chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that embodies the essence of fall, these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are just what you need. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie that’s packed with warm spices and the rich flavor of maple syrup. Every bite feels like a hug on a chilly day! Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this recipe will become your new go-to. They’re perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself with a cup of tea or coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to make: With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, baking these cookies is a breeze!
• Perfectly chewy texture: The combination of brown butter and canned pumpkin creates an irresistibly chewy cookie that you won’t be able to resist.
• Versatile for occasions: These cookies are great for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or as special gifts for friends and family.
• Delicious fall flavors: Packed with pumpkin and warm spices, they truly celebrate the flavors of the season.
• Make-ahead option: You can chill the dough overnight, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever you want!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies come together with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

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

Sugar Coating

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal tastes.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Include chocolate chips: Fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips for a sweet surprise in every bite.
• Switch up the spices: Experiment with your favorite spices like cinnamon or nutmeg if you want to create your own unique flavor profile.
• Try different sweeteners: Substitute honey or agave syrup for the maple syrup if you’re looking for an alternative sweetener.

How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Step 1: Make the Brown Butter

Making brown butter adds a rich nutty flavor to your cookies. Start by melting the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Whisk continuously until it begins to foam and turn golden brown. This should take about 15 minutes. Once you see those lovely brown bits forming at the bottom, remove it from heat and pour it into a bowl to cool down to room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

To ensure your cookies don’t end up too watery, it’s important to blot your canned pumpkin. Place paper towels in a shallow bowl and scoop about 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree onto them. Let it sit for a few minutes so that excess moisture can absorb into the towels. Before adding it to your dough, give it a gentle squeeze!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, chosen spice blend, baking soda, and salt until they are well combined. This step ensures even distribution of flavors throughout your cookie dough.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In your mixing bowl with cooled brown butter, add light brown sugar and pure maple syrup. Stir these ingredients together until they are smooth and fully incorporated. Then mix in the egg yolk until blended followed by pumpkin puree along with vanilla and optional maple extract.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now comes the fun part! Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies!

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover your cookie dough tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight if time allows. Chilling helps develop flavor and keeps your cookies from spreading too much when baking.

Step 7: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350 F (177 C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper while letting the chilled dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Mix granulated sugar with additional spice blend in one bowl—this is what you’ll coat your cookie dough balls in before baking!

Using a cookie scoop, portion out balls of dough and roll them in the spiced sugar mixture before placing them on prepared sheets about 2-3 inches apart. Bake them for about 12-14 minutes until they’re golden around the edges but still soft in the middle.

Step 8: Cool Down

Once baked, let them cool on baking sheets for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them onto cooling racks to finish cooling completely.

And there you have it—deliciously chewy maple pumpkin cookies that are sure to warm hearts this season! Enjoy every last crumb!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Baking these chewy maple pumpkin cookies is a delightful experience, and with a few expert tips, you’ll achieve cookie perfection!

• Use European-style butter: This type of butter has a higher fat content, which will enhance the flavor and texture of your cookies, making them richer and chewier.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 8 hours not only helps develop the flavors but also ensures that the cookies hold their shape during baking instead of spreading too much.

• Don’t skip the brown butter: Browning the butter adds a nutty depth to your cookies that complements the pumpkin beautifully. It’s a small step that creates a big difference in taste!

• Check for doneness carefully: Since ovens can vary, keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be slightly puffed up and just set around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of spice blend according to your taste preferences. A little extra cinnamon or nutmeg can really elevate those fall flavors!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Presenting your chewy maple pumpkin cookies beautifully can turn a simple treat into an impressive dessert. Here are some ideas to make your cookies shine!

Garnishes

• Drizzle of Maple Syrup: A light drizzle of pure maple syrup over the warm cookies adds an extra touch of sweetness and makes for an inviting presentation.

• Sprinkle of Cinnamon Sugar: Just before serving, dust your cookies with a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon for an extra hint of spice and sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Hot Apple Cider: The warm spices in apple cider pair perfectly with pumpkin flavors, creating a cozy beverage that guests will love alongside their cookies.

• Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream offers a delightful contrast to the chewy texture of the cookies and enhances their sweet flavors.

• Fall Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with apples, pears, and pomegranate seeds provides a crisp counterpart to the rich cookies while adding seasonal flair.

• Spiced Chai Tea: This aromatic tea complements the spices in your cookies wonderfully and makes for a comforting beverage choice during fall gatherings.

Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious chewy maple pumpkin cookies! They’re sure to become a favorite in your home this season.

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy their delicious flavors throughout the week. Here’s how to store and keep them fresh!

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen cookies to a zip-top bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until just warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these chewy maple pumpkin cookies!

Can I use a different type of flour for chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed. Just ensure that it is designed for baking.

How do I make chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

To make chewy maple pumpkin cookies, follow the detailed recipe provided above. The secret lies in using browned butter and chilling the dough!

What can I use instead of canned pumpkin?

If you don’t have canned pumpkin, you can use homemade pumpkin puree by roasting and blending fresh pumpkin. Just make sure to blot out excess moisture!

Can I add chocolate chips to chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in some chocolate chips or nuts into the dough before chilling for extra flavor and texture.

Are chewy maple pumpkin cookies suitable for gifting?

Definitely! These cookies make wonderful gifts during the fall season—just package them nicely in a decorative box or tin.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings warmth and joy to your kitchen this fall! These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are not only simple to make but also bursting with delightful flavors that celebrate the season. I encourage you to try making them yourself—there’s nothing quite like sharing homemade treats with friends and family. Enjoy every bite!