Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies made with Spiced Pecans

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Toss pecans with maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt. Spread on a baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned. Let cool completely and then chop coarsely.
2. In a large bowl (or stand mixer bowl), cream together the softened butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Gently fold in the chopped spiced pecans.
7. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.