Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a cookie that screams holiday cheer, look no further than these Christmas Maple Pecan Cookies! The warm, sweet aroma of maple combined with the nutty crunch of pecans is just heavenly. Every year, I make it a tradition to whip up a batch (or three!) of these delightful cookies, filling my kitchen with festive vibes. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like sharing these beauties with family and friends by the fireplace, hot cocoa in hand. The combination of flavors is not only comforting but also brings back sweet memories of holiday gatherings. You’re going to love how easy they are to make and how they’ll become a staple in your holiday baking!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – This is your base for a rich and creamy cookie!
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – It adds that deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with maple.
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup – The star of the show! Make sure it’s the real deal for that authentic flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This is what holds everything together, giving the cookies structure.
- 1 cup chopped pecans – The nutty crunch that makes these cookies so special. Feel free to toast them for an extra flavor boost!
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – This is your leavening agent, helping the cookies rise just right.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, trust me on this!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – It adds warmth and depth to the cookie batter.
How to Prepare Christmas Maple Pecan Cookies
Preheat the Oven
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and don’t end up flat. Trust me, a well-preheated oven is the secret to perfectly baked cookies!
Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. I like to use a hand mixer for this, but a good old wooden spoon works too! This process typically takes about 2-3 minutes. The air you incorporate will give your cookies that wonderful, tender texture.
Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, it’s time to add in the star players: the pure maple syrup and vanilla extract. Mix them in thoroughly until everything is well combined. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, and you’ll know you’re on the right track!
Mix Dry Ingredients
Now, in another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together to ensure even distribution. This helps prevent any clumps and makes sure every bite of cookie is just as delicious as the last!
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix here! Just stir until you see no streaks of flour. It’s okay if the dough is a little thick; that’s how we want it!
Add Pecans
Now comes the fun part—fold in those chopped pecans! Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough, giving each cookie that delightful crunch. If you toasted the pecans beforehand, the flavor will be even more amazing!
Shape and Bake
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. I always keep an eye on them towards the end to make sure they don’t overbake!
Cool the Cookies
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up a bit, making them easier to handle. Allow them to cool completely before serving, and get ready to enjoy the delightful flavors of Christmas!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Rich maple and nutty pecan flavors that scream festive cheer.
- Soft, chewy texture that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
- Great for sharing at holiday parties, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa.
- Made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Perfectly customizable—add chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a twist!
- A delightful treat that brings back heartwarming memories of family gatherings.
- These cookies make the perfect gift, beautifully packaged for your loved ones.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Christmas Maple Pecan Cookies turn out absolutely perfect, here are some tips I swear by:
- Toast the Pecans: If you have a few extra minutes, toast your pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until they’re golden and fragrant. This little step brings out their natural oils and adds a delicious depth of flavor that you and your taste buds will love!
- Let Them Cool: After baking, make sure to let the cookies cool completely on wire racks before icing or storing. This helps them firm up and prevents any icing from melting or sliding off. Plus, they taste even better once they’ve had a chance to set!
- Airtight Storage: To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you’re planning to make them ahead of time, they’ll stay yummy for about a week—just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking!
- Experiment with Icing: If you’re in the mood for something extra, consider drizzling a simple icing made of powdered sugar and a splash of maple syrup over the cooled cookies. It adds a lovely sweet touch that complements the maple flavor beautifully!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking up a batch of cookies that will impress everyone at your holiday gatherings!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to holiday baking, it’s always nice to know a little about what we’re indulging in, right? Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional information for each Christmas Maple Pecan Cookie. Keep in mind, these values are based on typical ingredients and can vary slightly depending on the specific brands you use or any substitutions made:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 2g
So, as you enjoy these delightful cookies, you can appreciate that they’re not just delicious but reasonably balanced too! Perfect for sharing with loved ones, but hey, don’t forget to save a few for yourself!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these delicious Christmas Maple Pecan Cookies? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get, along with my answers to help you bake with confidence.
Can I substitute the maple syrup?
Absolutely! If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, you can use honey or agave syrup as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be a bit different, but still delightful!
What if I don’t have pecans?
No problem at all! You can swap in any nuts you love, such as walnuts or almonds. Or, for a nut-free version, try using chocolate chips or dried fruit for a tasty twist!
How do I store leftover cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll last about a week, but trust me, they’ll be gone long before then!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can definitely freeze them! Just make sure they’re fully cooled, then place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
What’s the best way to enjoy these cookies?
These cookies are delicious on their own, but if you want to get a little fancy, try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzling a bit of warm maple syrup on top. Yum!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well. Your cookies will still be delicious and festive!
I hope this helps you as you dive into baking these scrumptious cookies! If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out. Happy baking!
For more delicious recipes, check out Almond Nut Cake or Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies.
Print
Christmas Maple Pecan Cookies: 7 Irresistible Reasons to Bake
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cookies with maple and pecan flavors, perfect for Christmas.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar.
- Add maple syrup and vanilla extract, mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture.
- Stir in chopped pecans.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool on wire racks.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For added flavor, toast pecans before adding.
- Let cookies cool completely before icing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Christmas Maple Pecan Cookies