Vermont Maple Pecan Cookies

Recipe Source: Julie Hession

Ingredients:

• 3 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/4 cup boiling water
• 1 teaspoon maple or vanilla extract
• 2 cups chopped toasted pecans

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300F and position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Combine oats, coconut, flour, salt, cinnamon and brown sugar in a large bowl; whisk to blend.
3. Combine butter, maple syrup and corn syrup in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat until butter melts, stirring occasionally; remove from heat.
4. Combine baking soda and boiling water, stirring to dissolve. Add to maple syrup mixture, stirring well. Add maple extract. Stir into dry ingredients. Add pecans; stir well.
5. Place 1/4-cup size balls of dough on baking sheets, 3 inches apart. Flatten slightly.
6. Bake 18 to 20 minutes, until golden brown and set, rotating positions halfway through the baking process.
7. Cool on the baking sheets 5 minutes; transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.