chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, then these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are just what you need! They’re not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie infused with warm spices and sweet maple syrup—pure bliss! Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, preparing for a busy weeknight dessert, or simply indulging in something special, these cookies will definitely bring smiles all around.

What makes this recipe even better is how it fills your kitchen with the heartwarming scents of autumn. The combination of pumpkin and maple creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and delightful. Trust me, once you try these chewy maple pumpkin cookies, they’ll become a favorite in your household!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal fuss, you’ll have delicious cookies in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cookies! These chewy treats are perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Option: Chill the dough overnight for quick baking whenever you need it.
• Delightful Flavor: The blend of pumpkin and maple brings an irresistible sweetness that screams fall.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for celebrations, snacks, or cozy nights at home with a cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are simple and wholesome. You probably have most of them in your pantry already! Here’s what you’ll need:

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

Sugar 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.
• Chocolate Chips: Mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
• Frosting Option: Top your cookies with a drizzle of dairy-free icing made from powdered sugar and almond milk.
• Different Spices: Experiment with different spice blends like cinnamon or nutmeg to suit your taste.

How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Brown Butter

Start by making the brown butter about an hour before you plan to bake. Browning the butter adds a nutty flavor that elevates these cookies. To do this, melt the butter in a clear heavy-bottom saucepan. Whisk continuously until it starts to foam and brown bits form at the bottom. This process takes about 15 minutes. Once done, remove it from heat and pour into a clean bowl to cool at room temperature.

Step 2: Blot the Pumpkin

While your butter is cooling, prepare the pumpkin puree. Lay 2-3 paper towels across a wide bowl and scoop about 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin onto it. Let the excess moisture absorb into the towels; this step ensures your cookies won’t be too watery.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, spice blend of choice, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This ensures an even distribution of flavors throughout your cookie dough.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Once your brown butter has cooled slightly, stir it together with brown sugar and maple syrup until everything is nicely blended. This mixture forms the base for your cookie dough and adds richness!

Step 5: Add Egg Yolk and Pumpkin

Next up, stir in the egg yolk until fully incorporated. Then add in the blotted pumpkin along with vanilla extract and optional maple extract. Mixing these ingredients well infuses each bite with delicious flavor.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold in your dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—be careful not to overmix! This step is crucial for achieving that perfect chewiness everyone loves.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight if possible. Chilling helps develop flavors and creates that ideal texture when baked.

Step 8: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line one or two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Allow your chilled dough to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before scooping it out—this helps them spread evenly while baking.

Step 9: Coat & Bake

Mix together granulated sugar with your chosen spice blend for coating. Scoop out portions using a cookie scoop, roll them in this spiced sugar mixture, then place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2-3 inches apart.

Bake for about 12-14 minutes—keep an eye on them! If they look puffier than you’d like halfway through baking, give that pan a firm bang on the oven rack to help them flatten out perfectly.

Step 10: Cool & Enjoy!

Let those delightful cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Then enjoy every last bite of your chewy maple pumpkin cookies!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Baking is all about precision and a little bit of love; here are some tips to ensure your chewy maple pumpkin cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter, egg yolk, and pumpkin puree to room temperature helps create a smoother dough and ensures even mixing, leading to a better texture.

• Don’t skip chilling the dough: Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld together and prevents your cookies from spreading too much while baking, resulting in those lovely chewy centers.

• Check for doneness wisely: The cookies may not look done when you first check them. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after removal from the oven, so trust your instincts and remove them when they are just set but still soft.

• Experiment with spices: Every palate is different! Feel free to adjust the spice blend according to your taste. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice can give an extra kick that complements the pumpkin beautifully.

• Store correctly: To keep your cookies fresh longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze the cookie dough balls and bake them straight from frozen for a quick treat later on!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are delightful on their own but can be even more enjoyable with a few thoughtful presentations. Here are some ideas on how to serve them up!

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkling some finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top adds a nice crunch and enhances the fall flavors.
• Maple drizzle: A light drizzle of pure maple syrup over cooled cookies can make them look extra special and add a touch of sweetness.
• Whipped coconut cream: For those looking for a dairy-free option, serve these cookies with a dollop of whipped coconut cream for an indulgent twist.

Side Dishes

• Spiced apple cider: A warm mug of spiced apple cider pairs wonderfully with these cookies, enhancing their fall flavors and creating a cozy atmosphere.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serving these warm cookies alongside creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture—a perfect pairing!
• Pumpkin soup: For a savory side dish that complements your sweet treats, consider serving a warm bowl of pumpkin soup, which echoes the cookie’s flavor profile beautifully.
• Cheese platter: A selection of soft cheeses (like brie or goat cheese) with fruit preserves can provide an interesting savory contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

Now that you have all these tips and serving ideas, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking! Enjoy every delicious bite of these chewy maple pumpkin cookies as they bring warmth and joy to your kitchen this fall!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it, so you can enjoy fresh-baked cookies whenever you want.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• For optimal freshness, place a piece of bread in the container with the cookies; it helps maintain moisture.

Freezing

• To freeze the cookie dough, scoop the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
• To bake from frozen, no need to thaw! Just add an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

• To reheat cookies, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 5 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave a cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat!

FAQs

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

Can I use other sweeteners instead of maple syrup in chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Yes! While maple syrup adds a unique flavor, you can substitute with agave syrup or honey if desired. Just keep in mind that this may alter the taste slightly.

How do I ensure my chewy maple pumpkin cookies stay soft?

To keep your chewy maple pumpkin cookies soft, don’t overbake them. Removing them from the oven when they’re still slightly underbaked will help maintain their chewy texture.

Can I make chewy maple pumpkin cookies without egg yolks?

Absolutely! You can replace the egg yolk with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). Let it sit until it thickens before adding it to your mixture.

What’s the best way to add more spice to my chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

If you want more spice, simply increase the amount of pumpkin or chai spice blend in your dough or sprinkle some extra on top before baking.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

While all-purpose flour is recommended for texture, you can certainly substitute half of it with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. Just be aware that this may change the texture slightly!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in whipping up these delightful chewy maple pumpkin cookies! Each bite is a little taste of fall that brings warmth and comfort. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with friends and family, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Enjoy every moment of making them and savoring their deliciousness!