Go Back
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 2 large eggs - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt for topping These ingredients make a perfect cookie bar. You start with unsalted butter. This helps control the saltiness. You add brown sugar for a rich taste. Granulated sugar gives sweetness and a nice texture. Next, you pour in pure maple syrup. It adds a warm, sweet flavor. Two large eggs help the bars rise and bind everything together. Vanilla extract brings out the flavors, making them even more tasty. Now, the dry ingredients come into play. All-purpose flour gives structure. Baking soda helps the bars puff up. A touch of salt enhances the sweet flavors. Finally, pecans bring crunch and nuttiness. They add a nice bite to these delicious bars. Don't forget the flaky sea salt on top. It adds a delightful contrast to the sweet cookie bars. Each bite will have a sweet and salty balance. - Preheat to 350°F (175°C) - Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper First, set your oven to 350°F. This heat is perfect for baking the cookie bars. Then, take a 9x13 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Make sure the paper hangs over the edges. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. - Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy Next, you need to cream the butter and sugars. Take one cup of softened butter and place it in a large bowl. Add one cup of brown sugar and half a cup of granulated sugar. Mix these together until the mixture is fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. The fluffiness gives the bars a nice texture. - Add maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla to the butter mixture Now, let's add the wet ingredients. Pour in half a cup of pure maple syrup. Then, crack in two large eggs. Finally, add two teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix these well until everything is smooth. This step brings a lovely sweetness and flavor. - Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl - Gradually combine with wet ingredients Next, we will mix the dry ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together three cups of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of baking soda, and half a teaspoon of salt. Slowly add this dry mix to your wet mixture. Stir it until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want the bars to stay soft. - Fold in chopped pecans and press into the baking dish - Bake for 20-25 minutes Now, it’s time for the pecans. Fold in one cup of roughly chopped pecans. Once they are mixed in, press the dough into the baking dish evenly. Make sure the top is smooth. Bake these in the oven for 20-25 minutes. You will know they are done when the edges turn golden brown. - Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top and cool before slicing After baking, take the bars out of the oven. Immediately sprinkle half a teaspoon of flaky sea salt on top. This adds a nice contrast to the sweetness. Let the bars cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment paper. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your delicious creation! To make the best salted maple pecan cookie bars, avoid overmixing the dough. When you mix the wet and dry ingredients, stop as soon as you see no flour. Overmixing can make the bars tough. You want them to be soft and chewy. To test your cookie bars for doneness, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean, they are done. Also, look for golden edges. This means the bars are baked perfectly. For a beautiful display, serve the bars on a wooden platter. Add a few whole pecans on top. A drizzle of extra maple syrup makes them look even more tempting. This adds extra flavor and charm to your treat. {{image_2}} You can swap pecans for other nuts. Walnuts add a nice, earthy taste. Almonds give a sweet crunch. You can even mix different nuts for a fun twist. Just chop them roughly and fold them into the dough. Each nut brings its own flavor, making your cookie bars unique. To make gluten-free salted maple pecan cookie bars, use a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that has a balance of starches and protein. You can also add a bit of xanthan gum, which helps with texture. Just follow the same steps in the recipe. Your bars will still taste amazing! You can boost the flavor with chocolate chips or spices. Dark chocolate chips add a rich sweetness that pairs well with maple. For a warm taste, add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. These small changes can make a big difference in taste. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite mix! Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and soft. Make sure they are completely cool before sealing them. If you stack the bars, place parchment paper in between to avoid sticking. To freeze the cookie bars, first cool them completely. Cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Place wrapped squares in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date. To thaw, take out the squares and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up. These cookie bars last about four days at room temperature. Store them in a cool, dry place. If you keep them in the fridge, they will stay fresh for up to a week. Always check for any signs of spoilage. Enjoy your treats while they are at their best! You can use salted butter, but it will change the taste. Salted butter adds more salt to the cookie bars. This can make them taste different. Unsalted butter lets you control the salt better. It keeps the sweet and nutty flavors of the bars balanced. If you choose salted butter, skip adding extra salt. If you need a substitute for maple syrup, try honey or agave syrup. Both work well in this recipe. They provide sweetness but have their own flavors. You can also use corn syrup, though it lacks the maple taste. If you want a different flavor, try brown sugar mixed with a little water. This can mimic the texture of maple syrup. Yes! To make these cookie bars dairy-free, you can use dairy-free butter. There are many brands available. Just make sure to check the label for any dairy content. You can also use coconut oil as a substitute. It adds a nice flavor and works well in baking. For eggs, try using flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg replacer. You learned how to make tasty salted maple pecan cookie bars. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. You explored variations and storage advice, too. I hope you feel ready to try this simple recipe. Enjoy sharing these treats with family and friends. They will love the sweet and salty flavor! Happy baking!

Salted Maple Pecan Cookie Bars

Indulge in the deliciousness of Salted Maple Pecan Cookie Bars with this easy-to-follow recipe! These bars combine rich maple syrup and crunchy pecans, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. With just a few simple steps, you can create a delightful dessert that everyone will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring a sweet touch to your next gathering!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt for topping

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

    In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

      Add in the maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mixture, mixing until well combined and smooth.

        In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

          Fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

            Press the cookie dough evenly into the lined baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

                Once baked, remove the cookie bars from the oven and immediately sprinkle the flaky sea salt on top. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes.

                  Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan, and let them cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into squares.

                    - Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 24 bars

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the bars on a wooden platter, garnished with a few whole pecans and a drizzle of extra maple syrup for an enticing finish.