chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are a delightful blend of flavors that will wrap you in warmth with every bite. The combination of maple syrup and pumpkin creates a cookie that’s not only chewy but also bursting with sweet and buttery goodness. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even just as a little pick-me-up during your afternoon coffee break.

What makes these cookies extra special is the way they bring together those beloved autumn flavors. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday celebration or simply to enjoy at home, everyone will be reaching for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will adore the chewy texture and sweet flavors of these delightful cookies.
• Make Ahead: You can chill the dough overnight, making it a breeze to bake fresh cookies whenever you want!
• Deliciously Flavorful: The blend of spices and rich maple flavor creates an irresistible cookie that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering up your ingredients is part of the fun! These are wholesome items that come together beautifully to create those chewy maple pumpkin cookies. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

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

Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! It’s flexible enough to adapt to your taste preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch.
• Chocolate Chip Twist: Fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips for a chocolatey version that kids will love.
• Frosted Delight: Top your baked cookies with a light drizzle of maple icing for an added layer of sweetness.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with different spice blends like ginger or cinnamon to give your cookies a unique twist.

How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Step 1: Make the Brown Butter

Start by making the brown butter about an hour before you plan on baking. This step adds a deep, nutty flavor to your cookies. Melt your butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. Once it starts foaming, whisk continuously until you see brown bits forming at the bottom. This process takes about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and pour into a clean bowl; let it cool for about 30 minutes until it reaches room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Purée

While your butter cools down, it’s time to prepare the pumpkin purée! Lay 2–3 paper towels across a shallow bowl and scoop in about 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin. This helps absorb excess moisture so your cookies don’t turn out soggy. After letting it sit for a bit, gently squeeze out any remaining water before using.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, spice blend, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step ensures that everything is evenly mixed before adding it to the wet ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cooled brown butter, light brown sugar, and pure maple syrup until fully combined. The mixture should look smooth and glossy—this is where all that delicious flavor comes from!

Step 5: Add Egg Yolk and Pumpkin

Next, stir in the room temperature egg yolk until well blended. Then add the prepared pumpkin purée along with both vanilla and optional maple extracts. Mixing these wet ingredients well is crucial; it helps distribute flavors throughout your dough.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to combine! Gradually stir in your dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those tender cookies!

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Cover your cookie dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least eight hours or overnight if possible. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and helps prevent spreading while baking.

Step 8: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line one or two large baking sheets with parchment paper so nothing sticks while baking.

Step 9: Prepare Spiced Sugar Coating

Mix together granulated sugar with an additional amount of your chosen spice blend until well combined. Feel free to adjust based on how spicy you like it!

Step 10: Shape Cookies

Using a cookie scoop (about two inches), scoop out portions of dough and roll them in the spiced sugar mixture until well coated.

Step 11: Bake Your Cookies

Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets about two to three inches apart. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 12–14 minutes. At around nine minutes in, check their puffiness; if they look too puffy, gently bang the pan against the oven rack a few times before finishing cooking.

Step 12: Cool Down

Allow your freshly baked cookies to cool on their sheet for about three to five minutes before transferring them onto cooling racks—this helps them firm up just right!

And there you have it—perfectly chewy maple pumpkin cookies ready to enjoy! Each bite is sure to remind you why this recipe is such a cherished favorite!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Baking is all about precision and a little bit of love, so here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect chewy maple pumpkin cookies!

• Use room temperature ingredients – Ensuring that your egg yolk and other ingredients are at room temperature helps them blend better, resulting in a smoother dough which contributes to a lovely texture.

• Chill the dough – Giving your cookie dough time to chill not only enhances the flavors but also helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, leading to that perfect chewy texture.

• Check your oven temperature – Every oven is different! Using an oven thermometer can help ensure that your cookies bake evenly and don’t burn or underbake.

• Don’t skip the sugar coating – Rolling the cookie dough in spiced sugar before baking adds a delightful crunch and additional flavor, making each bite even more delicious.

• Experiment with spices – Feel free to adjust the spice blend according to your taste. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger can bring an extra layer of warmth and complexity to your cookies!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Presenting your chewy maple pumpkin cookies can be just as fun as baking them! Here are some delightful ideas to elevate your serving game.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon Sugar Dusting – A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top right before serving adds an appealing look and extra flavor.
• Chopped Nuts – Sprinkle some finely chopped pecans or walnuts over the cookies for added crunch and nuttiness.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Almond Milk – A chilled glass of vanilla almond milk pairs wonderfully with these cookies, balancing their sweetness with a creamy touch.
• Warm Apple Cider – Serve your cookies alongside a warm mug of apple cider for a cozy fall treat that’s bursting with seasonal flavors.
• Pumpkin Spice Latte – Complement your cookies with this classic beverage for a truly autumnal experience that captures all the best flavors of the season!
• Fruit Salad with Mint – A refreshing fruit salad will provide a bright contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies, making it a delightful pairing.

Enjoy baking and sharing these chewy maple pumpkin cookies with friends and family! They’re sure to become a seasonal favorite in no time.

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy their delightful flavors throughout the week. You can make the dough ahead of time or store baked cookies for later enjoyment!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• For frozen cookie dough: After rolling the dough in sugar, place the cookie balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen cookie balls to a freezer-safe bag and store them for up to 3 months.
• For baked cookies: Freeze cooled cookies in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They will last for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen cookie dough, bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
• If reheating baked cookies, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about chewy maple pumpkin cookies that might help you on your baking journey!

Can I make chewy maple pumpkin cookies without brown butter?

Yes! While brown butter adds a rich flavor, you can substitute it with regular melted butter. Just make sure it’s unsalted!

How do I ensure my chewy maple pumpkin cookies come out soft?

Chilling the dough is key! It helps maintain the cookie’s structure while allowing it to spread just enough during baking.

What makes these chewy maple pumpkin cookies special?

These cookies combine the warm flavors of fall spices with rich maple syrup and buttery goodness, resulting in a delightful treat for any occasion.

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

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or dairy-free chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

How should I store leftover chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’re not going to eat them right away, freezing is a great option!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies as much as I do! Their warm flavors and delightful texture make them a perfect treat for cozy gatherings or simply enjoying at home. Don’t hesitate to share your experience and any variations you try—I love hearing from fellow bakers! Happy baking!