authentic maple flavor.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out flavor layers.
1 teaspoon maple extract: Amplifies the maple essence for richness and depth.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (for glaze): Bases the smooth, luscious maple glaze.
1/3 cup pure maple syrup (for glaze): Intensifies the glaze’s maple sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon maple extract (for glaze): Provides a concentrated maple punch.
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for glaze): Balances the sweetness in the glaze.
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar: Adds smooth, sweet texture to the glaze.
Pinch of salt (for glaze): Enhances flavor by cutting through the glaze’s sweetness.
1 cup chopped toasted pecans: Offers irresistible crunch and nutty flavor perfect for topping.
Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling): Finishes the cookies with a hint of saltiness that elevates every bite.

How to Make Maple Pecan Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to ensure your cookies won’t stick and bake evenly. In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This step ensures all your dry ingredients are well combined so every bite gets that perfect flavor mix.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the half cup of room temperature butter together with the packed dark brown sugar until the texture is creamy and smooth. This step is essential for fluffy cookies. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides occasionally so everything is evenly mixed. Once smooth, add in the large egg and beat until combined.

Step 3: Add Maple Syrup and Extracts

Mix in the real maple syrup, pure vanilla extract, and maple extract carefully, so all the beautiful flavors meld into the batter. These ingredients are what give the cookies their signature maple essence that shines through every bite.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Turn off the mixer before adding your dry ingredient mixture, then mix on low speed until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here to keep your cookies tender and soft rather than tough or dense.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Scoop or roll the cookie dough into roughly 1 1/2 tablespoon-sized balls and place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake them for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are lightly browned but the centers still feel soft and pillowy.

Step 6: Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This resting period lets the cookies firm up a bit but maintain their chewy heart.

Step 7: Make and Apply the Maple Glaze

While the cookies cool, gently melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in maple syrup and remove from heat. Then stir in vanilla, maple extract, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth and glossy. Spoon a thin layer of this luscious glaze over each cooled cookie, then immediately sprinkle with toasted pecans and flaky sea salt for maximum flavor and texture contrast.

How to Serve Maple Pecan Cookies Recipe

A stack of three light brown cookies sits on crumpled white parchment paper over a white marbled surface, each cookie topped with a smooth layer of caramel-colored sauce and small pieces of chopped nuts. The top cookie has a bite taken out, showing a soft, crumbly texture inside. More cookies with the same toppings are scattered around in the blurry background against a dark brown, rustic backdrop. The overall look is warm and inviting, with a focus on the rich sauce and nut contrast on the soft cookies. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted chopped pecans instantly adds an irresistible crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the soft maple-sweet cookie. The flaky sea salt isn’t just decorative—it highlights the sweetness and adds a sophisticated touch to each bite.

Side Dishes

These cookies are delightful with a cup of heavy roast coffee, a creamy chai latte, or even a simple glass of cold milk. The warm spices and nutty glaze play well with these beverages, turning a simple snack into a relaxing moment you savor.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive gatherings, arrange these Maple Pecan Cookies on a rustic wooden board garnished with whole pecans and small maple syrup bottles or mini jars for guests to drizzle extra glaze if they wish. They are also fabulous stacked in pretty gift boxes lined with parchment paper—a perfect homemade treat for holidays or thoughtful gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying as many as you can, store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The cookies remain soft and flavorful, especially when kept away from moisture and direct sunlight.

Freezing

If you want to save these delights for longer, freeze the unglazed cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. You can bake them fresh from frozen, just add a couple extra minutes to baking time. Alternatively, freeze fully baked and glazed cookies layered between parchment paper to prevent sticking for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To warm the cookies back up and bring out the best flavors, pop them in a 300-degree F oven for 5 to 8 minutes or microwave briefly for about 10 seconds. This helps the glaze soften and the cookie regain that fresh-baked charm.

FAQs

Can I substitute different nuts for pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds also complement the maple flavor nicely, but pecans are classic for their buttery taste and natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with maple.

What if I don’t have maple extract? Can I skip it?

Yes, you can omit the maple extract if unavailable. Using pure maple syrup alone still provides wonderful flavor, but the extract helps intensify and deepen the maple notes.

How soft are these cookies—do they stay chewy?

These Maple Pecan Cookies are soft with chewy centers and slightly crisp edges. They hold their texture well even after a few days if stored properly.

Is it necessary to add the glaze and nuts on top?

The glaze and pecans elevate the cookies from good to spectacular, adding sweetness, texture, and a lovely finish. However, if you prefer a simpler cookie, they’re still delicious without the topping.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just ensure your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about these maple-infused, pecan-studded cookies that warms the soul and satisfies your sweet tooth all at once. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just yourself, this Maple Pecan Cookies Recipe is a comforting treat that brings pure joy to every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love as much as I have!