Irresistible Maple Pecan Sugar Cookies: Your Ultimate Holiday Dessert Guide
These Maple Pecan Sugar Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a celebration of nutty pecan butter flavor and sweet maple pecan frosting, making them an essential addition to your holiday table!
This post is proudly sponsored by the American Pecan Council, an organization dedicated to supporting pecan farmers and promoting the incredible benefits of American-grown pecans. Rest assured, all opinions and content shared here are 100% my own. Your support for the brands that empower Jessica in the Kitchen means the world!
Embrace the Festive Spirit with Homemade Sugar Cookies
The holiday season has always held a special place in my heart. It’s a magical time brimming with vibrant decorations, heartwarming moments shared with loved ones, joyous laughter, and an abundance of cheer. For me, the literal icing on the cake – or, in this case, the cookie – truly is homemade sugar cookies. There’s something inherently captivating about these versatile treats, coming in a myriad of beautiful shapes and sizes, each one a canvas for creativity. After years of admiring them, I’ve finally embraced the delightful fun of baking them myself, and it has become one of my most cherished holiday traditions. This year, I wanted to create something truly special, a cookie that not only captured the essence of the holidays but also offered a unique twist on the classic.
The Secret Ingredient: Boosting Flavor with Homemade Pecan Butter
When it came time to decide on this year’s signature sugar cookie, the choice became clear surprisingly quickly. A quick review of my previous baking adventures revealed a recurring theme: my undeniable fondness for pecans! This realization sparked the inspiration for these delightful Maple Pecan Sugar Cookies. I wasn’t just aiming for a hint of pecan flavor; I wanted to amplify it, to infuse every bite with that rich, earthy goodness. The solution? Boosting the cookie dough with homemade pecan butter. And let me tell you, this was hands down the BEST decision ever made in my kitchen!
Each individual cookie is loaded with an intense and utterly delicious pecan flavor that truly shines through. The depth of flavor from the pecan butter provides a sophisticated counterpoint to the traditional sweetness of a sugar cookie, creating a profile that is both comforting and exciting. Beyond taste, the addition of pecan butter contributes to the cookies’ wonderfully unique texture, giving them that beautiful, slightly crackled appearance that’s so inviting. It transforms a simple sugar cookie into something extraordinary, providing a tender chewiness that will have everyone reaching for just one more. The subtle notes of cinnamon and a pinch of sea salt further enhance the pecan’s natural robust character, ensuring a perfectly balanced treat.
Elevate Your Cookies with Luscious Maple Pecan Frosting
But the journey to pecan perfection doesn’t end with the cookie itself. As if the pecan butter cookies weren’t already amazing enough, these festive treats are then crowned with a luscious Maple Pecan Frosting. This exquisite topping ties all the flavors together, introducing a warm, sweet maple note that perfectly complements the rich pecans. The frosting isn’t just about taste; it also adds a stunning visual appeal, turning each cookie into a miniature masterpiece. Its creamy texture and delicate sweetness provide a delightful contrast to the slightly crisp edges and tender interior of the cookie.
The final touch of sprinkling additional pecan halves and pieces over the frosting not only adds another layer of texture but also makes these cookies visually irresistible. Placed on any holiday table, they instantly elevate the festive ambiance, promising a delightful experience for both the eyes and the palate. The combination of the robust pecan butter in the cookie base and the delicate, sweet maple pecan frosting creates a harmonious blend that is utterly irresistible. It’s a sophisticated twist on a classic holiday favorite, ensuring these cookies will be a talking point at any gathering and a recipe you’ll be asked to share time and time again. They truly embody the spirit of festive indulgence.
Discover the Power of Pecans: The Original Supernut
Speaking of these incredibly delicious pecans, I’m thrilled to once again partner with American Pecans for this post. It’s a wonderful opportunity to delve deeper into the many benefits of pecans, truly the “Original Supernut.” While pecans are often associated with indulgent desserts, their nutritional profile is remarkably impressive. They are a dense source of vital nutrients, making them a smart choice even for holiday treats, proving that delicious can also be nutritious!
Pecans are celebrated for being among the highest nuts in “good” monounsaturated fats, which are known to support heart health. These beneficial fats are crucial for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. But their benefits don’t stop there. Pecans also pack a significant punch of plant-based protein, essential for energy, muscle repair, and satiety, helping you feel fuller for longer. They also provide a healthy dose of dietary fiber, crucial for digestive well-being and regulating blood sugar levels. Furthermore, pecans are rich in flavonoids, powerful antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body and protect cells from damage. They also contain a variety of essential minerals vital for overall health, including zinc, magnesium, and manganese. It’s truly fascinating to learn that pecans are the only major tree nut indigenous to America, boasting a unique heritage deeply rooted in the country’s history and agriculture.
Another heartwarming fact to remember as you savor these yummy pecans: by choosing American pecans, you are directly helping to support hardworking pecan farmers and their families across the country. These dedicated individuals pour their heart and soul into cultivating these delicious nuts, often facing unpredictable weather patterns and market fluctuations. Your choice to buy American pecans is a delicious way to contribute to local agriculture, sustain rural communities, and ensure this precious nut continues to thrive for generations to come.
Join the Movement: The American Pecan Council’s #PledgePecans Initiative
It has come to my attention that the past year has presented significant challenges for many of our dedicated pecan farmers. From adverse weather conditions to market changes, their livelihoods can be greatly impacted. This makes the initiatives by American Pecans all the more meaningful and impactful. To rally support and raise awareness for these vital agriculturalists, they are launching the Pecan-a-Thon. This isn’t just any event; it’s an entertaining variety show designed to encourage everyone to #PledgePecans and embrace the versatility of this incredible nut beyond its most common uses.
The core idea behind the pledge is beautifully simple yet profoundly impactful: commit to adding at least one pecan-friendly recipe, other than the traditional pecan pie, to your holiday table this season. This initiative isn’t just about expanding your culinary horizons; it’s about spreading the joy of baking and cooking with pecans while providing crucial support to local pecan growers and their families who work tirelessly to bring these delicious nuts to us. By diversifying the ways we enjoy pecans, we create more demand and appreciation for this native American superfood. It’s a cause and a hashtag I can wholeheartedly endorse and get behind!
Are you looking for an idea to fulfill your pledge? Look no further than these very Maple Pecan Sugar Cookies! They are the perfect embodiment of a unique, pecan-centric holiday treat that goes beyond the ordinary. Mark your calendars: The Pecan-a-Thon goes live on November 20th at 10 a.m. EST. Be sure to tune in at AmericanPecan.com/PledgePecans, where you’ll discover a treasure trove of holiday dishes, inspiring cooking demonstrations, and countless new ways to incorporate more pecans into your festive celebrations. It’s a fantastic opportunity to discover new favorites and support a vital agricultural community, making a real difference with every bite.
Baking Tips for Perfect Maple Pecan Sugar Cookies
Creating these Maple Pecan Sugar Cookies is a joyous and rewarding experience, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. The recipe is designed to be straightforward, ensuring you achieve delicious results every time. When making the pecan butter, remember that the initial toasting step is crucial; it awakens the natural oils and intensifies the nutty aroma, forming the foundational flavor of these cookies. Be patient with your food processor – it takes a few minutes for the pecans to transform from a crumbly texture into a smooth, creamy butter. This homemade pecan butter is not only superior in flavor to store-bought varieties but also ensures you have complete control over the ingredients, leading to a healthier and more delicious cookie base.
For the cookie dough, accurately measuring your ingredients, especially the oat flour and xanthan gum (if using), will contribute to the perfect tender-crisp texture. The chilling time for the dough is also incredibly important; it helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents excessive spreading during baking, which is key to achieving those beautiful crackly edges and a consistent size. Don’t rush this step, as it’s vital to achieving that classic sugar cookie charm with a rich pecan twist. When baking, keep a close eye on your cookies. The difference between a soft, chewy cookie and a slightly firmer one can be just a minute or two in the oven. Aim for lightly golden edges and a barely set center for the ideal texture. Once cooled, these cookies provide the perfect base for the creamy maple pecan frosting, making them an unparalleled holiday treat that will impress everyone.
Serving Suggestions and Beyond
These Maple Pecan Sugar Cookies are delightful on their own, offering a rich, satisfying flavor that stands alone. However, they also pair wonderfully with a variety of festive holiday beverages. Imagine enjoying them with a warm cup of freshly brewed coffee, a steaming mug of rich hot chocolate, or a comforting glass of spiced apple cider. They are perfectly sized for cookie exchanges, making a unique and memorable contribution, and are an absolute showstopper for holiday parties. Alternatively, they serve as a simple yet cozy treat on a cold winter’s evening, bringing warmth and joy to your home. Consider packaging a few in decorative boxes or festive bags as thoughtful homemade gifts for friends, family, or neighbors – a gesture of appreciation that’s sure to be cherished and savored.
The versatility of pecans extends far beyond these delicious cookies. Any leftover homemade pecan butter can be creatively incorporated into your daily diet. Use it in smoothies for an extra boost of healthy fats and protein, spread it on toast or oatmeal for a nutritious breakfast, or even use it as a flavorful dip for fresh fruit. Pecan milk, another ingredient in the frosting, can also be enjoyed on its own or added to coffee and cereals. Embracing pecans in various forms not only delights your taste buds but also contributes to a healthier lifestyle, making them a truly valuable addition to your kitchen pantry.
I sincerely hope you enjoy baking and devouring these exquisite Maple Pecan Sugar Cookies as much as I do! They are truly a labor of love that brings warmth, flavor, and a touch of elegance to any celebration. This recipe is a testament to the incredible versatility and deliciousness of pecans, proving they deserve a prime spot on your holiday menu. And remember, don’t forget to visit AmericanPecan.com/PledgePecans and actively participate in the #PledgePecans movement. Your pledge makes a real difference in supporting American pecan farmers and spreading the joy of this amazing supernut!
Maple Pecan Sugar Cookies
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Ingredients
Pecan Butter
- 2 cups fresh pecan halves
- Pinch sea salt
- Pinch cinnamon
Pecan Butter Sugar Cookies
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons oat flour
- 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons pecan butter from above
- 1/2 cup organic brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 flax egg, 1 tablespoon flax seeds + 3 tablespoons of water, mixed and in fridge for 15 minutes before
Maple Pecan Frosting
- 1/4 cup pecan butter
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup pecan milk
- Pecan halves and pecan pieces, for topping
Instructions
Pecan Butter
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Add the pecans to the baking sheet and toast for 5 minutes. This helps to give the pecans a fragrant smell and to warm up the oils in the pecans.
- Add to a food processor with sea salt and cinnamon. Pulse on low or high until combined into a nut butter, stopping to scrape down the sides down as necessary, for about two to eight minutes, depending on your machine. You can store the rest in your fridge or on the counter.
Pecan Butter Sugar Cookies
- In a small bowl, add the oat flour, xantham gum, baking powder and baking soda, cinnamon and sea salt. Whisk together thoroughly. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, add the coconut oil, pecan butter and the brown sugar. With a standing mixer or a hand mix, until thoroughly incorporated, about 3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and the flax egg. Blend until thoroughly incorporated, scraping down sides, for about 3 minutes. Add the dry ingredients to the wet in two batches, and mix with mixer until incorporated. Scrape down the sides to gather all the dough and gently fold in.
- Form dough into a large ball or two smaller balls and cover with Saran wrap. Place in the fridge for at least 1 hour to set up.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Remove Saran Wrap and scoop 1 tablespoon out of the dough for each cookie. Roll slightly between fingers to form a ball. Place out dough ball on a lined cookie sheet, leaving adequate space between each.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes: 12 for slightly softer, 15 for firmer. Remove and let cool slightly. Serve with Maple Pecan Frosting below and enjoy!!
Maple Pecan Frosting
- While the cookies are baking, mix together all the ingredients in a small pan over medium low heat to combine. Whisk vigorously for about 5 minutes until thick and incorporated and allow to cool completely in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Spread over cookies, then sprinkle pecan halves and pecan pieces over the top of the cookies. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.