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Flavorful Brown Butter Maple Pecan Cookies with Flaky Sea Salt

brown butter maple pecan cookies - featured image
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These cookies combine nutty brown butter, sweet maple syrup, toasted pecans, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a comforting and delicious treat. Perfect for cozy gatherings or last-minute cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks, 227g) unsalted butter, browned
  • ½ cup (120ml) pure maple syrup (grade A amber recommended)
  • ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (can substitute almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt plus extra flaky sea salt for topping
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 cup (120g) pecans, chopped and toasted

Instructions

  1. Brown the butter: Place 1 cup unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently as it melts and foams. Watch for the color to shift to golden brown with brown specks. Remove from heat.
  2. Add 1 cup chopped pecans to the warm browned butter and toast for 2-3 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled brown butter and pecan mixture with ½ cup maple syrup and ¾ cup brown sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves somewhat and mixture is smooth.
  4. Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the wet mixture and mix thoroughly.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  7. Optional: Cover dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help flavors meld and prevent spreading.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
  9. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Gently flatten slightly and sprinkle each cookie with flaky sea salt.
  10. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown but centers remain soft.
  11. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Brown the butter carefully over medium to medium-low heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Chilling the dough is recommended to prevent spreading and deepen flavor. Sprinkle flaky sea salt just before baking for best texture and flavor contrast. Toast pecans in browned butter for enhanced nuttiness. Dough can be chilled up to 24 hours before baking. Store baked cookies in airtight container up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter cookies, maple pecan cookies, flaky sea salt cookies, easy homemade cookies, nutty cookies, cozy dessert

Find it online: https://avabake.com/flavorful-brown-butter-maple-pecan-cookies-recipe-easy-homemade-with-flaky-sea-salt/