Pecan and Maple Syrup Cookies

Recipe Overview 🍽️

History of the Recipe ✍️

Pecan cookies are popular in the southern United States, where pecans are abundant. The use of maple syrup evokes the culinary traditions of Canada and the northern United States, where maple is harvested each spring. This blend of culinary cultures has given birth to these delicious cookies.

Ingredients 🛒

listed in the order of use in the procedure:

• 100 g (1/2 cup) of unsalted butter (softened)
• 100 g (1/2 cup) of brown sugar
• 50 g (1/4 cup) of white sugar
• 1 egg
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) of maple syrup
• 200 g (1 1/2 cups) of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 100 g (1 cup) of pecans (chopped)

Steps (How to Make ) 🥣

1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 180 °C (350 °F).
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Add the egg and maple syrup, and mix well.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
4. Add Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped pecans into the dough.
5. Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon, drop balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each ball.
6. Bake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
7. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Chef Tips 👨‍🍳

• For an even stronger flavor, lightly toast the pecans before adding them to the dough.
• You can substitute the maple syrup with honey for a variation.

Possible Variations 🎭

• Add chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
• Replace the pecans with cashews or almonds.

Bake Time 🔥

Pecan and Maple Syrup Cookies bake for 10 to 12 minutes, filling your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. During this time, the cookies develop a golden-brown hue, indicating they are perfectly baked. The combination of crunchy pecans and rich maple syrup creates a delightful balance of textures and flavors, making these cookies a favorite for any occasion.

How to Store 🥡

Food and Drink Pairings 🥂

These cookies pair perfectly with a glass of milk, a cup of black coffee, or black tea.

Presentation Suggestion 🍽️

Serve the cookies on a wooden plate, accompanied by a small pot of maple syrup for dipping, or stack them on a tray for a beautiful presentation.

Why It’s Healthy 💚

Pecans are rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making them beneficial for heart health. They also contain essential minerals like magnesium and zinc. Maple syrup, as a substitute for refined sugar, not only provides a unique, rich flavor but also contains antioxidants and minerals like calcium and potassium. This combination makes pecan and maple syrup cookies a more nutritious and flavorful option compared to traditional cookies made with refined sugars and flours. Additionally, the natural sweetness of maple syrup and the nutty crunch of pecans create a satisfying texture and taste that can be enjoyed as a healthier treat.