chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking for the perfect treat to enjoy during the cozy months, these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are just what you need! They combine the warm flavors of fall with a delightful chewy texture that will leave you reaching for seconds (and thirds). This recipe is special to me because it captures that buttery sweetness and comforting spice that makes autumn so inviting. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a busy weeknight snack, or just to indulge yourself, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around.

Plus, who can resist the idea of filling their home with the heavenly aroma of baking cookies? The combination of maple syrup and pumpkin creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible. Let’s dive into making these delicious chewy maple pumpkin cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, anyone can whip these up in no time.
• Perfect for Sharing: These cookies make an excellent gift or treat for friends and family, spreading joy wherever they go.
• Delicious Fall Flavor: The blend of spices and sweet maple syrup captures the essence of autumn in every bite.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and chill it overnight, making baking day stress-free.
• Chewy Texture: The result is a soft and chewy cookie that is incredibly satisfying and full of flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome items that you might already have in your pantry. Each ingredient plays a key role in achieving those delicious chewy maple pumpkin cookies we all love.

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

For Coating

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

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is how flexible it can be! Feel free to get creative and make these cookies your own.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an added crunch.
• Chocolate Chips: Mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
• Frosting Delight: Top them with a drizzle of maple glaze or icing for an indulgent finish.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like ginger or nutmeg to switch up the flavor profile.

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. Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. As it melts, whisk continuously until it begins to foam and brown bits form at the bottom. This step adds a rich nutty flavor that’s essential for these chewy maple pumpkin cookies. Once browned, pour it into a clean bowl and let it cool down to room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

While your butter cools, prepare your pumpkin. Lay 2-3 paper towels across a shallow bowl and scoop about 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin onto them. This helps absorb excess moisture so your cookies don’t turn out too wet. After letting it sit for a moment, give it a gentle squeeze to remove any excess water.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together your cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until well blended. The combination should be smooth and creamy. Next, stir in your egg yolk until fully incorporated; this will help bind everything together beautifully.

Step 5: Add Pumpkin & Flavorings

Now it’s time to bring in our star ingredient—pumpkin! Stir in your prepared pumpkin along with the vanilla extract and optional maple extract until everything is nicely combined.

Step 6: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookies to stay tender!

Step 7: Chill Your Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight if possible. Chilling helps enhance flavors and improves texture—trust me on this one!

Step 8: Preheat & 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 while letting your dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes—this helps them spread better as they bake.

Step 9: Prepare Sugar Coating

Mix together granulated sugar with an additional dash of your chosen spice blend until well combined. Taste it if you’d like; adjust spices as needed!

Step 10: Scoop & Roll Dough

Using a cookie scoop (about 2 inches), scoop out portions of dough and roll them in the spiced sugar mixture until fully coated. Place them on your prepared baking sheet about 2-3 inches apart.

Step 11: Bake

Bake those beauties at 350°F (177°C) for about 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them; if they look puffier than desired after around 10 minutes, gently bang the pan against the oven rack—this will help flatten them out as they finish baking.

Step 12: Cool

Once done baking, let them cool on the sheet for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This allows them to set properly while still keeping that lovely chewy texture.

Now enjoy every bite of these delightful chewy maple pumpkin cookies! Share them with loved ones or savor them all yourself—you deserve it!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Baking is an art, and with a few simple tips, you can ensure that your chewy maple pumpkin cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use European style butter: This butter has a higher fat content, which contributes to a richer flavor and a more tender cookie. Browning it adds a nutty depth that perfectly complements the pumpkin.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the cookie dough to chill for at least 8 hours helps develop the flavors and improves the texture. It prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in that perfect chewy consistency.

• Don’t skip the spice blend: The right blend of spices elevates your cookies from good to extraordinary. Whether you choose pumpkin spice or chai spice, it adds warmth and complexity that makes these cookies irresistible.

• Monitor baking time closely: Every oven is different! Start checking your cookies around the 9-10 minute mark. If they look puffier than you’d like, gently bang the pan on the oven rack to flatten them out before finishing baking.

• Cool on a wire rack: Cooling your cookies on a wire rack allows air to circulate around them, keeping them chewy instead of soggy. Plus, it helps maintain their beautiful shape!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Presenting your chewy maple pumpkin cookies can be as delightful as baking them! Here are some fun ideas to make your cookie display shine.

Garnishes

• Sprinkled cinnamon sugar: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar adds an extra touch of sweetness and spice that beautifully complements the flavors of the cookie.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts: Adding some chopped nuts on top not only gives a lovely crunch but also enhances the fall flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: This warm beverage pairs perfectly with the comforting flavors of pumpkin. The sweetness and spice in cider create an inviting atmosphere.
• Vanilla almond milk: For a creamy contrast, serve these cookies alongside chilled vanilla almond milk. It’s a delicious dairy-free option that brings out the cookie’s flavors.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with apples and pears offers a light balance against the richness of the cookies.
• Maple-infused whipped coconut cream: For a decadent touch, serve some whipped coconut cream drizzled with maple syrup as a dip for your cookies. It’s dairy-free and oh-so-delicious!

Now that you’re equipped with tips and serving ideas, it’s time to gather your ingredients and bake up a batch of these delightful chewy maple pumpkin cookies! Enjoy every bite of this autumn treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the taste of fall anytime. Whether you’re planning a gathering or just want a sweet treat on hand, these cookies can be made in advance and stored with ease.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will remain fresh for up to 5 days.
• For added freshness, you can place a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5-7 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can use a microwave; heat each cookie for 10-15 seconds until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making chewy maple pumpkin cookies.

Can I use regular butter instead of European style for chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Yes, regular unsalted butter works well too. However, using European style butter gives a richer flavor and texture due to its higher fat content.

How do I ensure my chewy maple pumpkin cookies turn out soft?

To keep your cookies soft and chewy, avoid overbaking them. Remove them from the oven when they are slightly underbaked and let them cool on the baking sheet.

What can I substitute if I don’t have maple extract?

If you don’t have maple extract, you can simply omit it or use additional vanilla extract for flavor. The cookies will still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies! They encapsulate the warmth and coziness of fall with their delightful flavors and textures. Perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying at home, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!