There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house, especially when it’s a family gathering. I remember my grandmother’s kitchen during autumn, where she infused every bite with love, laughter, and a touch of maple syrup that hinted at the changing leaves outside. Inspired by those cherished memories, I’ve created these Maple Pecan Sandwich Cookies, a delightful twist on the classic whoopie pie. With a crunchy exterior and a creamy maple filling, these cookies are bound to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Maple Filling:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– A pinch of salt
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-4 minutes.
Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, allowing the sweet aroma to fill your kitchen.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans, which will add a delightful crunch and richness to your cookies.
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The cookies will spread a little as they bake.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Meanwhile, prepare the maple filling. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Slowly add in the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing until the filling is light and fluffy.
Once the cookies have cooled, match them in pairs based on size. Spread a generous dollop of the maple filling on the flat side of one cookie and gently press another cookie on top, creating a sandwich.
For an extra touch, you can roll the edges of the filling in crushed pecans for added texture and flavor.
Serve these delightful Maple Pecan Sandwich Cookies with a cup of warm apple cider or a glass of milk, and watch as your family gathers around, sharing stories and laughter—just as we did around my grandmother’s kitchen table.
Enjoy every bite of these sweet memories transformed into cookie form!