Recipe: Quebec Maple-Pecan Drops with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

QUEBEC MAPLE-PECAN DROPS

FOR THE COOKIES:
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons maple-flavored syrup
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup uncooked quick oats (not old-fashioned oats)
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans, toasted
1/4 cup packaged chopped pitted dates
FOR THE FROSTING (OPTIONAL):
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons butter, softened
2 tablespoons maple-flavored syrup
1 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar
1/3 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Beat butter and granulated sugar in large bowl of electric mixer at medium speed until creamy. Beat in 3 tablespoons syrup. Combine flour, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into butter mixture. On low speed, beat in oats, coarsely chopped pecans and dates.

Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls 2-inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake 12 minutes or until cookies are golden brown. Let stand on cookie sheets 2 minutes; transfer to wire racks and cool completely.

For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter in small bowl of electric mixer at medium speed until smooth. Beat in 2 tablespoons syrup. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until smooth.

Spread frosting over cooled cookies; top with finely chopped pecans.

Makes about 2 dozen cookies
Makes 4 servings
From: Recipelink.com
Source: Recipe Booklet - Best Recipes, Easy Home Cooking, 30-Minute Meals, August/September 2004