Description
These easy 15-minute fall treats are spiced, nutty cookies with a rich maple frosting. They come together in one bowl and taste like comfort in a bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) pure maple syrup
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (60g) toasted pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons (30-45ml) pure maple syrup (for frosting)
- Pinch of salt (for frosting)
- Extra chopped pecans for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Toast pecans in a dry skillet or on a baking sheet for 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Let cool completely, then chop roughly.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and 3 tablespoons maple syrup until smooth and creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the chopped toasted pecans by hand.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. For thicker cookies, chill dough for 15 minutes.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers look slightly soft. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While cookies cool, make frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and spreadable.
- Spread frosting on cooled cookies and sprinkle with extra chopped pecans if desired.
Notes
Toast the pecans first to release their oils and enhance flavor. Use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup, for the best taste. Ensure butter is softened but not melted to prevent flat cookies. Chill dough if you want thicker, chewier cookies. Cookies get better on day two as flavors deepen.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: autumn cookies, maple frosting, toasted pecans, fall treats, easy dessert, one bowl cookies, quick cookies