chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to cozy up with this fall, these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are just the ticket! Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie packed with warm spices and the rich flavors of maple and pumpkin. This recipe is a favorite in my home because it perfectly captures the essence of autumn. They make wonderful snacks for busy weeknights or can be served at family gatherings, leaving everyone asking for more.

The best part? These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy. Whether you want to savor them with your morning coffee or give them as gifts, they’re sure to bring smiles all around!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Chewy: These cookies boast a perfect chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Fall Flavor Galore: The combination of pumpkin and maple syrup creates an irresistible taste that screams autumn.
• Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these wholesome ingredients on hand, making it easy to bake a batch anytime.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids and adults alike will love shaping and rolling the cookie dough in sweet spices!
• Make Ahead Convenience: Chill the dough overnight for an even richer flavor, making it great for prepping ahead of time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome items that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious chewy maple pumpkin cookies:

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/4 c (270g) all purpose flour
• 2 tsp pumpkin or chai spice blend
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Mix in Chocolate Chips: For a sweet twist, add some dairy-free chocolate chips before baking.
• Switch Up the Spices: Experiment with different spice blends like cinnamon or ginger for varied flavors.
• Make Them Frosted: After baking, top the cooled cookies with a drizzle of maple icing for an extra sweet touch.

How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Step 1: Make the Brown Butter

Start by making brown butter about an hour before you plan to bake. This step adds a rich nutty flavor that elevates your cookies. To do this, melt the butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. Once it begins to foam, whisk continuously until golden brown bits form at the bottom. Be sure to remove it from heat promptly and pour it into a clean bowl to cool—nobody likes burnt butter!

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree

To ensure your cookies are perfectly moist, we need to remove excess water from our pumpkin puree. Lay 2-3 paper towels across a shallow bowl and scoop out about 1/2 cup of pumpkin onto them. Let it sit for a few minutes so the towels can absorb any extra moisture. Before adding it to your mix, give it a gentle squeeze—this little trick makes all the difference!

Step 3: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together your flour, spice blend of choice, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This helps distribute all those lovely flavors evenly throughout your cookie dough.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Now we’re ready to bring our wet ingredients together! In a large bowl, stir together your cooled brown butter, light brown sugar, and pure maple syrup until smooth. The sweetness from both sugars will create a beautifully rich base for our cookies.

Step 5: Add Egg Yolk and Pumpkin

Stir in the egg yolk until fully integrated—this will help bind everything together nicely. Then mix in your prepared pumpkin puree along with the vanilla and optional maple extract for that extra burst of flavor.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in your dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix; we want tender cookies after they bake!

Step 7: Chill Dough

Cover your cookie dough with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight if you can wait that long! Chilling allows flavors to develop while also making sure our cookies don’t spread too much during baking.

Step 8: Preheat Oven

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line one or two large cookie sheets with parchment paper so your cookies won’t stick.

Step 9: Prepare Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, prepare your spiced sugar by mixing granulated sugar with the remaining spice blend until well combined. Give it a taste—adjust as needed based on how spicy you want those delicious bites!

Step 10: Scoop Cookie Dough

Use a 2-inch cookie scoop to portion out balls of dough. Roll each ball in your spiced sugar mixture before placing them about 2-3 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet.

Step 11: Bake Away!

Bake these beauties for about 12-14 minutes until they look lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. If they puff up too much while baking, gently bang the cookie sheet against the oven rack once or twice—that’s my little secret!

Step 12: Cool Down

Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack fully cool down. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly!

Now it’s time to enjoy those chewy maple pumpkin cookies! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Baking should be a fun and rewarding experience, so here are some tips to ensure your chewy maple pumpkin cookies turn out perfectly!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your egg yolk and other ingredients to room temperature allows for better mixing and a smoother dough, resulting in more evenly baked cookies.

• Don’t skip the chilling step: Chilling the dough for 8 hours (or overnight) helps the flavors meld beautifully and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, ensuring that perfect chewy texture.

• Check for doneness carefully: Cookies can go from perfectly baked to overdone quickly, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. They should be set but still soft in the center.

• Experiment with spices: While pumpkin spice is classic, feel free to mix things up with a chai spice blend or even add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra kick of flavor.

• Enjoy fresh out of the oven: These cookies are best enjoyed warm when they are soft and gooey. If you can resist, let them cool slightly before taking that first bite!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies make delightful treats whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or enjoying them at home with a cup of tea. Here are some fun ideas on how to serve them!

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of cinnamon sugar: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top right after baking adds a little sparkle and enhances that fall flavor.
• Whipped coconut cream: Top each cookie with a dollop of whipped coconut cream for a creamy, dreamy finish that complements the pumpkin perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Chai tea: The warm spices in chai tea pair wonderfully with these cookies, making for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Apple cider: Serve with hot or cold apple cider to enhance the autumn vibe—its sweet-tart flavor is a perfect match!
• Vanilla ice cream: For an indulgent dessert, consider pairing these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warmth of the cookies contrasts beautifully with the cold ice cream.
• Pumpkin soup: Enjoy your cookies alongside a bowl of hearty pumpkin soup. The savory richness balances out the sweetness of the cookies nicely.

Now that you have all these wonderful tips and serving suggestions, it’s time to bake! Enjoy every bite of your chewy maple pumpkin cookies this fall season!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the delightful flavors of fall all week long! Whether you’re baking for a gathering or just to have on hand as a sweet snack, you’ll love how easy they are to store and enjoy later.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They can last for up to one week; however, they’re best enjoyed fresh!
• If you live in a humid area, consider refrigerating them to maintain their texture.

Freezing

• Place the completely cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour.
• Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• These cookies can be frozen for up to three months—perfect for future cravings!

Reheating

• To bring your cookies back to life, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for 5-7 minutes until soft.
• Enjoy them just like fresh out of the oven!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making chewy maple pumpkin cookies.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned for chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Absolutely! If you choose to use fresh pumpkin, make sure it’s well cooked and blotted dry, similar to the instructions for canned pumpkin. This helps maintain the cookie’s chewy texture.

What makes these chewy maple pumpkin cookies so special?

The combination of brown butter and pure maple syrup gives these cookies a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with pumpkin. The spices add warmth that embodies the essence of fall!

How can I adjust this recipe for dietary restrictions?

If you need it dairy-free, substitute the European-style butter with a plant-based alternative. For egg-free options, try using a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) per yolk.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies! They truly capture the essence of fall with their warm spices and deliciously chewy texture. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them solo with a cup of tea, I believe they’ll bring a smile to your face. Happy baking!