A gentler maple sweetness
Pure maple syrup adds a mellow flavor rather than a candy-like maple punch. Toasting the pecans brings their aroma forward. These are a useful alternative to pie when you want something easy to portion and share after dinner.
Before you bake
This recipe has not been independently kitchen-tested. Photographs are illustrative. Oven behavior and yields vary; use the doneness cues, and allow additional time for cooling, decorating, and successive trays. Cook time is per tray.
Maple pecan cookies
Brown sugar, real maple syrup, and toasted pecans make a cozy Thanksgiving cookie plate.
- Prep
- 20 minutes
- Bake
- 12 minutes
- Total
- 62 minutes
- Yield
- About 24 cookies
Includes 30 minutes chilling. Total is for the first batch, before cooling; allow extra time for additional trays.
Ingredients
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Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F. Toast pecans on a baking sheet for 5–7 minutes, watching closely. Cool fully. Nut toasting is additional to the listed cookie bake time.
- Beat butter and brown sugar until smooth, about 2 minutes. Beat in maple syrup, egg yolk, and vanilla.
- Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir into the butter mixture and fold in cooled pecans. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Line baking sheets with parchment. Scoop level 1 1/2-tablespoon portions 2 inches apart and flatten slightly.
- Bake one tray at a time at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers look set. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
A little baking advice
Do not add extra syrup for a stronger maple flavor: it changes the liquid balance and spread. Darker pure maple syrup generally offers a more assertive flavor.
Substitutions & variations
Chopped walnuts can replace pecans in the same amount. This recipe contains tree nuts; use a separate nut-free recipe for guests with allergies.
Storage & freezing
Keep airtight at room temperature for up to 4 days. Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw in the closed container.
Tools for this recipe
An independent editorial selection, based on published specifications—not hands-on testing. Retailer links are ordinary, non-affiliate links; we currently earn no commission from them. Read our disclosure.
Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet
Aluminum · 17.1 × 12.1 × 1-inch interior
Why consider it: A light-colored surface, generous baking area, and reinforced rim make a straightforward everyday choice.
Keep in mind: Hand-wash recommended. Measure your oven against the exterior dimensions before buying.
OXO Medium Cookie Scoop
1 1/2-tablespoon capacity · trigger release
Why consider it: A stated portion size takes the guesswork out of everyday drop cookies.
Keep in mind: Not intended to force through very hard chilled dough; not needed for cutout cookies.
