Maple Pecan Refrigerator Cookies

You just bought fresh maple syrup, now it's time to bake cookies!

Special thanks to newengland.com for this cookie inspiration

With their maple-y goodness, these treats are very New England–but with a Southern twist, thanks to pecans’ nutty flavor. They’re easy to make and can be stored in the freezer until needed. They’re not super-sweet, but they’re very buttery. For the best maple flavor, use Dark Robust in this recipe if you have it!

Yield:
3 dozen cookies

Ingredients
* 2 sticks (1/2 pound) unsalted butter, room temperature
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 3 tablespoons maple syrup
* 1 large egg yolk
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
* 2 cups flour
* 1-1/4 cups chopped pecans

Instructions

With a standing mixer, beat butter until creamy (about 3 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Beat sugar in gradually. Add syrup, yolk, and vanilla. Blend in flour and pecans. Divide dough in half. Place one half on a sheet of waxed paper or plastic wrap. Shape into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Cover and refrigerate. Repeat with second half. Refrigerate until firm (or freeze for later). Heat oven to 350 degrees. Slice dough into 1/2-inch rounds. Bake on ungreased baking sheets until golden (about 20-25 minutes).