These cookies are exactly what your coffee needs! Think pecan pie meets cookie. They’re spiced, they’re toasted, and have a nice softness to them. Perfect for coffee-dunking. Serve these on a lazy afternoon, perhaps with a few friends coming over or even at your Sunday church function. This is a laid-back little cookie that packs a perfect seasonal punch. Enjoy!!
This recipe makes 30 cookies. It takes 40 minutes of prep time, an hour and a half total to complete the recipe.
Ingredients:
9 ounces (2 heaping cups) pecan halves
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon dried lemon peel
½ cup sugar
2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
3 tablespoons maple syrup (buy a quality syrup, 100% maple syrup)
½ cup icing sugar
Directions:
1. Toast the pecans over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes, until they are very fragrant but not burnt. Stir frequently. Pour them out onto parchment paper or a silicon baking mat to cool to room temperature. Meanwhile, prepare your other ingredients.
2. Add the pecans to a food processor, process on high until they’re a medium-fine meal, about 15 seconds. Add the flour, salt, sugars, and spices. Process on low until combined.
3. Add the butter, egg and maple syrup, process on high until combined and the dough starts forming a ball in the food processor. Dump onto a countertop and knead the dough until everything is fully incorporated. The dough should be a little sticky but not so much that it sticks to your hands rather than forming a ball, add a small bit of flour if it’s too sticky.
4. Form 1 1/2-inch sized balls by taking a small bit of dough and rolling it between your palms. Place each one on a cookie sheet. There should be a ½ inch of space between each ball. Watch the video below to see this step in action!
5. Take each ball of dough and lightly coat it in icing sugar. Repeat with the rest of the cookies.
6. Place the prepared cookie dough into the freezer for 10 minutes, meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
7. Bake for 12 minutes. Allow these to cool to room temperature then they are ready to serve! The flavor develops quite a bit from when they’re hot to when they’ve cooled.
8. Store the cookies in an airtight container.