Name: Chewy Maple Pecan Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup maple syrup; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup pecans, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

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Gather ’round, fellow bakers! Today, we’re whipping up a batch of Chewy Maple Pecan Cookies that will have your tastebuds dancing with joy. These epic treats are the perfect balance of cozy, comforting sweetness and irresistible, crispy edges. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight indulgence or a showstopping addition to your holiday cookie tray, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Chewy Maple Pecan Cookies

Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, chewy cookie that’s bursting with the rich, caramelized flavors of maple and toasted pecans. These Chewy Maple Pecan Cookies are the ultimate in comfort and indulgence, with a lush, velvety texture that melts in your mouth. The secret is in the combination of brown sugar and pure maple syrup, which create a deep, complex sweetness that pairs perfectly with the buttery, crunchy pecans. Plus, these cookies are surprisingly easy to make, with simple, accessible ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself to a cozy afternoon snack, these Chewy Maple Pecan Cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face and a sense of warmth to your soul.

Ingredients

To make these delectable Chewy Maple Pecan Cookies, you’ll need a handful of staple baking ingredients: unsalted butter, brown sugar, pure maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and chopped pecans. The combination of the rich, buttery dough, the deep caramelized sweetness of the maple and brown sugar, and the crunchy, toasted pecans creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and crave-worthy.

1 cup (2 sticks) – Unsalted butter, softened
1 cup – Brown sugar
1/4 cup – Pure maple syrup
2 – Eggs
1 tsp – Vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups – All-purpose flour
1 tsp – Baking soda
1/4 tsp – Salt
1 cup – Chopped pecans

Ingredient Substitutions

Dairy-Free: Replace the unsalted butter with your favorite plant-based alternative, such as coconut oil or vegan margarine.
Nut-Free: Swap the pecans for an equal amount of toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch and nutty flavor.

How to Make Chewy Maple Pecan Cookies

To get started, preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Then, beat in the pure maple syrup and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients (all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt), mixing just until no flour pockets remain. Finally, fold in the chopped pecans, being careful not to overmix.

Step 1: Prep Work

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this aside.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into rounded tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.

Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the centers to continue baking and the edges to crisp up, resulting in that perfect chewy-yet-crispy texture.

Step 4: Finishing Touches (if needed)

No additional finishing touches are needed for these Chewy Maple Pecan Cookies.

How to make Chewy Maple Pecan Cookies — key cooking step

Recipe Variations & Tips

Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg to the dough for a subtle, warm spice flavor.
Mix up the nuts: Swap the pecans for walnuts, almonds, or even a combination of nuts for a delightful crunch.
Drizzle with Maple Glaze: For an extra indulgent twist, drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of maple syrup.
Festive Flair: Stir in some chopped candied ginger or a handful of festive sprinkles for a touch of holiday cheer.

Serving & Storage

Serve with: These Chewy Maple Pecan Cookies are delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk.

Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer-term storage, you can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Reheat: To revive that fresh-baked taste and texture, you can warm the cookies in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

Make-Ahead: The dough for these cookies freezes beautifully. Simply scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to an airtight container or resealable bag and keep them frozen for up to 3 months.

For more cookie inspiration, check out our favorite seasonal ideas on DailyCake’s Pinterest.

Nutrition Information

These Chewy Maple Pecan Cookies are a delightful indulgence, but they also offer a few nutritional benefits. The pecans provide a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, while the maple syrup offers a natural sweetener with antioxidants and minerals.

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150 kcal
Protein: 2 g
Carbs: 18 g
Fat: 8 g
Sodium: 65 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Absolutely! These cookies are highly adaptable. You can swap the pecans for an equal amount of chopped walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of nuts to suit your taste preferences.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make these Chewy Maple Pecan Cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use a 1:1 ratio and adjust the baking time as needed, as gluten-free flours can sometimes require a bit more liquid or a longer baking time.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough for these cookies freezes beautifully. Simply scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to an airtight container or resealable bag and keep them frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

How do I ensure the perfect chewy texture?

The key to achieving that signature chewy texture is to avoid over-baking the cookies. Keep a close eye on them in the oven, and be sure to let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This allows the centers to continue baking and the edges to crisp up, resulting in that irresistible chewy-yet-crispy texture.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan-friendly. Simply replace the unsalted butter with your favorite plant-based alternative, such as coconut oil or vegan margarine. You’ll also need to use a flax or chia “egg” in place of the regular eggs. The rest of the ingredients should remain the same, and the baking instructions will be virtually identical.

Chewy Maple Pecan Cookies