Gourmet Maple Pecan Pie Stuffed Cookies: A Decadent Twist on a Classic Dessert

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are the perfect balance of gooey and crisp, sweet and nutty. The maple pecan filling turns a simple cookie into a gourmet dessert experience. They’re beautiful to look at, even better to eat, and make a luxurious alternative to traditional holiday pies. The maple flavor adds a cozy depth, while the buttery cookie dough melts in your mouth. You can make them ahead, freeze them, and bake just before serving—ideal for entertaining or impressing guests.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-Purpose Flour – The base of your cookie dough, giving structure while keeping it tender.

Unsalted Butter – Softened butter provides a rich, creamy base that helps create the perfect chewy texture.

Brown Sugar – Adds deep caramel flavor and keeps the cookies soft and moist.

Granulated Sugar – Balances the molasses notes of brown sugar and helps the edges crisp beautifully.

Eggs – Bind the dough and contribute to the cookies’ chewy texture.

Maple Syrup – Adds natural sweetness and that signature maple flavor that pairs perfectly with the pecan filling.

Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor profile, adding warmth and aroma.

Baking Soda – Ensures a light, slightly puffy texture in the cookies.

Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances every other flavor in the recipe.

Pecans – Toasted and chopped for the filling, they add crunch and rich, buttery nuttiness.

Brown Sugar & Butter (for filling) – Create the gooey pecan pie center that caramelizes perfectly during baking.

Maple Extract (optional) – Boosts the maple flavor for a deeper, more luxurious taste.

Directions

Start by making the filling. In a small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium heat until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, stirring constantly. Add chopped pecans and cook for 1–2 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool completely—this becomes your maple pecan pie filling.

For the cookie dough, beat together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the maple syrup and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Chill the dough for 30 minutes for easier handling.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop out about two tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a small spoonful of the cooled pecan filling in the center, then top with another tablespoon of dough. Seal the edges gently to enclose the filling completely and shape into a ball.

Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Bake for 12–14 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft. Let them cool for 10 minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm for a gooey center or let cool completely for a chewy texture.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
• large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
• Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
• Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
• Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
• 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
• knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
• Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12–14 large stuffed cookies.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Bake time: 14 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour 10 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To enjoy them warm, microwave each cookie for 10–15 seconds before serving. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months or freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls (stuffed and sealed) for easy fresh baking later—just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time when baking from frozen.

Variations and Customizations

Salted Maple Pecan Cookies – Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top after baking for a sophisticated sweet-salty twist.

Chocolate Maple Pecan Cookies – Add dark chocolate chunks to the dough for a richer, indulgent flavor.

Brown Butter Upgrade – Use browned butter in the dough for a deeper nutty flavor and caramel aroma.

Mini Pie Bites – Make smaller, bite-sized versions for parties or gifting.

Bourbon-Infused Filling – Add a teaspoon of bourbon to the pecan filling for an adult twist that complements the maple perfectly.

Nut Mix Variation – Combine pecans with walnuts or hazelnuts for added texture and flavor depth.

Glazed Finish – Drizzle maple glaze over cooled cookies for an elegant bakery look.

Spiced Autumn Version – Add a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the dough for warm seasonal notes.

Stuffed with Caramel – Add a dollop of caramel with the pecan filling for an extra gooey surprise.

Vegan Adaptation – Use vegan butter, flax eggs, and maple syrup instead of eggs for a plant-based version.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before assembling and baking.

Can I use store-bought pecan pie filling?

Yes, but homemade filling gives a fresher, richer flavor.

Why do my cookies spread too much?

Make sure your dough is chilled before baking and avoid over-softened butter.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that works well for cookies.

Can I toast the pecans beforehand?

Definitely—toasting enhances their flavor and crunch.

How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

Seal the edges of the dough well and ensure the filling is cooled before stuffing.

What’s the best maple syrup to use?

Pure Grade A dark maple syrup has the richest flavor for baking.

Can I make smaller cookies?

Yes, just use less dough and filling, and reduce baking time by 2–3 minutes.

Can I add spices to the dough?

Absolutely—cinnamon or nutmeg enhances the warmth of the maple flavor.

How do I get bakery-style thick cookies?

Chill the dough well and bake on a cool, heavy baking sheet for even heat distribution.

Conclusion

These Gourmet Maple Pecan Pie Stuffed Cookies are the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts—each bite offering buttery richness, nutty crunch, and gooey maple sweetness. Elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for everyday baking, they’re a true showstopper. Enjoy them warm for a melty center or cooled for a chewy bite—either way, they’ll enchant every dessert lover at the table. Once you bake them, they’ll become a signature favorite for your fall and holiday seasons.

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