chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking for the perfect treat to celebrate the cozy vibes of fall, these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are just what you need. Imagine biting into a warm, soft cookie that dances with the flavors of maple and pumpkin spice—pure bliss! This recipe has a special place in my heart because it brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings spent with loved ones. Whether you’re baking for a busy weeknight or a festive get-together, these delightful cookies will surely impress.

What makes them even better is how easy they are to whip up. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. So let’s dive into why you’ll love making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious flavor: The combination of maple syrup and pumpkin creates a wonderfully sweet and spicy cookie that’s full of fall flavor.
• Chewy texture: Brown butter gives these cookies a rich taste and a chewy consistency that makes them irresistible.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these tasty treats, making them perfect for sharing with everyone.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can chill the dough overnight, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever you’re ready.
• Customizable: With plenty of options for variations, you can make these cookies your own!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these chewy maple pumpkin cookies, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand. They come together beautifully to create a delicious cookie dough that will fill your kitchen with amazing aromas.

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 the Coating

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

Variations

This chewy maple pumpkin cookie recipe is quite flexible! Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Incorporate chocolate chips: A handful of chocolate chips can add an extra sweet surprise in every bite.
• Use different spices: Experiment with cinnamon or nutmeg if you want to change up the spice profile.
• Make it gluten-free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.

How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Brown Butter

Start by making your brown butter about an hour before you plan to bake. Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. As it melts, it will start foaming—this is when you whisk continuously until you see brown bits forming at the bottom. This step is crucial because browning the butter adds a rich flavor that elevates your cookies. Once it’s browned, pour it into a clean bowl and let it cool until it’s just warm.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

Take about 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin puree and scoop it onto some paper towels laid across a shallow bowl. This helps absorb any excess moisture from the pumpkin so your cookies don’t become too wet. After letting it sit for a bit, squeeze gently to remove any more water before using it in your dough.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together your flour, chosen spice blend, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that all dry ingredients are well combined before mixing them into your wet ingredients—leading to evenly flavored cookies.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until everything is nicely blended. Then add in the egg yolk and mix well. Following this step with the pumpkin puree along with vanilla and optional maple extracts will bring all those delicious flavors together.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Now it’s time to combine your dry mixture with your wet mixture! Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined; be careful not to overmix as this can result in tougher cookies.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover your cookie dough tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully while also helping with texture when baked.

Step 7: Bake Your Cookies

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove your chilled dough from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes; this helps with spreading during baking.

Next, mix your granulated sugar with another half teaspoon of spice blend in a small bowl. Using a cookie scoop (about 2 inches), scoop out dough balls and roll them in spiced sugar before placing them on your prepared baking sheets about 2-3 inches apart.

Bake for 12-14 minutes but keep an eye on them after around 9-10 minutes! If they look puffed up more than you’d like, give your baking sheet a gentle shake by lifting it slightly off the oven rack—it helps flatten them out perfectly!

Step 8: Cool Down

After taking them out of the oven, let your chewy maple pumpkin cookies sit on their baking sheets for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling time lets them set up nicely while still being soft!

And there you have it—deliciously chewy maple pumpkin cookies perfect for any occasion! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Baking can be a delightful experience, and with these helpful tips, you’ll create the perfect chewy maple pumpkin cookies every time!

• Use high-quality butter: Opting for European style unsalted butter enhances the flavor and richness of your cookies, making them taste more decadent.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill not only helps the flavors to meld together but also results in a better texture. Chilling firms up the dough, preventing excessive spreading during baking.

• Adjust spice levels: Don’t hesitate to tweak the spice mixture according to your taste preferences! A little extra warmth from cinnamon or nutmeg can take your cookies to another level.

• Check cookie doneness carefully: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be lightly browned at the edges but still soft in the center. If you like a chewier cookie, pull them out a minute or two early.

• Store properly: To maintain that chewy texture, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also add a slice of bread to help keep them moist longer!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Presenting your chewy maple pumpkin cookies can be just as fun as baking them! These delightful treats are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive fall party.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overpowering the cookie’s flavor.

• Chopped nuts: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts on top provides a lovely crunch and complements the soft texture of the cookie beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Spiced Apple Cider: This warm beverage is perfect for fall and pairs wonderfully with the spiced flavors of your cookies, creating a cozy atmosphere.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside your warm cookies offers a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.

• Cream Cheese Frosting: For those who love a little extra sweetness, serving these cookies with a dollop of cream cheese frosting takes them over the top!

• Hot Chocolate: Rich and velvety hot chocolate makes for a comforting pairing with these cookies, especially during chilly evenings.

Now that you have everything you need to make and serve these delicious chewy maple pumpkin cookies, get ready to enjoy all those wonderful autumn flavors! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough in advance and keep them fresh for a delightful treat throughout the week or even freeze them for later.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, store in the refrigerator.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid.
• Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, place them on a microwave-safe plate.
• Heat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about chewy maple pumpkin cookies that might help you out!

Can I use regular butter instead of browned butter for chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

While you can technically use regular butter, browning it adds depth and enhances the flavor of these chewy maple pumpkin cookies, making them extra special!

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

To keep your chewy maple pumpkin cookies soft, be sure not to overbake them. The edges should be set while the centers remain slightly soft when you take them out of the oven.

What spice blends work best in chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

You can use either pumpkin spice or chai spice blend in these chewy maple pumpkin cookies. Both will infuse wonderful flavors that complement the pumpkin beautifully!

Can I substitute other sweeteners for maple syrup in this recipe?

Yes! While pure maple syrup gives these chewy maple pumpkin cookies their signature flavor, you can substitute with agave syrup or honey if needed.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies as much as I do! They are a delicious way to celebrate all those cozy fall vibes and share joy with friends and family. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe—I’m sure it will become a favorite in your home!