chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat to brighten your autumn days, these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are just what you need! They’re soft, sweet, and bursting with the warm flavors of fall. I love making a batch for family gatherings or simply to enjoy after a long day. With their buttery texture and delightful maple glaze, they quickly become a favorite around my kitchen!

What makes these cookies special is not just their taste but also how easy they are to whip up. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive celebration, these chewy maple pumpkin cookies will surely bring smiles all around.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: The steps are simple enough for beginner bakers, yet the results feel like gourmet treats.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike adore these cookies, making them perfect for any gathering.
• Perfect for fall: The flavors of maple and pumpkin blend beautifully, capturing the essence of the season.
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare the dough in advance and chill it overnight for fresh cookies anytime!
• Chewy goodness: The combination of brown butter and pumpkin creates a wonderfully chewy texture that is simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find in your pantry. Gather them up so you can get started on this delicious recipe!

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

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add chocolate chips: For an extra treat, fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips into the cookie dough before chilling.
• Nutty twist: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Frosting option: Drizzle with a simple maple glaze on top after baking for an indulgent finish.
• Spice it up: Experiment with different spices by swapping out the pumpkin spice blend for cinnamon or ginger.

How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Step 1: Make the Brown Butter

Start by making your brown butter about an hour before you plan to bake. This step is essential because browning the butter adds depth of flavor. Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. Whisk continuously until it foams and turns golden brown with small bits forming at the bottom. Once it’s ready, pour it into a bowl and let it cool at room temperature for about half an hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree

While your butter cools, prepare the pumpkin puree. Place a few paper towels in a shallow bowl and add about half a cup of canned pumpkin on top. This helps absorb excess moisture from the pumpkin. After letting it sit for a bit, gently squeeze out any remaining water — this will keep your cookies from getting too soggy!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In your mixing bowl with cooled brown butter, stir in light brown sugar and pure maple syrup until combined. Then add in your egg yolk and mix until smooth before stirring in the prepared pumpkin puree along with vanilla and optional maple extracts. This mixture is going to be rich and flavorful!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now it’s time to combine! Gently stir in your dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until everything comes together. Be careful not to overmix; we want those lovely chewy textures!

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Wrap your cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least eight hours or overnight if you can wait! Chilling helps develop flavor and improves texture.

Step 7: 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. Take your chilled dough out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about thirty minutes — this will help them spread nicely while baking.

Step 8: Prepare Spiced Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar with additional spice blend used in your cookie dough until well combined. Feel free to adjust according to taste; you want that perfect balance!

Step 9: Shape Cookies

Using a two-inch cookie scoop, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls before rolling each ball into the spiced sugar mixture until fully coated.

Step 10: Bake Your Cookies

Place cookie dough balls onto your lined baking sheet about two to three inches apart. Bake them in your preheated oven for about twelve to fourteen minutes. If they puff up too much during baking, give your cookie sheet a little bang on the oven rack halfway through — this will help flatten them out perfectly!

Step 11: Cool & Enjoy!

Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for three to five minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delightful chewy maple pumpkin cookies warm or at room temperature; they’re bound to bring comfort on chilly days!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies is a delightful experience, and a few simple tips can help you achieve cookie perfection every time!

• Use European style butter: This type of butter has a higher fat content, which contributes to the rich, buttery flavor and chewy texture of your cookies.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 8 hours helps the flavors meld beautifully and ensures that your cookies maintain their shape while baking.

• Check your oven temperature: Every oven is different, so using an oven thermometer can help you ensure that your cookies bake evenly and don’t over-bake.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spice blend according to your taste—adding more cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the fall flavors even further.

• Don’t skip the banging method: If your cookies puff up too much while baking, gently banging the cookie sheet in the oven helps them flatten out, giving you that perfect chewy texture.

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Serving these chewy maple pumpkin cookies can be just as fun as baking them! Consider how you present them for an extra touch of warmth and charm.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon sugar sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top adds a lovely sweetness and aromatic appeal.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts: Sprinkle some chopped nuts on top before baking for a crunchy texture contrast and added flavor.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a deliciously decadent pairing that complements the warm spices in the cookies.
• Hot apple cider: The cozy flavors of hot apple cider are perfect alongside these cookies and evoke all the feelings of fall.
• Pumpkin spice latte: For a festive touch, serve these cookies with a warm pumpkin spice latte—a match made in autumn heaven!
• Fresh fruit platter: A selection of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and figs can add a refreshing balance to the sweet richness of the cookies.

With these serving suggestions, you’re sure to impress friends and family during any autumn gathering! Enjoy every bite of your delicious chewy maple pumpkin cookies!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the delightful flavors of fall whenever you like. Here’s how to store them and keep them fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you want to maintain their chewiness, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies; it helps keep them moist.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Place frozen or refrigerated cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about making chewy maple pumpkin cookies!

What makes chewy maple pumpkin cookies different from regular pumpkin cookies?

Chewy maple pumpkin cookies are made with browned butter and maple syrup, giving them a rich, deep flavor and delightful chewy texture that sets them apart from standard pumpkin cookies.

Can I use a different spice blend in my chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests a pumpkin or chai spice blend, feel free to experiment with your favorite spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to create your unique flavor profile.

How can I ensure my chewy maple pumpkin cookies come out perfectly?

To achieve perfect chewy texture, make sure not to overmix the dough and chill it properly before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the cookies to spread just right while baking.

Can I substitute other sweeteners for maple syrup in these chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

While maple syrup adds unique flavor, you can substitute with agave nectar or honey if needed. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the taste and texture of your cookies.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies! They truly capture the essence of fall with every bite. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them all by yourself, they are sure to bring warmth and happiness. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe, and let me know how yours turn out! Happy baking!