chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful cookie that embodies the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are a warm and inviting treat that will fill your home with a comforting aroma. Perfect for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or just to enjoy with a cup of tea, this recipe has become a beloved staple in my kitchen. The combination of rich maple syrup and pumpkin creates a sweet and buttery flavor that’s simply irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, these cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family Favorite: Everyone loves the soft and chewy texture of these cookies, making them a hit with kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can chill the dough overnight, allowing you to bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.
• Delicious Fall Flavor: The warm spices and maple syrup capture the essence of autumn in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is part of the fun! For these chewy maple pumpkin cookies, you’ll need the following:

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

Coating

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some dark chocolate chips for an extra sweet touch.
• Nuts for Crunch: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
• Swap the Spices: Experiment with different spice blends like cinnamon or nutmeg to create your unique twist.
• Frosting Option: Top with a simple maple icing for an indulgent finish.

How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Step 1: Make Brown Butter

Start by making brown butter about an hour before you plan to bake. This step adds depth to your cookies. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt your butter over medium heat. Once it starts foaming, whisk continuously until it turns golden brown and nutty. Remove from heat and let it cool until it’s safe to handle. This process enhances the flavor profile of your cookies!

Step 2: Prepare Pumpkin Puree

Next, prep your pumpkin puree to ensure it’s not too watery. Lay 2-3 paper towels across a shallow bowl and scoop about 1/2 cup of pumpkin onto it. Let it sit so the excess moisture absorbs into the towels. Before mixing it into your dough, give it a gentle squeeze to remove any remaining liquid.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooled brown butter with light brown sugar and pure maple syrup. Stir until everything is well blended. Then add in your egg yolk and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Add Pumpkin & Extracts

Stir in the prepared pumpkin along with vanilla and optional maple extracts until everything is well mixed together. This is where those lovely fall flavors start to come alive!

Step 6: Combine Dry & Wet Ingredients

Gently fold in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; be careful not to overmix! This will help maintain that chewy texture we all love in our cookies.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Cover your cookie dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight. Chilling helps enhance flavors and makes it easier to scoop out later.

Step 8: Preheat Oven & 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 so that your cookies don’t stick while baking.

Step 9: Prepare Sugar Coating

Mix together granulated sugar with your chosen spice blend in a small dish. This flavorful coating will add an extra layer of sweetness!

Step 10: Scoop & Roll Cookies

Using a cookie scoop (about 2 inches), portion out balls of dough. Roll each ball in the spiced sugar mixture until fully coated before placing them on the prepared baking sheets about 2-3 inches apart.

Step 11: Bake Your Cookies

Bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them; if they puff up more than you’d like during baking, gently bang the sheet against the oven rack after about 9-10 minutes—this helps them spread out beautifully!

Step 12: Cool & Enjoy!

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet on top of a cooling rack for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them completely off to cool down further. Enjoy every chewy bite filled with delicious fall flavors!

Now that you’ve got this recipe down pat, I can’t wait for you to share these chewy maple pumpkin cookies with friends and family! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Baking these chewy maple pumpkin cookies is a delightful experience, and a few pro tips can take your cookie game to the next level!

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 8 hours helps it firm up, resulting in cookies that are chewy on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside. This step also enhances the flavors!
• Brown your butter well: The rich, nutty flavor of browned butter adds depth to your cookies. Make sure to whisk continuously while melting to prevent burning and achieve that perfect golden color.
• Adjust your spices: Feel free to taste your sugar spice mixture before rolling the cookie dough. Personalizing the spice blend can make your cookies uniquely yours!
• Watch the bake time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. If they start puffing up too much, give the baking sheet a gentle tap to help them spread for that perfect chewy texture.
• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh and chewy longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for later enjoyment!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies not only taste incredible but also present beautifully! Here are some ideas for serving them that will impress family and friends alike.

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top of each cookie adds a lovely lightness and elegance.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts: Sprinkling some finely chopped nuts over the warm cookies gives a nice crunch and enhances their fall flavor.
• Drizzle of maple syrup: A light drizzle of pure maple syrup over the top adds extra sweetness and makes for a stunning presentation.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: This warm beverage pairs perfectly with the cozy flavors of pumpkin and spices in your cookies, creating a comforting autumn treat.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside your warm cookies for an indulgent dessert experience that contrasts beautifully with their chewyness.
• Pumpkin spice latte: A seasonal favorite, this rich coffee drink complements the flavors of your cookies while giving you that cozy café vibe at home.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and cranberries balances out the sweetness of the cookies and adds a burst of freshness.

With these serving ideas and tips in hand, you’re ready to create an unforgettable fall treat that is sure to delight everyone around you! Enjoy every bite of those delicious chewy maple pumpkin cookies!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy the delicious flavors of fall anytime. You can prepare the dough ahead of time, store it, and bake fresh cookies whenever a craving strikes!

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator, where they’ll last about a week.

Freezing

• To freeze cookie dough, scoop the dough balls 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.
• When ready to bake, no need to thaw! Just place the frozen dough balls on a lined baking sheet and add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

• To reheat and enjoy your cookies warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can use a microwave; just heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delightful chewy maple pumpkin cookies!

Can I make chewy maple pumpkin cookies without brown butter?

Absolutely! If you prefer not to brown your butter, you can simply melt it as directed in the recipe. The cookies will still be deliciously soft and flavorful.

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

To maintain their chewiness, avoid overbaking them. Remove them from the oven when they are slightly underbaked; they will continue cooking on the hot baking sheet. Also, storing them in an airtight container helps retain moisture!

What makes these chewy maple pumpkin cookies so special?

The combination of brown butter and pure maple syrup gives these cookies a rich flavor that truly embodies fall. Plus, they’re delightfully chewy with just the right amount of sweetness!

Can I use other spices instead of pumpkin spice?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite spice blends like chai or cinnamon for a unique twist on these chewy maple pumpkin cookies.

How many servings does this recipe yield?

This recipe yields about 20 delicious chewy maple pumpkin cookies, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies! They’re not just treats; they’re little bites of fall that bring warmth and comfort to any occasion. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, I know you’ll love how they turn out. Enjoy every moment of indulging in these sweet delights!