chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are just what you need! With their rich flavors and soft texture, they’re perfect for cozy evenings at home, bustling family gatherings, or even as a sweet surprise for friends. There’s something so comforting about the combination of pumpkin and maple, creating a cookie that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are truly special because they blend the sweetness of pure maple syrup with the warm spices of autumn. Plus, they’re fun to make! Just imagine scooping up dough, rolling it in spiced sugar, and baking them until they are perfectly golden. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your loved ones will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the soft texture and delicious flavor—perfect for kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The dough can chill overnight, making it super easy to bake fresh cookies whenever you crave them.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a cozy night in, these cookies fit right in.
• Delicious Fall Flavor: Indulge in the warm taste of pumpkin mixed with sweet maple—it’s autumn in every bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies use simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. They come together beautifully to create a delightful dough that bakes into soft, flavorful cookies.

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! Feel free to get creative with different flavors and add-ins.

• Add Nuts: Stir in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
• Chocolate Chips: Mix in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Dried Fruit: Toss in dried cranberries or raisins to give your cookies a fruity twist.
• Frosting Option: Top cooled cookies with a light drizzle of maple glaze for added indulgence.

How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Step 1: Make the Brown Butter

Start by making brown butter about an hour before you plan to bake. Melting the butter slowly allows it to develop a rich flavor. Once it foams and turns golden brown with specks at the bottom, pour it into a clean bowl and let it cool. This step is crucial as it adds depth to your cookie’s flavor!

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

While your butter cools down, prep your canned pumpkin. Lay paper towels across a shallow bowl and scoop half a cup of pumpkin puree onto them. This helps absorb excess moisture from the puree. Squeeze out any additional water before adding it to your mix; this keeps your cookies from getting too wet.

Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to mix! In a large bowl, stir together your cooled brown butter with light brown sugar and pure maple syrup until everything is well blended. Then add the egg yolk followed by the blotted pumpkin puree along with vanilla and optional maple extracts. Mixing these well is important as it creates that luscious texture we all love.

Step 5: Mix It All Together

Gradually stir in your dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those lovely chewy textures to shine through!

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight if you can wait! Chilling helps enhance flavors while allowing the dough to firm up—a key step for perfect cookies!

Step 7: Preheat & Prepare Baking Sheets

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line one or two large baking sheets with parchment paper—this makes cleanup easier too!

Step 8: Roll into Sugar Coating

Remove your chilled dough from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Mix granulated sugar with remaining spice blend in one bowl. Using a cookie scoop, portion out dough balls and roll them generously in this spiced sugar mixture.

Step 9: Bake & Enjoy!

Place cookie dough balls on prepared sheets about 2-3 inches apart. Bake in preheated oven for about 12-14 minutes until they’re just set but still soft. If they puff up too much during baking—don’t worry! Just give them a little bang on the oven rack halfway through baking!

Once baked, let them cool on the sheet for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them onto racks to cool completely.

And there you have it—warm chewy maple pumpkin cookies ready to be enjoyed! Perfectly chewy with hints of spice; they are sure to become one of your favorite fall treats!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Baking can be a delightful experience, and with these simple tips, you can ensure your chewy maple pumpkin cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your egg yolk and other ingredients to room temperature helps create a smoother dough, resulting in a better texture for your cookies.

• Don’t skip the chilling time: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 8 hours (or overnight) enhances the flavors and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

• Check your oven temperature: Ovens can vary significantly in temperature. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is set to the correct temperature, preventing overbaking or underbaking.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spice blend according to your taste preferences. Adding more or less of your favorite spices can make these cookies uniquely yours!

• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh and chewy, 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 are not just delicious; they are also visually appealing! Here are some fun ways to present and enjoy them.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle with powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch that enhances their autumnal vibe.
• Drizzle with maple glaze: Create a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a splash of maple syrup for an extra sweet finish that complements the cookies perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Chai tea: The warm spices in chai tea perfectly complement the flavors of the cookies, making it a cozy pairing for an afternoon treat.
• Pumpkin spice latte: This beloved fall beverage offers a rich coffee flavor paired with pumpkin spice, enhancing the overall autumn experience.
• Apple cider: The sweet and tangy notes of apple cider balance nicely with the richness of the cookies and evoke memories of fall festivities.
• Vanilla ice cream: For a delightful dessert twist, serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts beautifully into each bite.

By embracing these serving suggestions, you can elevate your chewy maple pumpkin cookie experience and share delightful moments with friends and family! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough ahead of time or store the baked cookies, ensuring you have delicious treats ready whenever you need a sweet snack.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Freezing

• Place baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
• You can also freeze the uncooked cookie dough. Scoop the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a bag and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake for about 5-8 minutes until warmed through.
• If reheating from room temperature, simply pop them in the oven for about 3-5 minutes.

FAQs

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

Can I substitute the maple syrup in chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Yes! While maple syrup adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with honey or agave syrup. Keep in mind that this may alter the taste slightly.

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

Chewy maple pumpkin cookies stand out due to their brown butter base and spiced sugar coating, which creates a rich, buttery texture and delightful fall flavors.

How should I store chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze as mentioned above.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned for chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Absolutely! Just ensure you cook and thoroughly drain fresh pumpkin to avoid excess moisture in your cookie dough.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies as much as I do! They’re an inviting way to embrace the flavors of fall while bringing warmth and sweetness into your home. Whether for a cozy gathering or just a treat for yourself, they are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!