Here is the perfect cookie for fall and winter! Maple pecan cookies have all the good seasonal flavors. Made with pure maple syrup and brown sugar they are perfectly sweet and chewy. You’re going to love them!

maple brown sugar cookie with chopped pecans and maple drizzle on plate.

The taste of pure maple syrup is hard to beat (this is the New England girl inside of me talking). It obviously tastes amazing on pancakes and waffles, but have you tried using maple syrup in cookies? It tastes amazing! Maple pecan cookies have all the cozy flavors to comfort you as the colder months approach..

Why this recipe works

These cookies are not only easy to make, but they turn out soft and chewy. The combination of both maple syrup and maple extract for the best maple flavor. Brown sugar complements the maple flavor while keeping the cookies chewy while the chopped pecans add a nice crunch!

Ingredient notes

maple brown sugar cookies ingredients in bowls labeled with text.
  • Maple syrup: 100% pure maple syrup is best for these cookies. I prefer Grade B because it has a more robust flavor, but Grade A can also be used! Do not use pancake syrup because it is flavored corn syrup, which won’t work in this recipe.
  • Maple extract: Maple syrup on its own won’t provide enough flavor in cookies. Maple extract will guarantee pronounced flavor. You can find it at Whole Foods or on Amazon.
  • Brown sugar: Dark brown sugar has more molasses flavor, which fits these cookies. However, light brown sugar may be used in a pinch.

Refer to the recipe card for detailed information on ingredients and quantities.

Recipe variations

Try different nuts: I think pecans are the perfect accompaniment to maple desserts. However, other nuts may be used in these cookies. I use walnuts in my maple muffin recipe and the flavors pair well. Almonds work too! If you like extra crunch in your cookies, try rolling each cookie dough ball in crushed nuts before baking.

Make a brown butter glaze: Instead of a maple glaze, you can make a brown butter glaze by browning 1/4 cup butter and whisking it together with 1 cup confectioners’ sugar and 1-2 tablespoons milk. If you prefer less sweet cookies, you can enjoy these cookies without the glaze.

Make cookie sandwiches: Make maple cream cheese frosting and sandwich two cookies together! Cinnamon buttercream frosting would also be delicious.

How to make maple pecan cookies

photo collage demonstrating how to make maple brown sugar cookie dough in a mixing bowl.
  1. Whisk the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt. Set aside.
  2. Mix the wet ingredients: Beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract and maple extract until combined.
  3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Stir in the chopped pecans by hands.
  4. Chill the dough for at least 2 hours and up to 48 hours. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 F.
photo collage demonstrating how to make maple brown sugar cookies on baking sheet with icing.
  1. Bake the cookies: Scoop chilled dough and roll into balls. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
  2. Make the glaze: Whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, vanilla and milk. Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies and add another sprinkle of crushed pecans if desired.

Expert tips

Chilling the dough is vital to making sure these cookies don’t spread too much. Maple syrup makes cookie dough softer than usual so you’ll want the dough firmed up in the refrigerator anyway.

Use 100% pure maple syrup not pancake syrup! Pancake syrup is just flavored corn syrup. It will affect the texture and taste of the cookies.

Make sure your ingredients are room temperature for easy mixing. For accurate measuring, I suggest using a kitchen scale. If you don’t have one, be sure to fluff up your flour and spoon it into a measuring cup. Level it with a knife (don’t pack it down).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my cookies spread?

Either there wasn’t enough flour or the dough was too warm. Chill the dough for at least 2 hours. Work quickly rolling the dough into balls as the heat of your hands will warm the dough.

Can I make maple cookies without maple extract?

Technically, yes, but the cookies will be severely lacking maple flavor. Unfortunately maple syrup on its own typically doesn’t provide enough flavor in baked goods.

Can you use walnuts instead of pecans?

Yes, you definitely can use walnuts as a substitution for pecans.

Can I freeze maple cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the cookies after they have cooled. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. For best results, wrap the cookies in plastic wrap too. You can also freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, this recipe can be easily doubled.

maple brown sugar cookies with pecans and glaze on a plate.

Did you love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card below and if you REALLY loved it, consider leaving a comment further down the page.

plate of maple brown sugar cookies with pecans and icing drizzle.

Get the Recipe: The Best Maple Pecan Cookies

Maple pecan cookies are the perfect seasonal cookie! Made with pure maple syrup and chopped pecans they are sweet and crunchy.
5 (5 ratings)

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ cups (280 g) unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ¾ cup (150 g) packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 egg yolk, room temperature
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup, (not pancake syrup)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon maple extract
  • 1 cup (150 g) pecans, roughly chopped

Maple Glaze

  • 1 cup (120 g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
  • 1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup, (not pancake syrup)
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk, or more for desired consistency

Instructions 

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add egg and egg yolk, and mix until well combined. Scrape down the bottoms and sides of the bowl as necessary. Add maple syrup, vanilla and maple extract. Mix until well combined.
  • Add the flour and mix just until combined, then stir in the pecans by hand.
  • Cover and chill the dough for at least 2 hours.
  • Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Using a medium cookie scoop, scoop cookie dough and roll into balls (as an option, roll the cookie dough balls in crushed pecans for extra crunch) Place on prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart and bake for 12 minutes. Allow cookies to cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • For the glaze, whisk together the confectioners sugar, maple syrup, vanilla and milk. Drizzle over cookies and serve.

Notes

Maple syrup: Grade B pure maple syrup is best for these cookies, but you can also use Grade A. Do not use pancake syrup.
Chill the dough otherwise the cookies will spread and be thin.
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze cookie dough for up to 3 months.
Serving: 1cookie, Calories: 144kcal, Carbohydrates: 21g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 22mg, Sodium: 86mg, Potassium: 46mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 12g, Vitamin A: 122IU, Vitamin C: 0.04mg, Calcium: 16mg, Iron: 1mg

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