Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

If you dream about the cozy notes of fall wrapped up in cookie form, these Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are the treat you’ve been waiting for! Soft, warmly spiced, and topped with a glistening maple icing and crunchy pecans, they’re truly irresistible. Each bite bridges the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the rich flavor of maple syrup and the satisfying crunch of pecans, making these cookies a true autumn-inspired crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just want to fill your kitchen with the aroma of pure comfort, this recipe is a must-try for any cookie lover.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies comes from a handful of simple, everyday ingredients, each bringing its own touch of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these bakery-worthy treats—don’t skip a thing if you want that perfect fall cookie experience!

• All Purpose Flour: Provides the structure so your cookies hold their shape while staying tender.
• Baking Powder: Lends a gentle rise, for cookies that are soft and pillowy.
• Ground Cloves: Delivers depth and a warm, spicy note that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
• Ground Cinnamon: Brings classic, irresistible warmth and laces every bite with coziness.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings the other flavors forward.
• Chopped Pecans: Add crunch in every bite—half go into the dough, half finish the cookies with flair.
• Unsalted Butter: Ensures a rich, buttery base for the cookie dough, so flavors meld perfectly.
• White Sugar: Contributes a light sweetness and helps create a soft crumb.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Translates into deep, caramel-like flavor and chewy centers.
• Large Egg: Binds the dough so your cookies are moist without being cakey.
• Maple Syrup: Infuses the dough and icing with that iconic maple note—don’t skimp on quality here!
• Pumpkin Puree (blotted): Adds moistness and lovely color while letting the spices shine.
• Powdered Sugar: The sweet, silky base of your maple icing.

How to Make Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F, so it’s ready to bake as soon as your dough is mixed. While that’s going, let the unsalted butter sit out until it’s perfectly soft but still cool—room temperature butter is your ticket to fluffy, tender cookies. Gather all your ingredients and equipment so everything’s in easy reach.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cloves, cinnamon, and salt. It’s a simple step but ensures those spices are evenly scattered throughout, meaning every Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookie tastes just as dreamy as the last.

Step 3: Chop the Pecans

Chop your pecans and be sure to divide them in half—a portion will be nestled into the batter for texture, while the rest will later become a crunchy topping. This planning ensures every bite is perfectly balanced.

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, blend the softened butter with the white sugar and dark brown sugar using an electric or stand mixer. Mix on medium for 3-5 minutes, scraping down the bowl a couple times to make sure everything is smooth and fluffy. This aeration helps create cookies with supple centers and delicate edges.

Step 5: Blot the Pumpkin Puree

To prevent soggy cookies, use high-quality paper towels to blot your pumpkin puree before adding it in. Just scoop the puree into a lined bowl, fold the paper towel over, and gently absorb any extra moisture. You’ll keep all the flavor and color, minus the extra water.

Step 6: Combine Wet Ingredients

Now, add the egg, maple syrup, and your blotted pumpkin puree to the creamed mixture. Mix everything together on medium-high speed for 2 minutes. The batter will look lusciously thick and orange, and it’ll start to smell like pumpkin pie!

Step 7: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

With your mixer on a low setting, add about a third of the dry ingredients at a time, blending gently after each addition. Mixing slowly ensures you don’t overwork the dough, keeping your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies soft and light.

Step 8: Fold in Pecans and Shape

Once the dough is just combined, fold in half of your chopped pecans with a spatula. Scoop two-tablespoon portions onto a cookie sheet, leaving a couple inches between each for spreading. Using a cookie scoop or even a heaped tablespoon works perfectly for this step.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide your cookie trays into the oven and bake for 13-15 minutes. The tops should be set but still soft to the touch. Once baked, let your cookies cool completely on a rack—they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 10: Mix and Drizzle Maple Icing

While your cookies are cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and cloves to make the icing. Drizzle it generously over each warm cookie, working in small batches so you can immediately sprinkle on the remaining pecans—this way, they’ll stick perfectly before the icing sets.

How to Serve Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

Garnishes

A drizzle of maple icing and a scatter of extra chopped pecans make the ultimate finishing touches for Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies. For even more flair, add a light dusting of cinnamon or a sparkle of coarse sugar right before serving to catch the light and wow your guests.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cozy mug of chai latte, a hot cup of apple cider, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Their spiced flavors also make them a lovely companion to a cheese platter with sharp cheddar or creamy brie—the perfect contrast of sweet and savory.

Creative Ways to Present

For a showstopping dessert platter, stack Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies in rustic towers or tuck them into a parchment-lined basket. You could even wedge them into glass jars, tie with festive ribbon, and give as heartfelt edible gifts. If you’re feeling decadent, sandwich a layer of cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a fall-inspired whoopie pie!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies tasting bakery-fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and flavorful for 3 to 4 days—just keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources to preserve that pillowy texture.

Freezing

Want cookies on demand? Freeze both the unbaked dough balls (without icing) or the finished, cooled cookies in a single layer before transferring to zip-top bags. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months—just let them come back to room temperature before icing or serving.

Reheating

For that fresh-from-the-oven taste, warm cookies in a low oven (around 275°F) for about 5 minutes. If they’re already iced, just pop them in briefly so the icing softens but doesn’t melt away, or warm un-iced cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a quick treat.

FAQs

Do I have to blot the pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Blotting the puree removes excess moisture, preventing your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies from becoming too cakey or dense. It’s a simple step but makes a huge difference in texture.

Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark?

You can swap in light brown sugar if you’re in a pinch, but dark brown sugar gives the cookies deeper caramel undertones and extra richness, which really makes the flavor pop alongside the pumpkin and maple.

Can I make these cookies gluten free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite measure-for-measure gluten free flour blend for the all purpose flour. Just be sure your blend includes xanthan gum for the best texture—your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies will still be deliciously soft and tender.

Is it necessary to use real maple syrup?

For the absolute best flavor, real maple syrup is highly recommended. The natural sweetness and slight smokiness elevate both the dough and the icing, taking these cookies (and your tastebuds) to a whole new level!

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! This recipe doubles beautifully, so you can easily make extra Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies for sharing, gifting, or freezing for later cookie cravings.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to embrace the coziest flavors of the season, baking Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies is the perfect way to do it. Pour yourself a mug of something warm and get ready to fall in love—one delicious, maple-drizzled bite at a time!

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