chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that wraps you in the warmth of fall, these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are just the thing! They blend the rich flavors of pumpkin and maple syrup, creating a cookie that’s both soft and chewy. It’s a recipe I cherish not just for its taste, but also for the memories it brings—baking these cookies is a perfect way to spend time with family or simply enjoy a quiet evening at home. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a gathering with friends, these cookies will surely brighten your day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible flavor: The combination of pumpkin and maple syrup delivers a deliciously sweet and buttery taste that celebrates autumn.
• Easy to make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll find this recipe approachable even if you’re new to baking!
• Perfect for sharing: These cookies are great for potlucks, bake sales, or just as a sweet treat to share with loved ones.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare the dough ahead of time and chill it overnight—perfect for busy schedules!
• Customizable spices: Adjust the spice blend to suit your taste for an extra personal touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Gather these items before you start baking:

For the Cookie Dough

• 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

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

• Add chocolate chips: Stir in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra indulgent twist.
• Nuts galore: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Swap the spices: Experiment with different spice blends like gingerbread or cinnamon for unique variations.
• Make them mini: Use a smaller scoop to create bite-sized treats perfect for snacking!

How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Step 1: Make the Brown Butter

Start by making the brown butter about an hour before you want to bake. This step infuses your cookies with nutty flavor! Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. Once it starts foaming, whisk continuously until golden-brown bits appear at the bottom. Remove from heat and transfer it to a bowl to cool down—this takes about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

While your butter cools, get your pumpkin ready! Place paper towels in a shallow bowl and scoop out about 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin onto them. This helps absorb excess moisture so your cookies don’t end up too soggy. After letting it sit for a few minutes, gently squeeze out any remaining water.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, spice blend of choice, baking soda, and salt until combined. This ensures that all dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout your dough.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled brown butter with light brown sugar and maple syrup. Stir well until fully integrated. Next, mix in the egg yolk followed by the prepared pumpkin puree and extracts. Each ingredient adds depth of flavor!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually stir in your dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want those delicious chewy textures in every bite!

Step 6: Chill Your Dough

Cover your dough with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least 8 hours or up to overnight. Chilling helps firm up the dough so you get perfectly shaped cookies when baked.

Step 7: Preheat and 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 to keep those cookies from sticking.

Step 8: Roll Cookies in Spice Sugar

Mix together granulated sugar and additional spice blend used in your dough. Using a cookie scoop, portion out dough balls and roll them in this spiced sugar mixture before placing them on your prepared baking sheets about 2-3 inches apart.

Step 9: Bake Your Cookies

Bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them; if they puff up too much at around 9-10 minutes, give your pan a gentle bang on the oven rack—a little trick to help them flatten out perfectly!

Step 10: Cool Before Enjoying

After they’re done baking, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack. This allows them to set while maintaining that delightful chewiness we love!

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful chewy maple pumpkin cookies! Perfectly sweetened and packed full of fall flavors—every bite is sure to bring comfort!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Baking these chewy maple pumpkin cookies is a delightful experience, and a few tips can help you achieve the best results!

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices elevate the flavor profile of your cookies. They contribute to that warm, inviting aroma that makes your kitchen feel like fall.

• Don’t skip browning the butter: Browning the butter adds a nutty depth to the cookies that enhances their overall taste. It’s an extra step, but trust me—it’s worth it!

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 8 hours (or overnight) is crucial for developing flavor and texture. Chilled dough prevents excessive spreading, resulting in perfectly chewy cookies.

• Check for doneness carefully: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. If they puff up too much, gently bang the cookie sheet to encourage them to spread out a little more.

• Cool properly: Letting your cookies cool on a wire rack ensures they firm up nicely without becoming soggy from steam. This results in that perfect chewy texture everyone loves!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Presenting your chewy maple pumpkin cookies beautifully can make all the difference when sharing them with friends and family. Here are some ideas to enhance your serving experience!

Garnishes

• Cinnamon sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar adds an extra layer of sweetness and spice that complements the flavors beautifully.

• Chopped nuts: Consider sprinkling some finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and nuttiness.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: The warmth and sweetness of spiced apple cider pair perfectly with these cookies, creating a cozy autumn vibe.

• Vanilla almond milk: This creamy, nutty beverage complements the flavors of pumpkin and maple seamlessly and offers a delightful contrast in temperature.

• Creamy yogurt parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and seasonal fruits can create a refreshing side dish that balances out the richness of the cookies.

• Cheese platter: A selection of cheeses, especially mild options like gouda or brie, provides a savory contrast to the sweet cookies, making for an interesting flavor combination.

Now you’re all set to enjoy these delicious chewy maple pumpkin cookies! Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them with your favorite beverage at home, they are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to savor the flavors of fall anytime you desire. With a little planning, you can enjoy these delicious treats fresh from the oven or save some for later!

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, consider layering parchment paper between the cookies to prevent them from sticking together.

Freezing

• Place the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The dough can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed!

Reheating

• To enjoy your cookies warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
• You can also microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds if you’re in a hurry!

FAQs

Got questions? Here are some common ones about these delightful chewy maple pumpkin cookies!

How do I make chewy maple pumpkin cookies fluffier?

To achieve a fluffier texture, ensure that your butter is adequately browned but not overcooked. Additionally, check that you’re using the right amount of flour—too much can lead to denser cookies.

Can I use other spices instead of pumpkin spice?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice. These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are versatile and can adapt to your personal taste.

How long do chewy maple pumpkin cookies last?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these chewy maple pumpkin cookies will stay fresh for about 5 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them as directed above!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies! They’re not just delicious; they encapsulate everything wonderful about fall with their cozy flavors and sweet aroma. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or saved for later, I’m sure they’ll bring a smile to your face. Happy baking!