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    Home » Recipe » Dessert » Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies

    Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies

    Published Dec 7, 2020 · Updated Oct 11, 2021 by Ginnie · 4 Comments

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    These scrumptious Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth this fall or holiday season!

    A marble counter topped with Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies.

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    It's cookie season (AKA the BEST time of the year), and do I have some delicious recipes for you this week!

    Every holiday season, I love making all my favorite cookie recipes, and I always test out a few new ones, too. These Maple Pecan Cookies are actually one I've made many times before, because they're the cookie crumble in my Pumpkin Frozen Yogurt recipe. 

    Each bite of these Pecan Shortbread Cookies is such a delight, that I finally decided to give this recipe the stand alone treatment. These tasty bites are definitely going into my annual cookie rotation from now on ... and I think you should add them to yours, too! You're going to love the buttery maple pecan flavor, and the simple maple glaze is irresistible!

    Ready to bake a batch of these Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies for yourself? Just keep reading for all the mouthwatering details!

    Closeup of the finished cookies on a marble counter.

    Ingredients

    Like most shortbread cookies, this recipe uses pretty basic ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

    • Unsalted Butter
    • All-Purpose Flour
    • Brown Sugar (I used dark brown sugar, but light will work, too.)
    • Kosher Salt
    • Maple Syrup
    • Pecans
    • Optional Glaze: Maple Syrup + Powdered Sugar

    As with most simple recipes, don't skimp on good quality ingredients. For example, make sure to use pure maple syrup, not pancake sauce. And I really recommend using kosher salt, not table salt. It will really improve the flavor of everything you cook (not just cookies).

    Don't have any pecans? Walnuts would work great, too.

    You'll Also Need

    To make this recipe, you'll also need a couple baking sheets, as well as a stand mixer to prepare the dough, and a baking rack to cool the cookies once baked. When adding the glaze, line a tray with parchment paper (makes cleanup a snap), and grab a a decorating bulb, a pastry bag, or a zip top bag. I can't recommend those ingenious decorating bulbs enough ... they're so much easier to handle than pastry bags for any sort of cookie / pastry decoration!

    The finished cookies on a marble counter.

    How to Make Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies

    Okay, let's get started! This recipe is simple to make, and the dough requires no chilling. Who doesn't love that?

    Toasting the Nuts

    You will start by toasting the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Nuts burn easily, so make sure to watch them closely and to stir them often.

    Once the nuts are toasted, transfer them to a cutting board and let them cool slightly. Then, chop them into small pieces. 

    A photo collage showing toasted nuts in a skillet, and then chopped.

    Preparing the Dough

    While the nuts are cooling, prepare the dough. Using a stand mixer, cream together the butter and browned sugar. Then, mix in the maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt.

    Add the flour to the butter mixture in two batches. Once the flour is incorporated, add the chopped nuts. You want to avoid overworking the dough (which will make the cookies tough), so blend just until everything is mixed.

    Tip: To measure flour, lightly spoon it into a dry measuring cup, then use a knife (or something else with a straight edge) to level off the top. Do not scoop the measuring cup into the flour ... you'll end up packing the flour, and the cookies will turn out dry.

    A photo collage showing a hand with a ball of pecan cookie dough, then flattening it.

    Shaping and Baking the Cookies

    To shape the cookies, take a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the ball on a baking sheet (that's been lightly sprayed with nonstick cooking spray), then flatten it into a circle about ½-inch thick.

    Repeat this process with the remaining dough. You should get about 27 cookies or so.

    Bake the cookies just until they're lightly browned on the bottom ... the tops and sides of the cookies should not be browned (see picture below). Check one of the cookies using a thin spatula or lift it gently with a fork. It should take about 10 to 12 minutes.

    Let the cookies cool on the baking pan for about five minutes. Then, transfer them to a baking rack to cool completely before adding the glaze.

    The finished cookies on a baking sheet, with one flipped over to show its bottom side.

    Glazing the Cookies

    The maple glaze is optional, but delicious! It's also extremely easy to make and give the cookies a fancy finishing touch. I did half my cookies with the glaze and half without (there's more than enough glaze for all the cookies though).

    To make the glaze, simply mix together the maple syrup and powdered sugar until smooth.

    The glaze is fairly thick, but you should be able to drizzle it. If you think it's too thick, just add a few extra drops of maple syrup (stirring well after each) until you get the desired consistency. Conversely, you can always add more powdered sugar if you think it's too thin.

    A white bowl filled with maple icing with a decorating bulb next to it.

    To frost the cookies, line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or foil), then place the baking rack (with the cooled cookies on it) over the pan. 

    Transfer the glaze to a decorating bulb, pastry bag, or zip top bag (snip the corner off just before drizzling). Then, drizzle the glaze over the cookies.

    For best results, work quickly. That way, you won't get shaky lines. And drizzle the glaze right over the edges of the cookies ... you'll get nicer lines, and the parchment paper will catch the excess.

    Don't these finished Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies look delicious? And trust me, they taste even better!

    The cookies resting on a cooling rack after being drizzled with maple icing.

    Storing the Cookies

    Once you've added the glaze, let it harden for a few minutes. Then, you can store cookies in an airtight container. I have one of these pie containers, and it works perfectly for cookies, cupcakes, pies, etc.

    I like to store these cookies in my refrigerator, which keeps the glaze from melting. After the glaze has chilled, you can even stack these Maple Shortbread Cookies to create more room in your storage container ... for more cookies, obviously!

    A bunch of Maple Pecan Cookies on a counter.

    Related Recipes

    Looking for more Christmas cookie ideas? Try one of these recipes next:

    • Curry Shortbread Cookies
    • Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies
    • Honey Cookies
    • Black Bottom Cupcakes (Mini Chocolate Chip Cheesecakes!)
    • Poppyseed Kiss Cookies
    • Chewy Ginger Cookies
    • White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
    • Pecan Finger Cookies ... my all-time favorites!
    • Stamped Cookies
    • Classic Gingerbread Cookies
    • Sour Cream Cut Out Cookies
    • Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies

    The finished cookies, some drizzled with icing and some without, on a marble counter.

    Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies on a counter.
    Print Recipe SaveSaved!
    5 from 3 votes

    Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies

    Treat yourself to these scrumptious Maple Pecan Cookies ... they're so delicious and couldn't be easier to make!
    Prep Time30 minutes mins
    Cook Time10 minutes mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 27 cookies
    Calories: 156kcal
    Author: Ginnie

    Ingredients

    For Cookies:

    • nonstick cooking spray
    • 1 cup pecan halves
    • 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
    • ½ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
    • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour

    For Glaze (Optional):

    • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
    • ⅔ cup powdered sugar

    Equipment

    • Stand Mixer
    • Baking Sheet
    • Baking Rack
    • Decorating Bulb
    • Parchment Paper

    Instructions

    Prepare Cookies:

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray two baking sheets with nonstick spray.
    • Place pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Watching closely, cook until lightly toasted, stirring frequently.
    • Transfer pecans to a cutting board and let cool, then chop into small pieces.
    • Meanwhile, cream together butter and brown sugar using a stand mixer. Mix in maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt.
    • Add flour to butter mixture in two batches. Then, add chopped nuts, mixing just until combined.
    • Roll 1 tablespoon of dough into a ball. Place on baking sheet, then flatten (using your fingers) to about ½-inch thick. Repeat with remaining dough, placing cookies about 1-inch apart on pan.
    • Bake cookies just until lightly browned on bottom, about 10 to 12 minutes. Let cookies rest baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a baking rack to cool completely.

    Prepare Glaze:

    • Once cookies have cooled, mix together maple syrup and powdered sugar until smooth.
    • Transfer glaze to a decorating bulb, pastry bag, or a zip top bag (snip the corner off when ready to decorate).
    • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then place baking rack (with cookies on it) on top. Drizzle glaze over cookies.
    • Let glaze set, then transfer cookies to an airtight container to store. Enjoy!

    Notes

    Check out info before recipe for more tips!
    To measure flour, lightly spoon it into a dry measuring cup, then use a knife (or something else with a straight edge) to level off the top. Do not scoop the measuring cup into the flour ... you'll end up packing the flour, and the cookies will turn out dry.
    As you mix the cookies, make sure to stop occasionally to scrape down the mixer's bowl and paddle with a spatula.
    Unless you have a very large baking sheet, I'd recommend using two pans to bake the cookies. Bake each pan separately to ensure the cookies cook evenly.
    You'll know the cookies are done when the bottoms are lightly browned (the tops and sides should not be browned). Use a thin spatula or fork to gently lift one cookie to check (cookies are fragile when hot). 
    Feel free to substitute walnuts for the pecans, if you'd prefer.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 156kcal
    Did you make this recipe?I love hearing from you! Leave a comment and rating below, or tag @HelloLittleHome or #hellolittlehome on Instagram!

    Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies, some frosted with maple icing and some without, on a marble counter.

    Maple Pecan Shortbread CookiesMaple Pecan Shortbread Cookies
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    « Cranberry and Brie Grilled Cheese Sandwich
    Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies »

    About Ginnie

    Ginnie is the writer, photographer, and chief content creator behind Hello Little Home. She loves trying new things (whether that’s creating delicious vegetarian recipes, exploring a new city, trying a fun DIY project, or sharing a pretty makeup look), and she hopes to inspire you to do the same! Read more about Ginnie here.

    5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)
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    4 Comments
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    Jenni
    4 years ago

    5 stars
    I am planning to bake something different other than ginger bread cookies for the Christmas party, I am hosting this Christmas. With everything going around, I just wish everyone to be cheerful during this time of the year and what better than Christmas dinner and spending time together. thanks a ton for the recipe.

    0
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    Ginnie
    4 years ago
    Reply to  Jenni

    Hope you enjoy the recipe, Jenni, and have a wonderful Christmas!

    0
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    Joanne
    4 years ago

    These look delicious! Pinned.

    0
    Reply
    Author
    Ginnie
    4 years ago
    Reply to  Joanne

    Thanks, Joanne! Hope you get a chance to try them 🙂

    0
    Reply

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    Hi, I'm Ginnie! Welcome to Hello Little Home, which is all about inspiring everyday creativity! I'm excited to share my favorite things with you ... vegetarian recipes, travel inspiration, DIY projects, decor ideas, beauty and fashion tips, and more! Read more about me here!

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