chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking for the perfect fall treat, these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are just what you need! They are soft, buttery, and packed with warm pumpkin flavor that’s sure to cozy up any chilly day. I love making these cookies when I have friends over or for family gatherings; they disappear in no time! Plus, the delightful aroma of maple and pumpkin wafting through your kitchen is simply irresistible.

These cookies are not only delicious but also easy to whip up. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this recipe brings warmth and happiness to every moment.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps, these chewy maple pumpkin cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet buttery taste and chewy texture—everyone will be asking for seconds!
• Perfect for sharing: Bake a batch for friends or neighbors to spread some joy during the fall season.
• Make-ahead option: Chill the dough overnight for an even more flavorful cookie that’s ready when you are!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies use wholesome ingredients that create a delightful treat. Gather these pantry staples, and let’s get baking!

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! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Chocolate chips: Mix in semi-sweet chocolate chips for a delightful twist on flavor.
• Frosting option: Top with a maple glaze or cream cheese frosting for an indulgent treat.
• Spice it up: Experiment with different spice blends like ginger or nutmeg for various flavor profiles.

How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Step 1: Make the Brown Butter

Start by preparing your brown butter about an hour before you plan to bake. Melt your butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. Once it begins to foam, whisk continuously until you see golden brown bits forming at the bottom. This step adds a rich depth of flavor to your cookies that you won’t want to skip!

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

To ensure your cookies aren’t too watery, scoop about 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin onto paper towels laid across a shallow bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes so the excess moisture can absorb into the towels. Before adding it to your dough, give it a gentle squeeze to remove any remaining moisture.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, spice blend, baking soda, and salt until well mixed. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices throughout your dough.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine your cooled brown butter with light brown sugar and pure maple syrup. Stir until everything is well mixed—this creates a beautiful caramel-like sweetness that complements the pumpkin perfectly.

Step 5: Add Egg Yolk and Pumpkin

Next, stir in the large egg yolk until fully combined. Then add in the blotted canned pumpkin along with vanilla and optional maple extracts. Mixing these wet ingredients together ensures every bite of cookie is flavorful!

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Gently fold in your dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those cookies to stay nice and chewy!

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 can wait! Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 8: Preheat Oven

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line one or two large cookie sheets with parchment paper while you let your chilled dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Step 9: Prepare Sugar Coating

Mix together granulated sugar with an additional sprinkle of spice blend until well combined. This spiced sugar will coat your cookie dough balls beautifully!

Step 10: Scoop and Coat Dough

Using a cookie scoop (about 2 inches), scoop out portions of dough and roll them in your spiced sugar mixture until fully coated.

Step 11: Bake

Place coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheets about 2-3 inches apart. Bake for 12-14 minutes. Halfway through baking, check on them; if they look puffy but not quite set, give them a gentle bang on the oven rack—this helps them spread nicely!

Step 12: Cool Down

Once baked, allow cookies to cool on their baking sheets for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them onto cooling racks. This step helps keep them chewy while they finish setting up!

And there you have it—deliciously chewy maple pumpkin cookies ready to enjoy! They make perfect snacks or festive treats this fall season. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Baking these chewy maple pumpkin cookies can be a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can make them even better!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your egg yolk and butter to room temperature helps the ingredients meld together more smoothly, resulting in that perfect chewy texture.

• Don’t skip chilling the dough: Chilling the cookie dough allows the flavors to develop and firms up the butter, preventing excessive spreading during baking. This is key for achieving those lovely thick cookies!

• Adjust your spices: Everyone has their own preference when it comes to spice levels. Taste your spice mix before adding it to the dough, and adjust according to your taste for a personalized flavor profile.

• Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary greatly! Start checking your cookies a minute or two early. You want them set but still soft to ensure that chewy texture we all love.

• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread can help maintain moisture and keep them extra soft!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for any fall gathering or cozy night in. Presenting them in an inviting way can enhance their appeal even more!

Garnishes

• Drizzle of maple syrup: A light drizzle of pure maple syrup over the top adds an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful sheen.
• Sprinkle of cinnamon sugar: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar right before serving gives a nice crunch and elevates their warm, fall flavors.

Side Dishes

• Spiced apple cider: This warm beverage complements the flavors in the cookies beautifully, making it a perfect pairing for chilly autumn evenings.
• Creamy pumpkin soup: A bowl of creamy pumpkin soup serves as a comforting starter that enhances the pumpkin theme while providing a savory contrast.
• Mixed green salad with cranberries: The freshness of greens combined with sweet cranberries provides a delightful balance alongside these sweet treats.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream paired with warm cookies creates a heavenly dessert experience that’s hard to resist!

Enjoy these chewy maple pumpkin cookies in good company or savor them solo—either way, they’re sure to bring a smile!

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 always have fresh cookies on hand.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow cookies to cool completely.
• Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper.

Freezing

• To freeze baked cookies, let them cool completely.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, labeling with the date. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
• For freezing cookie dough, scoop the balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a bag and label. Use within 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen baked cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• If reheating from frozen dough, bake directly from the freezer for an extra minute or two.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making chewy maple pumpkin cookies!

Can I use different spices in these chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite spice blends. Pumpkin spice or chai spice both work wonderfully in this recipe.

How do I achieve the best texture in my chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Chilling the dough before baking is key! It helps the flavors develop and ensures a perfect chewy texture when baked.

What can I substitute for canned pumpkin in the chewy maple pumpkin cookies recipe?

You can use homemade pumpkin puree if you prefer! Just ensure that it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Yes! Walnuts, pecans, or even dairy-free chocolate chips can be delicious additions to enhance flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies as much as I do! They are not only delightful treats but also bring warmth and comfort during the fall season. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with friends and family. Happy baking!