Maple-Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies - Soft Vegan Drop Cookies
Soft, chewy cookies featuring the rich sweetness of maple syrup paired with toasted pecans and chocolate chips. These vegan treats offer a deeper, more complex flavor than traditional sugar cookies thanks to the molasses and maple combination. Perfect for fall gatherings, lunchbox treats, or anyone seeking plant-based desserts without sacrificing taste. The oil-based dough creates tender cookies that stay moist for days, while the maple syrup adds natural caramel notes that complement both chocolate and nuts beautifully.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
- 2
Stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt
- 3
In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, maple syrup, molasses, vanilla and oil or gently melted margarine
- 4
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir to make a dough
- 5
Add chips and nuts, being careful not to overmix
- 6
Drop by large spoonfuls onto parchment lined baking sheet
- 7
Bake 10 minutes or until just set
- 8
Remove from oven and place cookies on cooling rack
Tips
Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor before adding to the dough.
Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking without over-browning the bottoms.
Don't overbake - cookies should look just set but still soft when you remove them from the oven.
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
Dough can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated, then dropped and baked
Serve at room temperature with milk or coffee
Common Mistakes
Don't overmix after adding chips and nuts to avoid tough cookies
Don't overbake as cookies continue cooking on hot pan after removal
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use regular butter instead of oil?
Yes, but cookies won't be vegan. Use 1/4 cup softened butter in place of oil, though texture will be slightly different.
What if I don't have molasses?
You can omit it or substitute with additional maple syrup, but you'll lose some of the deep flavor complexity molasses provides.
How long do these cookies keep?
Store in airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature, or freeze for up to 3 months.