Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies: A Delicious Fall Treat (Soft, Iced Pumpkin Cookies with Pecan Crunch)

Gather ‘round, cookie enthusiasts! As the leaves turn and the air turns crisp, there’s no better way to celebrate fall than with warm, comforting Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies. These soft, fluffy delights, laced with the warm embrace of pumpkin and sweet maple syrup, are topped with a silky icing and a delightful pecan crunch that will have you swooning with every bite. Imagine a cozy afternoon, the smell of spices wafting from the oven, and these cookies melting in your mouth—pure bliss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with every pumpkin-spiced bite! Here’s why these Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are sure to become your go-to fall treat:

– Big, Bold Flavors: With the rich taste of maple and pumpkin complemented by warm spices, these cookies are a flavor hug for your taste buds.
– Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for any gathering, these cookies will impress friends, family, and even your neighbor’s dog (just kidding, don’t feed them cookies)!
– Flexible & Fast: Whip them up in no time; they’re perfect for those spontaneous fall get-togethers!
– Make-Ahead Magic: Bake a batch ahead of time and enjoy soft, sweet treats throughout the week!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies lies in their simple yet delicious ingredients! Let’s gather what you need for these heavenly bites.

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– ¼ cup chopped pecans, plus more for garnish
– ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– ¼ cup white sugar
– ¾ cup packed dark brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 3 tablespoons maple syrup
– ⅔ cup pumpkin puree, blotted
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– ¼ cup maple syrup (for icing)
– ½ teaspoon ground cloves (for icing)
– ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for icing)

*Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.*

Variations

Get creative with your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies! Here are some fun variations to add your personal touch:

– Go Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly treat!
– Add Extra Protein: Mix in a handful of chocolate chips or protein powder for a delicious boost.
– Make it Spicier: Increase the cloves or cinnamon for a festive flavor explosion!
– Swap the Dressing: Try using nut butter or honey instead of maple syrup in the icing for a different twist.
– Colorful Additions: Toss in some dried cranberries or chocolate chips for a burst of color and flavor!

How to Make Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

Ready to bake? Follow these easy steps to create the softest, fluffiest Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). While it warms up, take the unsalted butter out of the fridge and let it soften for about 20-30 minutes, so it’s creamy but still cool.

Step 2: Gather Your Ingredients

Use this time to gather all your ingredients and baking equipment. Getting organized makes the process a breeze!

Step 3: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cloves, cinnamon, and salt. This aromatic blend is the foundation for our cookies!

Step 4: Chop the Pecans

Chop your pecans and set aside half for mixing into the dough and half for topping. The nutty crunch is key to these cookies!

Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and dark brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat for 3-5 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 6: Prepare the Pumpkin

Blot the pumpkin puree with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. This step ensures your cookies are perfectly fluffy!

Step 7: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the egg, maple syrup, and blotted pumpkin puree to the creamed mixture. Beat on medium-high speed for 2 minutes until well combined.

Step 8: Blend Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix; we want those cookies tender!

Step 9: Fold in Pecans

Gently fold in half of the chopped pecans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 10: Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop (or a tablespoon), form 2-tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Space them about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet—this ensures they have room to spread!

Step 11: Bake

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes, or until lightly golden at the edges. Your kitchen will smell like a fall dream!

Step 12: Cool the Cookies

Carefully transfer the baked cookies to a cooling rack with a sheet underneath. This keeps them intact while cooling.

Step 13: Make the Icing

While the cookies cool, whip up the maple icing by mixing powdered sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and cloves together until smooth.

Step 14: Ice and Garnish

Once the cookies are cool, drizzle them with the maple icing and sprinkle with the remaining chopped pecans. Work in batches of 2-3 cookies at a time to make sure the pecans stick!

Step 15: Enjoy!

Now, take a moment to admire your beautiful Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies before devouring them!

Pro Tips for Making Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

– Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture; it should be firm yet pliable.
– Don’t Skip the Blotting: Blotting the pumpkin puree is crucial for the right cookie texture—nobody wants soggy cookies!
– Watch Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies; overbaking can lead to dry cookies. They should be soft in the middle when you take them out.
– Icing Love: Drizzle the icing on while the cookies are still slightly warm for a beautiful melt-in-your-mouth moment!

How to Serve Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a dusting of nutmeg on top for an inviting aroma and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of spiced chai or a tall glass of milk for a classic combination that will warm your heart.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve them on a rustic wooden platter or in individual cupcake liners for fun and easy sharing at parties or gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll still be delicious!

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months! Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then store in a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

If you have leftover baked cookies, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to bring back that fresh-baked taste.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds would work beautifully in this recipe.

Is this recipe spicy?
The spices add a warm flavor, but they’re not overly spicy. It’s all about the cozy fall vibes!

How do I make this gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for delicious results!

Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge overnight or freeze it for later.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, my friends! These Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies are the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and utterly delightful. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them solo with a cozy drink, this recipe captures the very essence of fall. So roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in cookie heaven. Happy baking! 🍪✨