Maple Pecan Cookies (No Bake Recipe)
Mix up your usual cookie recipe and toss together some of these decadent maple pecan cookies the next time you're craving a sweet treat. With only four ingredients, this simple recipe is easy and quick, but will definitely become a new favorite. Sweet syrup and savory butter combine to make one addicting, oat-filled dessert. And since there's no baking involved, they're ready in a matter of minutes!
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What Do I Need to Make Maple Pecan Cookies?
The delicious combination of sweet maple syrup and salty pecans make these no bake cookies the perfect snack for any occasion. And on top of being delicious, these flavorful treats are also simple to make. With this short list of four ingredients, you can whip up these simple cookies in the kitchen with a few minutes of prep work.
- Old fashioned oats
- Maple syrup
- Unsalted butter
- Finely chopped pecans
How Do I Make Maple Pecan Cookies?
These maple-flavored treats come together in minutes because there's no baking involved! The hardest part about preparing this easy recipe is waiting for the cookies to set! To make your own maple pecan cookies to snack on, follow these simple steps:
Step One: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Place the oatmeal and chopped pecans in a large bowl. Stir to mix the two ingredients until they're fully combined. After that, set the bowl aside while you prepare the rest of the cookie ingredients.
Step Two: Cook the Syrup
Cut the butter into portions of two tablespoons each. Combine the sliced butter with the maple syrup in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat on the stovetop, stirring the mixture constantly. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches 240 degrees on a candy thermometer, which should take around 10 minutes.
Step Three: Stir the Ingredients Together
Immediately after the syrup mixture reaches the correct temperature, pour it over the oats and pecans. Stir quickly tonto the oats, making sure it is evenly distributed and does not set into mix the syrup i pockets or on the bottom.
Step Four: Scoop the Cookies
Spread parchment paper on a baking sheet or the countertop. Use a 1.9-inch cookie scoop to scoop out around two dozen cookies. Transfer each scoop of dough to the parchment paper, then spray nonstick cooking spray on the bottom of a flat measuring cup. Use the bottom of the cup to flatten each cookie ball.
Step Five: Allow the Cookies to Rest
Once all the cookies are flattened, leave them to sit out for an hour. Then, carefully flip the cookies over using a flat spatula and gloved hand. After flipping all the cookies, allow them to rest for another hour. When all the cookies have hardened, they're ready to enjoy.
How Do You Store Maple Pecan Cookies?
These delicious treats can be stored at room temperature and enjoyed for up to four days. Make sure to allow the cookies to harden completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in a cool, dry place.
To keep the cookies from sticking to each other in the container, it's a good idea to place a layer of parchment paper between each cookie when stacking the cookies in the box.
If you want to keep the cookies for longer than a few days, you can also store them in the freezer. Arrange the hardened cookies on a baking sheet or plate and place the pan in the freezer fors. Once the cookies are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or freezer- around two hoursafe container. The cookies can be kept in the freezer for up to three months.
Maple Pecan Cookie Tips and Tricks
Making no bake cookies is a great way to whip up a delicious sweet treat without the need for an oven. But just because these cookies are easy to make doesn't mean you couldn't use a few tips along the way. Use these tips to ensure your maple pecan cookies come out amazing the first time you make them.
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- Work quickly for the best results. Once the maple syrup mixture sets up, it's important to work quickly to mix and scoop your cookies. That's because the syrup will begin to cool, making it more difficult to flatten and shape the dough.
- Only use unsalted butter. While salted butter is great in some baked recipes, it won't work in these cookies. The salt in the butter will prevent the syrup from setting up, resulting in runny, sticky cookies.
- Don't forget the thermometer! There shouldn't be any guessing involved when preparing the syrup mixture for these cookies. The mixture must reach 240 degrees to ensure the cookies set up properly. That's why it's essential that you use a candy thermometer when making these treats. If the syrup doesn't reach the proper temperature, the cookies will be too sticky and won't harden properly.
What to Serve with No-bake Maple Pecan Cookies
No-bake maple pecan cookies are a delicious and easy treat that can elevate any festive occasion. Made with simple ingredients and requiring no oven time, these cookies are perfect for home bakers and dessert lovers alike. But what should you serve with these delightful no-bake treats? Here are seven pairing ideas to make your cookie platter even more irresistible.
1. Hot Beverages
Hot Cocoa: The rich, creamy texture of hot cocoa pairs perfectly with the nutty sweetness of maple pecan cookies. Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra festive touch.
Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider complements the maple flavors beautifully. The spices in the cider elevate the warmth and coziness of the no-bake treats.
Chai Tea: With its aromatic blend of spices, chai tea makes an excellent companion to maple pecan cookies. The mix of cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves enhances the cookie's flavors.
2. Cold Beverages
Vanilla Milkshake: A classic vanilla milkshake is a fantastic match for these cookies. The creamy milkshake balances the sweetness and adds a refreshing twist.
Iced Coffee: For those who love coffee, an iced coffee or cold brew pairs wonderfully with the cookies. The bitter notes of coffee contrast nicely with the sweet and nutty flavors.
3. Fruit Compotes
Berry Compote: A warm berry compote, made from a mix of blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries, adds a fruity tartness that complements the cookies. This combination is both colorful and flavorful.
Pear and Ginger Compote: Pear and ginger compote brings a unique, spicy-sweet flavor that pairs excellently with maple pecan cookies. This combination is sure to impress your guests.
4. Ice Cream
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Vanilla bean ice cream is a classic choice that pairs effortlessly with almost any dessert. The smooth, creamy texture enhances the nutty richness of the cookies.
Butter Pecan Ice Cream: For an extra nutty treat, butter pecan ice cream is the way to go. The similar flavors in the ice cream and the cookies create a harmonious dessert experience.
5. Whipped Cream
Maple Whipped Cream: Enhance the maple flavor of your cookies by serving them with a dollop of maple whipped cream. It's light, fluffy, and adds an extra layer of sweetness.
Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Cinnamon whipped cream provides a spicy contrast to the cookies. It's a simple yet effective way to elevate the overall flavor profile.
6. Cheese Platter
Aged Cheddar: Believe it or not, aged cheddar cheese pairs surprisingly well with maple pecan cookies. The sharp, tangy flavor of the cheese balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Brie: Brie cheese, with its creamy texture and mild flavor, is another excellent choice. It adds a sophisticated touch to your dessert spread.
7. Nuts and Dried Fruits
Roasted Almonds: A handful of roasted almonds can add a crunchy contrast to the soft, chewy cookies. They also enhance the nutty flavors in the cookies.
Dried Apricots: Dried apricots bring a sweet-tart flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cookies. They add a pop of color and are a healthy addition to your dessert platter.
No-bake maple pecan cookies are a versatile dessert that can be paired with various beverages, fruits, ice creams, and even cheeses. By choosing the right accompaniments, you can create a delightful and memorable dessert experience for your guests. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or simply enjoying a treat at home, these pairings will make your no-bake treats shine.
Ready to impress your guests with these delightful pairings? Happy baking and enjoy your festive season treats!
Maple Pecan Cookies (No Bake Recipe)
Equipment
- Digital Thermometer
- Medium Saucepan
- 1.9-Inch Cookie Scoop (1.4 ounces)
- Measuring Cups (flat, round bottom)
- Sturdy Rubber Spatula
- Nonstick Cooking Spray
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Old Fashioned Oats
- 2 ½ Cups Maple Syrup
- 1 Stick Unsalted Butter ½ cup
- 1 Cup Finely Chopped Pecans
Instructions
- Prepare your parchment paper. I usually just line my table with it as it’s just easier, but you can do whatever works for you.
- Place the oatmeal and chopped pecans in a large mixing bowl and toss until fully combined. Set aside.
- Slice the butter into portions of 2 tablespoons each.
- Place the sliced butter, and syrup in a medium saucepan.
- Cook on medium-high heat over the stove, constantly stirring until the mixture reaches 240 degrees fahrenheit on a candy thermometer (this takes about 10 minutes). This step is the most important as the cookies will not be successful without the correct temperature being reached.
- As soon as the syrup mixture comes to temperature, pour it over the oat mixture you set aside.
- Quickly stir extremely well so that the syrup mixture is evenly distributed and not settling into any pockets or on the bottom.
- Using a 1.9-inch cookie scoop (or smaller if you prefer), scoop out about 2 dozen cookies onto the parchment paper.
- Immediately spray a flat, round bottomed measuring cup or other similarly sized item, with nonstick cooking spray and use it to flatten each one of the cookie stacks. I tend to use a gloved hand to shape the edges to be more uniform for a pretty presentation after flattening.
- Once you have finished flattening and shaping your cookies, leave them to sit for an hour. At the one hour mark, use a gloved hand to flip them. They will be slightly tacky still and that’s ok! Allow them to sit for another hour after being flipped.
- Top with a whole pecan, if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
I used a ½ cup measuring cup when flattening them and it was perfect.
Store on small squares of parchment paper or with sheets of parchment paper separating each layer. Airtight container in a dry, cool space for up to 4 days. If stored in the fridge or not eaten quickly enough, the syrup starts to break down and get sticky again.
I used the more popular and cheaper syrup that you can get at just about any grocery store. I didn’t use real syrup and can’t say if it would work the same or not. So, use the fancy syrup at your own discretion.
If 240 degrees is not reached when cooking the syrup, these cookies will not fully set up. They will be super sticky. Not 230 or even 235 - it has to be 240.
You can also use rolled oats or steel cut oats in place of the old fashioned oats.
Do not use salted butter. It doesn’t allow the cookies to set fully. Science is crazy like that. 🙂
You can make these smaller. You most certainly don’t have to make them as big as I did. I wouldn’t go any bigger, but you should be able to go as small as you like without issue.
