Maple Pecan Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect blend of crunchy pecans, hearty oats, and the natural sweetness of maple syrup. These cookies capture the cozy essence of fall, making them an irresistible treat for any season.
Butter: Provides the creamy base and richness. Make sure it's softened for easy mixing.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper caramel flavor.
Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps the cookies set properly.
Maple syrup: Infuses the dough with its signature earthy sweetness.
Eggs: Bind everything together and give the cookies structure.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base structure of the cookie.
Baking soda: Provides leavening to make the cookies rise.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy undertone.
Rolled oats: Give the cookies that hearty, chewy texture.
Pecans: Contribute a buttery crunch and nutty flavor.
Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of chai tea for a cozy afternoon treat. They're also delightful crumbled over vanilla ice cream for a crunchy topping.
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. You'll want to beat this mixture until it's light and fluffy — this usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
Next, add in the maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. The mixture might look a bit curdled at first, but keep mixing until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies tender.
Stir in the rolled oats and chopped pecans until they're evenly distributed throughout the dough. This is where the cookies get their character!
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Each spoonful should be roughly the size of a golf ball.
Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them as ovens can vary.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and sets their shape.