If you have a sweet spot for cozy, melt-in-your-mouth treats that feel like a warm hug, then you have to try this Soft Cinnamon Cookies with Maple Pecan Frosting Recipe. Imagine soft, pillowy cookies fragranced with cinnamon’s comforting spice, crowned with a luscious maple pecan frosting that adds just the right touch of nutty sweetness. It’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary snack moment into something truly special, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on your own with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Soft Cinnamon Cookies with Maple Pecan Frosting Recipe plays a vital role—whether it’s adding richness, texture, or flavor. These simple but thoughtfully selected staples come together to create a cookie that’s soft, flavorful, and utterly irresistible.
- Salted butter (1 & 1/2 cups or 3 sticks): Browning the butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that is the secret to these soft cookies.
- White sugar (1 cup): Provides sweetness and helps with the cookies’ tender texture.
- Dark brown sugar (1 & 1/2 cups): Brings moisture and a subtle molasses depth to the dough.
- Eggs (3): Bind everything together and contribute to the cookie’s soft crumb.
- Rodelle Pure Vanilla Extract (2 tablespoons): Adds warm vanilla notes that complement the cinnamon perfectly.
- All-purpose flour (4 & 3/4 cups, spooned and leveled): The base of the cookie, providing structure but still allowing softness.
- Baking soda (2 teaspoons): Helps the cookies rise and keeps them tender.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Cinnamon (4 teaspoons): The star spice, giving the cookies their unmistakable cozy warmth.
- Maple Pecan Frosting (1 batch): The crowning glory—sweet, nutty, and creamy frosting that pairs perfectly with the cookies.
How to Make Soft Cinnamon Cookies with Maple Pecan Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Begin by melting the butter over medium heat in a wide-bottomed saucepan for faster, more even browning. As it melts, watch it carefully for a light foam followed by a rich amber-to-brown color dotted with tiny browned bits. This nutty, aromatic stage adds depth that takes these cookies to the next level.
Step 2: Prepare the Sugars
While the butter browns, combine your white and dark brown sugars in a large bowl or stand mixer. This combination will give your cookies balanced sweetness and moisture.
Step 3: Combine Butter and Sugars
Once the butter reaches the perfect shade of brown and smells irresistibly nutty, immediately pour it into the sugar bowl. Mixing hot butter right away prevents burning and ensures the sugars start to dissolve, creating a beautiful cookie base.
Step 4: Beat the Mixture and Add Eggs
Beat the brown butter and sugar together until smoothly blended. You can wait a few minutes to let the mixture cool or boldly add the eggs right away and let your mixer incorporate them while the bowl is still warm. Both methods work; just be sure the eggs get fully mixed in.
Step 5: Add Vanilla Extract
Pour in 2 tablespoons of Rodelle Pure Vanilla Extract to infuse your dough with lovely, fragrant warmth. Mix well to distribute the flavor evenly throughout.
Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Add 2 cups of the all-purpose flour to the bowl but don’t stir yet. Sprinkle the baking soda, salt, and cinnamon over the flour and gently combine with a teaspoon. Then, turn your mixer to low speed and gradually mix the flour into your wet ingredients. Add the remaining flour in batches, stirring gently until the dough just comes together. Make sure to scrape down the bowl’s edges and bottom to avoid any hidden pockets of flour.
Step 7: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and chill it for at least an hour or up to 4 days. This resting period helps the flavors meld, and the dough firms up for easier scooping and better cookie texture.
Step 8: Preheat Oven and Shape Dough
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Using a large cookie scoop or your hands, shape the chilled dough into balls roughly the size of golf balls. Arrange them on cookie sheets lined with silpat mats or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes until their edges turn lightly brown but the centers remain just shiny and soft. This balance ensures the perfect soft texture you’re aiming for.
Step 10: Cool and Frost
Let the cookies cool on the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, generously frost each cookie with the luscious Maple Pecan Frosting, making every bite a perfect harmony of soft cinnamon and sweet nutty goodness.
How to Serve Soft Cinnamon Cookies with Maple Pecan Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your presentation by sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or a delicate dusting of cinnamon sugar over the frosted cookies. Not only does this add a lovely crunch, but it also amps up the visual appeal and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair these soft cinnamon cookies with a warm beverage like chai tea, pumpkin spice latte, or classic hot cocoa to complement the spices and richness. For a more decadent pairing, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies into a rustic tower tied with twine, perfect for gifting or festive occasions. Alternatively, arrange them on a wooden board with fresh maple syrup drizzle and pecan clusters for a visually stunning spread that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten Soft Cinnamon Cookies with Maple Pecan Frosting Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain their softness and freshness. If you plan on waiting longer, refrigeration is fine but may slightly firm the frosting.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked dough balls by placing them on a tray and freezing until firm, then transferring to a sealed bag for up to 3 months. For baked cookies, freeze them in an airtight container with wax paper layers between cookies to prevent sticking. Frost after thawing for best texture.
Reheating
To revive the homemade freshness, warm leftover cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven for around 5 minutes. This softens the cookie and slightly melts the frosting for a freshly baked feel.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup for cup. Just ensure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
What if I don’t have pecans for the frosting?
You can swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different but equally delicious nutty flavor. Alternatively, omit the nuts for a smooth maple frosting that still tastes incredible.
Can I use regular cinnamon instead of the 4 teaspoons called for?
Definitely! The amount of cinnamon can be adjusted to your preference. Start with a smaller amount if you prefer a milder cinnamon flavor and add more to taste in future batches.
Is browning the butter necessary?
Browning the butter is what gives these cookies their signature depth and richness. While you can skip it, the flavor won’t be quite as complex or amazing, so I highly recommend taking the extra few minutes.
How do I store the frosted cookies long-term?
For longer storage, freeze frosted cookies individually on a tray until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before serving to preserve flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Soft Cinnamon Cookies with Maple Pecan Frosting Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. From the lovingly browned butter to the luscious, nutty frosting, every bite expresses comfort and care. I can’t wait for you to make this recipe your own, share it with friends, and create the kind of happy memories that only incredible homemade cookies can inspire.
