As the holidays roll in and the air smells like cinnamon, maple, and pine, there’s something incredibly nostalgic about baking a tray of buttery cookies from scratch. These Vegan Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies bring together everything we love about cozy winter baking — simplicity, warmth, and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
They’re crisp on the edges, tender in the center, and coated in a dreamy maple glaze that glistens like fresh snow. Whether you’re gifting them, serving them alongside tea, or leaving a plate out for Santa 🎅, these cookies embody the cozy sweetness of the season.
Unlike traditional butter-filled shortbread, this vegan version uses coconut oil or dairy-free butter, creating that same rich texture while keeping things plant-based and simple.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Buttery, crumbly shortbread texture with zero dairy 🌱
- Maple glaze for that rich, golden sweetness 🍁
- Toasted pecans add crunch and warmth
- Simple pantry ingredients, no mixer required
- Perfect for gifting, holiday dessert boards, or cozy nights in
Imagine pulling these cookies out of the oven — the scent of toasted nuts and maple sugar filling your kitchen, holiday music playing softly in the background, and the glow of string lights nearby. ✨
Each cookie feels like a little hug — crumbly, sweet, and gently nutty. And when that maple glaze sets, it adds the perfect glossy finish that makes these shortbread bites look as elegant as they taste.
This is the kind of dessert that slows time down. The kind that feels homemade and heartfelt. The kind of recipe you bake once, and everyone asks for again.
🍪 Vegan Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
Shortbread Cookies:
Maple Glaze:
Instructions
Make the Dough
-
In a large bowl, cream vegan butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Stir in vanilla, then add flour, salt, and pecans. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Chill the Dough
-
Shape the dough into a disk, wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Shape & Bake
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out dough to ½ inch thick and cut into rounds. Bake 12–15 minutes until edges are golden.
Add the Glaze
-
Whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk. Drizzle over cooled cookies, then sprinkle with chopped pecans.
Note
💡 Tips for Success
- Chill your dough — it prevents spreading.
- Use high-quality pure maple syrup for best flavor.
- Toast your pecans first to bring out their nutty aroma.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for a warm twist.
Before You Bake Another Batch…
These cookies make the perfect edible gift for friends and family. Pack them in a glass jar with a ribbon and tag, or serve them on a cookie platter with hot cocoa and cranberries.
If you want to get creative, sandwich two cookies with maple frosting or drizzle dark chocolate on top for an extra festive touch. Every version is irresistibly cozy and makes your kitchen smell like a holiday bakery.
