chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that captures the essence of fall, these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are just what you need. Imagine the comforting aroma of warm spices and sweet maple wafting through your kitchen. This recipe is a favorite of mine because it strikes the perfect balance between chewy and buttery, making it an irresistible treat for busy weeknights or festive family gatherings. Every bite is a delightful reminder of cozy autumn days spent with loved ones.

These cookies are not only delicious; they’re also simple to make, which means you can whip them up any time the craving hits! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just indulging in some self-care with a warm cookie and a cup of tea, this recipe has got you covered.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, anyone can bake these cookies!
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love rolling the dough in sugar, making it a fun activity for everyone.
• Make-Ahead Option: Chill the dough overnight for even better flavor—perfect for planning ahead!
• Delicious Fall Flavor: The blend of maple syrup and pumpkin creates a unique taste that screams autumn!
• Versatile Enjoyment: Ideal for dessert, snacks, or even as gifts during the holiday season!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! These chewy maple pumpkin cookies use wholesome staples that you probably already have in your pantry. They come together beautifully to create that comforting fall flavor we all crave.

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 quite flexible, allowing you to customize it to your liking! Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some dark chocolate chips for a sweet twist!
• Nuts Galore: Chop up walnuts or pecans to add a lovely crunch.
• Dried Fruit Delight: Toss in raisins or cranberries for extra sweetness and texture.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spice blends—cinnamon or nutmeg can give an extra kick!

How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Step 1: Make Your Brown Butter

Start by preparing your brown butter about an hour before you plan to bake. This step adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates your cookies. Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring until it bubbles and turns golden brown—this should take about 15 minutes. Once you see those lovely brown bits forming at the bottom, transfer it into a clean bowl and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Prep Your Pumpkin

To ensure your cookies don’t get soggy, it’s essential to remove excess moisture from the canned pumpkin. Lay two or three paper towels across a shallow bowl and scoop half a cup of pumpkin puree onto them. Let it sit for a moment so the paper towels can absorb the water. After that, give it a gentle squeeze before adding it to your mixture!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together your flour, chosen spice blend, baking soda, and salt until everything is evenly mixed. This step helps ensure that each cookie will have just the right amount of sweetness and spice throughout.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In your large mixing bowl, combine the cooled brown butter with light brown sugar and maple syrup. Stir until well blended—this will create that luscious base for your cookies! Next up is the egg yolk; mix this in until it’s fully incorporated.

Step 5: Add Pumpkin & Flavorings

Now it’s time to add in that prepared pumpkin along with vanilla and optional maple extracts. Mix everything together until just combined—this helps keep your cookies light and fluffy.

Step 6: Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures

Gently fold your dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this will keep your cookies wonderfully chewy.

Step 7: Chill Out!

Cover your dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least eight hours or overnight if possible. Chilling helps develop flavors and improves texture!

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 baking sheets with parchment paper so nothing sticks while baking.

Step 9: Roll Cookies in Sugar

Mix together granulated sugar with an additional pinch of spice on a plate. Scoop out dough using a cookie scoop (about two inches), roll each ball in the spiced sugar mixture until well coated.

Step 10: Bake Your Cookies

Place those sugary delights on your prepared baking sheet about two to three inches apart. Bake them for about 12-14 minutes! Keep an eye on them; if they puff up too much before they finish baking, gently bang the pan on the oven rack—it helps them spread!

Step 11: Cool Down

Once they’re perfectly baked, transfer them onto a cooling rack after letting them sit on the baking sheet for about three to five minutes. Allow them to cool completely before enjoying their chewy goodness!

And there you have it! With these chewy maple pumpkin cookies ready to go, you’ll be set for cozy evenings filled with warmth and happiness. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Baking is all about getting those little details right, and with these tips, you’ll elevate your chewy maple pumpkin cookies to the next level!

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices can significantly enhance the flavor of your cookies. Old spices lose their potency over time, so using fresh ones ensures a more aromatic and flavorful cookie.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps develop deeper flavors and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking. This results in a thicker, chewier texture that everyone will love.

• Check for doneness carefully: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should look puffy but slightly underbaked in the center when you pull them out. They’ll continue to cook a bit after being removed from the oven, achieving that perfect chewiness.

• Experiment with toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Try adding a drizzle of maple glaze or sprinkling some coarse sea salt on top of warm cookies for an enticing sweet-savory contrast.

• Store properly: To keep your cookies chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread to the container will help maintain moisture and softness.

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are not just delicious; they also make a stunning presentation for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy fall gathering or a festive holiday dessert table, here are some ideas on how to serve them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Maple syrup drizzle: A light drizzle of pure maple syrup adds an extra touch of sweetness and enhances the maple flavor of the cookies.
• Cinnamon sugar dusting: Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar on top before serving for a delightful crunch and added warmth.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider: The spiced notes of warm apple cider perfectly complement the flavors in these cookies, making it an ideal pairing for chilly days.
• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream brings a light and creamy contrast to the chewy texture of the cookies without any dairy.
• Caramel sauce: Serve with a small bowl of caramel sauce for dipping; this adds another layer of indulgence and pairs beautifully with pumpkin flavors.
• Vanilla ice cream: For an extra treat, serve alongside vanilla ice cream. The cold creamy texture contrasts wonderfully with the warm cookie, creating a delightful dessert experience.

Enjoy your baking adventures, and may your kitchen be filled with delicious aromas and smiles!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough in advance or store the baked cookies for later enjoyment. Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious:

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them, where they will last about a week.

Freezing

• To freeze unbaked cookie dough, scoop the cookie dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the cookie dough balls to a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll last up to 3 months.
• For baked cookies, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy frozen baked cookies, thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
• For a freshly-baked taste, warm the cookies in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have while making these delightful chewy maple pumpkin cookies!

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

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different spice blends like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to suit your taste preferences. Just remember that adjusting the spices can change the flavor profile of your cookies.

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

Make sure to chill the dough as recommended. This step not only enhances flavor but also helps achieve that perfect chewy texture. Also, be careful not to overbake; they should be slightly soft in the center when you pull them out!

Can I substitute the canned pumpkin with fresh pumpkin?

Yes! If you’re using fresh pumpkin, ensure it’s well-cooked and blotted dry just like canned pumpkin. This will help maintain the right moisture content in your chewy maple pumpkin cookies.

What’s the best way to serve these chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

These cookies are delightful on their own but pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea! Consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for an extra touch if desired.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies as much as I do! They capture all the cozy flavors of fall and are perfect for sharing with family and friends during celebrations or simply as a sweet treat any day of the week. Give this recipe a try—I’d love to hear how yours turn out!