Brown Butter Maple Pecan cookies are a delightful treat that brings together the rich flavors of maple and nutty pecans. These cookies are soft, tender, and packed with a warm, cozy aroma that fills your kitchen. Perfect for autumn gatherings or a simple indulgence, these cookies are sure to please everyone. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that showcases the wonderful combination of brown butter and maple syrup!

Why You’ll Love This Brown Butter Maple Pecan

This Brown Butter Maple Pecan recipe is not just any cookie; it’s a celebration of flavors! Here’s why you’ll adore it:

Rich maple flavor that warms your soul.
Nutty pecans add a delightful crunch.
Made with brown butter for a deep, nutty taste.
Perfectly soft and chewy texture.
Great for sharing at gatherings or keeping all to yourself.
Easy to make with simple ingredients.
Versatile enough to be enjoyed as a dessert or a snack.
Can be transformed into other treats like brownies or tarts!

With options like brown butter maple pecan brownies and brown butter maple pecan ice cream, the possibilities are endless!

Ingredients for Brown Butter Maple Pecan

Gather these items:

2 cup chopped pecans/pecan pieces (325g)
¼ cup 100% pure maple syrup (80g)
2 tablespoons light brown sugar (packed)
¼ teaspoon sea salt
1¾ cup all-purpose flour (228g, spooned and leveled)
2 tablespoons malted milk powder (or powdered milk)
½ teaspoon baking soda
14 tablespoons unsalted butter (196g, sliced into tablespoons and divided)
½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
¾ cup light brown sugar (150g, packed)
2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste (or extract)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon maple extract
1 large egg (room temperature)
1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
¼ cup vanilla simple syrup
Flaky sea salt

How to Make Brown Butter Maple Pecan Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Add chopped pecans to a skillet with maple syrup, light brown sugar, and sea salt. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Transfer the nuts to a parchment-lined pan to cool for at least 15 minutes.
Step 4: Whisk together flour, malted milk powder, and baking soda in a medium bowl.
Step 5: Let butter sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before using.
Step 6: Melt 10 tablespoons of butter in a skillet. Cook until brown bits form, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in remaining butter.
Step 7: Mix in light brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla bean paste, salt, and maple extract with the butter.
Step 8: Add the egg and egg yolk. Mix for 30 seconds, let rest for 3 minutes, then whisk again. Repeat resting and whisking for 2 more rounds.
Step 9: Mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients for 1 minute using a spatula.
Step 10: Fold in most of the candied pecans, reserving about ¼ for topping.
Step 11: Portion dough with a cookie scoop on the baking sheet, 3 inches apart. Top with reserved pecans.
Step 12: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, rotating halfway through.
Step 13: Shape cookies with a biscuit cutter after removing from oven. Cool for 3 minutes on the baking sheet.
Step 14: Brush cookies with vanilla simple syrup and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Brown Butter Maple Pecan

Keep these in mind:

Use two baking sheets for best results.
Store cookies in an airtight container.
Let the brown butter cool slightly before mixing to prevent cooking the eggs.
Experiment with brown butter maple pecan toppings like chocolate chips or dried fruit.

Best Ways to Serve Brown Butter Maple Pecan

Here are some serving ideas:

Pair with a scoop of brown butter maple pecan ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
Serve during gatherings as part of a dessert platter featuring brown butter maple pecan pie and other treats.

How to Store and Reheat Brown Butter Maple Pecan

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them warm, you can reheat them in a microwave for a few seconds. This way, you can savor that delicious, freshly baked taste.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Butter Maple Pecan

What’s the secret to perfect Brown Butter Maple Pecan?

The secret lies in the brown butter. Cooking the butter until it’s nutty creates a depth of flavor that elevates these cookies. Use quality maple syrup for the best results! Learn more about the benefits of using pure maple syrup.

Can I make Brown Butter Maple Pecan ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready for warm cookies!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Brown Butter Maple Pecan?

Make sure to let the brown butter cool slightly before adding eggs. Overmixing can also lead to tough cookies, so mix until just combined! Check out these tips for perfect cookies.

Variations of Brown Butter Maple Pecan You Can Try

If you want to switch things up, here are some variations:

Try adding chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
Make brown butter maple pecan granola by toasting oats with the same flavors.
Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds for a unique flavor.
Use the same ingredients to create a brown butter maple pecan tart for a stunning dessert.