chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking for a way to embrace the cozy flavors of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade treat, or for family gatherings where everyone will be asking for seconds. The combination of maple and pumpkin creates a flavor that’s just as comforting as a warm sweater on a chilly day!

What makes these cookies truly special is their delightful chewiness and the sweet, spicy sugar coating. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is enough to lift anyone’s spirits. Trust me; these chewy maple pumpkin cookies will quickly become a favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up these cookies in no time!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves cookies! These soft and chewy delights will please both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can chill the dough overnight, making them great for prepping in advance.
• Delicious Fall Flavor: The combination of maple syrup and pumpkin spice captures the essence of autumn in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies requires some simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 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 the flavors and textures. Here are some variation ideas:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips for a rich twist!
• Different Spices: Experiment with different spice blends like gingerbread spices for a unique take.
• Frosting Option: Top with a light maple glaze after baking for an extra sweet finish.

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. Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that takes these cookies to another level! Melt your butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. Keep whisking until it starts foaming and turns golden brown with little bits forming at the bottom. Remove from heat and let it cool down to room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

To ensure your cookies don’t turn out too watery, it’s important to drain excess moisture from your canned pumpkin. Place paper towels in a shallow bowl and scoop about 1/2 cup of pumpkin onto it. Let the water absorb into the towels and then squeeze out any remaining moisture before using.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together your flour, chosen spice blend, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step helps distribute all those yummy flavors evenly throughout your cookie dough.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled brown butter with light brown sugar and pure maple syrup. Stir well until everything is nicely blended together; this mixture will provide sweetness and moisture.

Step 5: Add Egg Yolk & Pumpkin

Next, stir in the egg yolk until fully incorporated. Then add in your prepared pumpkin puree along with vanilla extract and optional maple extract. These flavors really enhance your cookies’ taste!

Step 6: Combine Dry & Wet Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into your wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to over mix—this keeps your cookies tender!

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Cover your cookie dough tightly with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight if possible. Chilling helps develop flavors and ensures your cookies bake perfectly.

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 baking sheets with parchment paper so that your cookies don’t stick.

Step 9: Roll Cookies in Sugar Mixture

Before scooping out dough balls, mix granulated sugar with some more of that lovely spice blend you used earlier. This will create a sweet coating for each cookie!

Step 10: Bake Away!

Scoop out approximately two tablespoons of dough using a cookie scoop or spoon. Roll into balls and coat generously in the spiced sugar mixture before placing them on the baking sheet about 2-3 inches apart.

Bake these beauties for about 12-14 minutes. Check around the halfway mark; if they look puffier than you’d like, gently bang the pan on the oven rack—a little trick I learned!

Step 11: Cool Down

Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to fully cool down.

Now you’re all set! Enjoy every bite of these delightful chewy maple pumpkin cookies—they’re sure to warm your heart!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Baking can be a joy, especially when you have a few tricks up your sleeve to make your cookies even more delightful!

• Use European Style Butter – This type of butter has a higher fat content, which contributes to the rich, buttery flavor and chewy texture of the cookies.
• Chill the Dough – Letting the dough chill for at least 8 hours allows the flavors to meld and results in a better texture. It prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
• Check for Doneness – Keep an eye on your cookies toward the end of baking. They should be slightly puffy but will settle as they cool. If they look too puffy, give the pan a little bang to flatten them just right!
• Experiment with Spices – Feel free to adjust the spice blend according to your taste. Adding extra cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance that cozy fall flavor.
• Store Properly – Once baked, store your cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread. This keeps them soft and chewy for days!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Serving these chewy maple pumpkin cookies is as fun as baking them! Here are some ideas to make your presentation shine.

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar Dusting – A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds elegance and a touch of sweetness without overpowering the delicious flavors.
• Cinnamon Stick Garnish – Placing a cinnamon stick next to each cookie creates a lovely visual and enhances that warm fall aroma.

Side Dishes

• Hot Apple Cider – The sweet and spicy notes of hot apple cider complement the flavors in these cookies perfectly, making it a cozy pairing.
• Pumpkin Spice Latte – Enjoy these cookies alongside a rich pumpkin spice latte for an indulgent treat that’s perfect for fall afternoons.
• Vanilla Ice Cream – The creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with warm cookies; it makes for an irresistible dessert combination!
• Caramel Sauce Drizzle – Offering caramel sauce for dipping or drizzling adds a deliciously sweet twist that enhances every bite.

Now that you’re all set with tips and serving suggestions, gather your ingredients and get ready to bake these scrumptious chewy maple pumpkin cookies! Enjoy every moment as you create this fall favorite!

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 to enjoy later. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
• If you want to keep them even longer, consider refrigerating them.

Freezing

• To freeze cookie dough, scoop the balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before freezing!

Reheating

• For a warm treat, reheat cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, place them in a preheated oven at 350 F (177 C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

If you have questions about these chewy maple pumpkin cookies, I’ve got you covered!

Can I use regular pumpkin spice instead of chai spice blend for chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Yes! Regular pumpkin spice works beautifully in this recipe. Feel free to use whichever spice blend you prefer.

How do I make chewy maple pumpkin cookies less sweet?

If you find the sweetness too intense, consider reducing the amount of brown sugar slightly. You could also decrease the maple syrup by a tablespoon or two for a less sweet cookie.

What makes these chewy maple pumpkin cookies so special?

The combination of brown butter with real maple syrup brings out the rich flavors of fall, making these cookies irresistibly delicious and comforting.

How do I ensure my chewy maple pumpkin cookies come out perfectly every time?

Make sure to chill your dough as instructed; this helps control spreading during baking. Also, don’t skip the step of browning the butter—it adds an incredible depth of flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try these chewy maple pumpkin cookies as I am! They embody all the warm flavors of fall and are sure to become a favorite at gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Enjoy making them and sharing with loved ones—there’s nothing quite like homemade goodness. Happy baking!