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Delicious Brown Butter Maple Pecan Cookies photo

Brown Butter Maple Pecan Cookies

These Brown Butter Maple Pecan Cookies are chewy, nutty, and sweet with warm maple and toasted pecans—your new favorite cozy treat!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter for browning and flavor
  • 1 cup brown sugar adds moisture and caramel notes
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar balances sweetness and texture
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup for that signature maple flavor
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract enhances all flavors
  • 1 large egg binds everything together
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour the base of the cookie
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda helps with leavening
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt balances sweetness
  • 1 cup chopped pecans adds crunch and nuttiness

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed saucepan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking Sheet
  • Cooling rack
  • Cookie scoop or spoon

Method
 

Brown the Butter
  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter foams and turns a golden brown with a nutty aroma, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Mix Sugars and Maple Syrup
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and pure maple syrup. Pour in the warm browned butter and stir until well combined and smooth.
Add Egg and Vanilla
  1. Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and slightly fluffy.
Combine Dry Ingredients
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
Fold in Pecans
  1. Gently fold in the chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
Portion and Bake
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Bake and Cool
  1. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers look set but soft. Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Watch the butter carefully while browning to avoid burning; it should be golden and fragrant.
  • Allow browned butter to cool slightly before mixing with sugars to prevent cooking the eggs prematurely.
  • Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to control spreading and deepen flavors.
  • For extra maple flavor, drizzle maple glaze on cooled cookies.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness.