chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat to warm your heart this fall, these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are just what you need. They bring together the rich flavors of brown butter, sweet maple syrup, and spiced pumpkin in every bite. I love making these cookies for family gatherings or simply enjoying them with a cup of tea on a chilly evening. They have that perfect chewy texture that makes them irresistible, and trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to bake a batch again and again!

These cookies are not just delicious; they also fill your kitchen with an aroma that feels like a warm hug. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight dessert or a special occasion, everyone will adore these chewy maple pumpkin cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Family favorite: Kids and adults alike will be reaching for seconds (and thirds!).
• Perfect for sharing: Package them up as gifts or bring them to a potluck—everyone will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
• Deliciously seasonal: The flavors of pumpkin and maple capture the essence of fall in every cookie.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some wholesome ingredients for our chewy maple pumpkin cookies. These straightforward items will create a delightful flavor profile that embodies the spirit of the season.

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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add chocolate chips: Fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat.
• Change the spices: Experiment with different spice blends like cinnamon or nutmeg to suit your taste.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend for a great alternative.
• Try nuts or seeds: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.

How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Brown Butter

To start this amazing cookie adventure, we’ll make brown butter. This step adds depth and nuttiness to our chewy maple pumpkin cookies. Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. Whisk continuously until it begins to foam and develops golden brown bits at the bottom. Once it reaches that beautiful nutty aroma, pour it into a bowl and let it cool before using.

Step 2: Blot the Pumpkin

Next up is preparing our canned pumpkin! Lay down some paper towels in a shallow bowl and scoop out about half a cup of pumpkin puree onto them. This little trick helps absorb excess moisture so your cookies don’t turn out too wet. After letting it sit for a few minutes, give it a gentle squeeze before adding it to the mix.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, spice blend, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This not only ensures even distribution but also prepares our dry mix so we can easily add it later without clumping.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In your mixing bowl, combine the cooled brown butter with brown sugar and pure maple syrup. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and glossy—this mixture is where all those delightful flavors start to come together!

Step 5: Add Egg Yolk and Pumpkin

Stir in one large egg yolk until fully incorporated. Then add in your blotted pumpkin along with vanilla extract and optional maple extract for an extra layer of flavor. Mix well; this is going to be delicious!

Step 6: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Gradually fold in your dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—be careful not to overmix!

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Cover your cookie dough with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least 8 hours—or overnight if you have time! Chilling helps develop those lovely flavors while making sure your cookies are delightfully chewy.

Step 8: Preheat & Prepare Baking Sheets

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 F (177 C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper so nothing sticks during baking.

Step 9: Prepare Spiced Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar with any leftover spice blend from earlier. This sugary coating gives each cookie an enticing sweetness that balances perfectly with their chewiness!

Step 10: Scoop & Roll Cookies

Using about two tablespoons of dough per cookie—preferably with a scoop—roll each ball into the spiced sugar mixture until fully coated.

Step 11: Bake Your Cookies

Place cookie dough balls about 2-3 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake in your preheated oven for about 12-14 minutes or until they look slightly puffed but still soft in the center.

Step 12: Cool & Enjoy!

Once baked, allow them to cool on the sheet for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack. Don’t worry if they look slightly underbaked; they’ll continue cooking as they cool down!

Now grab yourself a cookie—and maybe two—and enjoy these delightful chewy maple pumpkin cookies!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Baking can be a delightful adventure, especially when it comes to creating these chewy maple pumpkin cookies! Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

• Use high-quality ingredients: Choosing fresh spices and pure maple syrup will enhance the flavors of your cookies, making them taste richer and more authentic.

• Don’t skip the chilling step: Chilling the dough for at least 8 hours allows the flavors to meld and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. A well-chilled dough results in that perfect chewy texture!

• Check your oven temperature: Ovens can often be inaccurate, so using an oven thermometer can help you ensure that your cookies bake evenly. Adjusting the temperature as needed will lead to better results.

• Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries to your cookie dough for added texture and flavor. Just be sure these additions complement the pumpkin and maple notes!

• Store properly: Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage. This keeps them soft and chewy, ready for whenever you need a sweet treat!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Presenting them well can elevate your dessert game—perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home.

Garnishes

• Drizzle of maple syrup: A light drizzle of pure maple syrup on top of each cookie adds an enticing shine and extra sweetness.

• Sprinkling of chopped pecans: Adding a sprinkle of finely chopped pecans on top gives a nice crunch and complements the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Warm spiced apple cider: The comforting warmth of spiced apple cider pairs wonderfully with the fall flavors in these cookies, making it a perfect beverage choice.

• Vanilla bean ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside these warm cookies creates a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.

• Caramel sauce: Serve with a small dish of caramel sauce for dipping; its rich flavor pairs well with the sweetness of the cookies.

• Fresh fruit platter: A selection of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and pomegranates offers a refreshing balance to the richness of the cookies and brightens up your dessert table!

These serving suggestions will make your chewy maple pumpkin cookies even more enjoyable. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make the dough ahead of time and store it for later baking. Plus, they keep wonderfully, allowing you to enjoy their deliciousness throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• To bake from frozen, add a couple of minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

• To reheat cookies, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 5 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked feel!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these chewy maple pumpkin cookies.

Can I use regular butter instead of European style unsalted butter?

Yes! While European style butter adds richness due to its higher fat content, regular unsalted butter will work just fine in this recipe.

How do I make chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

To make chewy maple pumpkin cookies, you’ll follow the steps outlined in the recipe, using a brown butter base combined with a spiced sugar mixture. The result is an irresistible cookie that’s soft and flavorful!

Can I substitute canned pumpkin with fresh pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Just ensure that your fresh pumpkin is well cooked and blotted to remove excess moisture before adding it to the dough.

What can I use instead of maple extract?

If you don’t have maple extract on hand, you can omit it or substitute it with additional vanilla extract for a slightly different flavor profile.

How do I know when my chewy maple pumpkin cookies are done?

The cookies should be puffed up and slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. If they’re too puffy, gently bang the pan during baking as suggested in the instructions!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies as much as I do! They capture all the cozy flavors of fall and are perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether it’s a special occasion or just because, these delightful treats are sure to warm hearts. Enjoy every bite and happy baking!