chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat to brighten your day, these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are just what you need! They capture all the delightful flavors of fall with their warm spices and sweet maple essence. I love making these cookies when the leaves start to change color or for gatherings with family and friends. They are perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions—everyone will be reaching for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll find that baking these chewy maple pumpkin cookies is a breeze.
• Delicious Fall Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, maple syrup, and warming spices creates a cookie that’s bursting with comforting flavors.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the chewy texture and sweet taste—perfect for sharing!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can chill the dough overnight, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever you want.
• Versatile Enjoyment: These cookies can be enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or even as part of your holiday celebrations!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Gather these goodies and let’s get baking!

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 experiment with different flavors or add-ins.

• Swap the Spice: Try using cinnamon or nutmeg instead of pumpkin spice for a different flavor profile.
• Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra sweet treat, fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips into the dough before chilling.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.
• Experiment with Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch to your chewy maple pumpkin cookies.

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. This adds rich flavor to your cookies! Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. Keep whisking as it foams up until you see brown bits forming at the bottom. This process takes about 15 minutes. Once done, pour it into a clean bowl and let it cool to room temperature—this usually takes around 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

Next, you’ll want to prepare your canned pumpkin. Lay down a few paper towels in a shallow bowl and scoop out about 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree onto them. Let it sit for a moment so that the excess moisture can be absorbed by the towels. Before adding it to your mixture later, give it a good squeeze to remove any additional water.

Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, chosen spice blend, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step is crucial because it ensures that each bite of your cookie will have balanced flavors.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to mix things up! In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooled brown butter with light brown sugar and pure maple syrup. Stir until everything is well blended—this is where the magic begins!

Step 5: Add Egg Yolks and Pumpkin

Stir in the large egg yolk until fully incorporated. Then add in your prepared pumpkin along with vanilla extract and optional maple extract. Make sure everything is mixed well; this will create that deliciously moist cookie texture.

Step 6: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually stir in your dry ingredients into this wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your cookies soft and chewy.

Step 7: Chill Your Dough

Wrap your dough in plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least 8 hours or even overnight if you prefer. Chilling helps improve flavor and texture while also making it easier to scoop later.

Step 8: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

When you’re ready to bake those yummy cookies, preheat your oven to 350 F (177 C). Line one or two large cookie sheets with parchment paper so they’re ready for your dough.

Step 9: Prepare Spiced Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar with the remaining spice blend used in the cookie dough. Taste this mixture; feel free to adjust spices according to your preference!

Step 10: Scoop & Roll Dough Balls

Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, portion out balls of dough. Roll each ball in the spiced sugar mixture until fully coated—this adds such a lovely sweetness!

Step 11: Bake Cookies

Place those sugar-coated dough balls on your lined baking sheets about 2-3 inches apart from one another. Bake them for about 12-14 minutes. At around 9-10 minutes mark, check if they look puffier than you’d like; if so, gently bang the pan on the oven rack a few times before finishing baking.

Step 12: Cool & Enjoy!

Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them onto cooling racks fully cool off. Now comes my favorite part—enjoying these chewy maple pumpkin cookies fresh out of the oven!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies at home can be a delightful experience, and with these simple tips, you’ll elevate your cookie game!

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices have a stronger flavor and aroma compared to pre-ground ones. This will enhance the overall taste of your cookies, making them even more aromatic and delicious.

• Chill the dough: Chilling the dough is essential for developing flavors and achieving that perfect chewy texture. It also helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in beautifully shaped cookies.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Taking them out just when they start to turn golden ensures they stay soft and chewy inside, rather than becoming hard or crunchy.

• Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Just make sure they’re compatible with the autumn-inspired theme!

• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for later enjoyment—just make sure to layer parchment paper between each cookie!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Presenting your chewy maple pumpkin cookies can be as fun as baking them! Whether it’s a cozy gathering or a festive celebration, there are several delightful ways to enjoy these treats.

Garnishes

• Drizzle of maple syrup: A light drizzle of pure maple syrup adds an extra touch of sweetness and enhances the maple flavor.
• Sprinkle of cinnamon sugar: A dusting of cinnamon sugar on top before serving brings warmth and spice that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts: Adding chopped nuts not only makes for a lovely presentation but also provides a satisfying crunch.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider: This classic fall beverage pairs beautifully with the flavors of pumpkin and spices in your cookies, creating a comforting experience.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream served alongside your warm cookies creates a delectable contrast of temperatures and textures.
• Spiced chai tea: The warming spices in chai tea complement the flavors in your cookies wonderfully, making it an ideal pairing for an afternoon treat.
• Roasted butternut squash salad: A savory side dish like this adds balance to the sweetness of the cookies while keeping with autumnal flavors.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll not only enjoy your chewy maple pumpkin cookies but also impress your friends and family with a delightful fall feast!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep, as they store well and can be made ahead of time. Whether you’re planning for a gathering or just want to enjoy them throughout the week, here’s how to keep them fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• To bake from frozen, add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

• Reheat cookies in a preheated oven at 300 F (150 C) for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Alternatively, microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.

FAQs

Have some questions? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered!

Can I make chewy maple pumpkin cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the egg yolk with a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.

How do I achieve the perfect chewiness in my chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

To ensure your chewy maple pumpkin cookies turn out perfectly chewy, don’t overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients. Chilling the dough also helps maintain that delightful texture!

Can I use other spices in my chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even ginger to customize the flavor profile of your chewy maple pumpkin cookies according to your taste preferences.

What can I serve with my chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of chai tea or coffee. You could also serve them with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for an indulgent treat!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies as much as I do. They capture the essence of fall and fill your kitchen with warmth and sweet aromas. Remember, baking is all about sharing love through food—so don’t hesitate to share these delicious treats with friends and family. Happy baking!