chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful fall treat that perfectly captures the essence of the season, then these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are just what you need! With the warm flavors of pumpkin and maple coming together in a soft, chewy cookie, you’ll be transported to cozy autumn days no matter when you bake them. These cookies are not only great for busy weeknights but also perfect for family gatherings or friendly get-togethers. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!

Baking can be such a joy, especially when it fills your home with sweet aromas. That’s why this recipe is one of my favorites—it’s simple, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen, and everyone will enjoy the tasty results!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a cozy evening at home, these cookies fit right in.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough ahead of time, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever you’re ready.
• Delicious Fall Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and maple creates a warm flavor that truly embodies autumn.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies come together with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

For the Cookies

• 2 1/4 c (270g) all purpose flour
• 2 tsp pumpkin or chai spice blend
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 c (226g) European style unsalted butter, browned and cool but still liquid
• 1 c (200g) light brown sugar
• 1/3 c (79ml) pure maple syrup
• 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
• 1/2 c (125g) canned pumpkin, blotted
• 2 tsp (10ml) vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) maple extract, optional

For Coating

• 1/2 c (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin or chai spice blend

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Here are some fun variations you can try to make these cookies your own:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra treat.
• Nutty Twist: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spice blends like cinnamon or nutmeg to switch up the taste.
• Frosted Delight: Top with a maple-flavored icing after they cool for an indulgent twist.

How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Step 1: Make the Brown Butter

Start by making your brown butter about an hour before you plan to bake. This step adds a rich depth of flavor to your cookies. Simply melt your butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. Once it starts foaming, whisk continuously until you see brown bits forming—this is where all that nutty goodness comes from! Remove it from heat and pour it into a clean bowl to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

While your butter is cooling, let’s prepare the pumpkin. Lay 2-3 paper towels across a shallow bowl and scoop about half a cup of canned pumpkin onto them. We want to absorb excess water for the best texture. After letting it sit for a bit, give it a gentle squeeze to remove any extra moisture.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together your flour, chosen spice blend, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step ensures that all those lovely spices are evenly distributed throughout your dough.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In your cooled brown butter bowl, mix in the light brown sugar and pure maple syrup until everything is well blended. Then add in your egg yolk—this keeps our cookies rich and chewy!

Step 5: Add Pumpkin & Flavorings

Next up is stirring in the prepared pumpkin along with your vanilla extract and optional maple extract. This mixture brings all those warm fall flavors together beautifully.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Now it’s time to mix our dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—don’t overmix! This helps keep your cookies tender.

Step 7: Chill Your Dough

Wrap your cookie dough in plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least eight hours or overnight if you can wait that long! Chilling helps deepen those flavors while also making it easier to handle.

Step 8: Preheat & Prepare Baking Sheets

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 F (177 C). Line one or two large cookie sheets with parchment paper while letting your dough sit at room temperature for about half an hour.

Step 9: Sugar Coating Preparation

Mix together the sugar and remaining spice blend used earlier until well combined. Give it a quick taste—adjust if needed!

Step 10: Scoop & Roll Cookie Dough

Using a two-inch cookie scoop, portion out your dough and roll each ball into the spiced sugar mixture until coated nicely.

Step 11: Bake Your Cookies

Place those lovely sugar-coated cookie balls about two to three inches apart on lined baking sheets. Bake at 350 F (177 C) for about 12-14 minutes; check around nine minutes if they puff up too much!

Step 12: Cool Down

Once baked just right, take them out and let them cool on the baking sheet on top of a cooling rack for about three to five minutes before transferring them fully onto the rack.

And there you have it—your very own batch of chewy maple pumpkin cookies! Enjoy each bite as they capture all those wonderful flavors of fall!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Baking can sometimes be a challenge, but these simple tips will ensure your chewy maple pumpkin cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Brown your butter properly – Take your time when browning the butter, as this step adds a rich, nutty flavor to the cookies. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning, and remember to let it cool before mixing.

• Don’t skip chilling the dough – Chilling the cookie dough is essential for developing flavor and achieving that perfect chewy texture. The longer you chill, the better the flavors meld together!

• Use room temperature ingredients – Bringing your egg yolk and other ingredients to room temperature helps them combine more easily with the brown butter mixture, leading to a smoother dough.

• Check for doneness carefully – Every oven is different! Start checking your cookies at around 9 minutes to ensure they don’t overbake. The edges should be set while the centers may still look slightly underbaked.

• Store properly – To keep your cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Serving your chewy maple pumpkin cookies can be just as fun as baking them! Here are some creative ways to present these delightful treats.

Garnishes

• Drizzle of maple syrup – A light drizzle of pure maple syrup on top adds extra sweetness and makes these cookies visually appealing.
• Sprinkle of cinnamon sugar – Just before serving, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top for an added touch of warmth and spice.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider – The warm flavors of apple cider complement the pumpkin in these cookies beautifully, making it a cozy pairing for fall gatherings.
• Vanilla ice cream – Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that contrasts nicely with the chewy texture.
• Pumpkin spice latte – This cozy drink enhances the fall vibe and pairs perfectly with sweet treats like our chewy maple pumpkin cookies.
• Fresh fruit salad – A refreshing fruit salad balances out the sweetness of the cookies while adding a burst of freshness to your dessert table.

These delicious ideas not only elevate your cookie experience but also make them perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying during quiet moments at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make the dough ahead of time, allowing you to bake fresh cookies whenever you want. Here’s how to store them:

Storing Leftovers

• Place fully cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• For optimal freshness, consume within 3-5 days.
• If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing.

Freezing

• To freeze cookie dough, scoop the dough balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delightful chewy maple pumpkin cookies!

Can I use a different type of flour for chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Yes! You can experiment with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends. Just ensure they have similar properties to all-purpose flour for the best texture.

How do I achieve the perfect chewiness in my chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

To ensure your chewy maple pumpkin cookies turn out perfectly chewy, make sure not to overmix the dough and chill it as directed. This helps maintain that soft center while achieving a delightful texture.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to these chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or chocolate chips. Just remember that this may alter the texture slightly, but it will add extra flavor and fun!

What’s the best way to enjoy chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

These cookies are delicious on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee! Try enjoying them warm for that freshly baked taste.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies! They embody the flavors of fall and are perfect for sharing with loved ones during cozy gatherings. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Enjoy every bite!