Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, but recommended for a twist)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup additional chopped pecans for stuffing
If you’re looking to make this recipe gluten-free, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step always reminds me of my mother, Elena, who taught me the importance of patience in baking.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and maple syrup to the butter mixture, beating until well incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans and mini chocolate chips, if using, for a touch of indulgence.
- For the filling, in a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream and additional chopped pecans, stirring until the mixture thickens slightly. This evokes memories of my grandmother’s pecan pie filling, a treasured recipe she guarded closely.
- Scoop a tablespoon of cookie dough and place a teaspoon of the pecan filling in the center. Top with another tablespoon of dough, sealing the edges carefully to encase the filling.
- Place the stuffed dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
