chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are just what you need! With their sweet and spicy flavor, they’ll warm your heart and home. I love making these cookies for family gatherings and cozy nights in when the leaves start to turn. The combination of maple syrup and pumpkin creates a delightful autumn experience that’s hard to resist!

These cookies are not only delicious but also perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for a busy weeknight or want to impress guests at a holiday gathering, these chewy maple pumpkin cookies will surely be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy preparation: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, baking these cookies is a breeze.
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves cookies! These chewy delights are sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can chill the dough overnight, making it easy to whip up fresh cookies whenever you like.
• Delicious fall flavor: The combination of pumpkin and maple syrup brings all the warm, cozy flavors of autumn right to your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients you likely have on hand. Let’s gather everything we need for these delightful treats!

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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have in the pantry.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Include chocolate chips: For a sweeter treat, mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips that melt beautifully with the warm cookie dough.
• Swap the spices: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spice blends like cinnamon or ginger for unique flavors.
• Make them gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to cater to dietary needs.

How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Step 1: Make the Brown Butter

Start by preparing your brown butter about an hour before baking. Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. Whisk continuously until it starts to foam and turns golden brown. This step adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances your cookies. Once done, pour it into a clean bowl and let it cool for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

While your butter cools, prepare the pumpkin puree. Lay 2-3 paper towels across a shallow bowl and scoop about 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin onto them. This step helps absorb excess moisture from the pumpkin so that your cookies don’t become too soggy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, spice blend, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of all ingredients throughout your dough.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

Stir together the cooled brown butter, light brown sugar, and maple syrup until smooth. It’s essential to combine these well as they form the base of your cookie dough.

Step 5: Add Egg Yolk and Pumpkin

Next, stir in the egg yolk until thoroughly mixed. Then gently fold in your prepared pumpkin along with vanilla extract and optional maple extract. These ingredients bring moisture and flavor to your cookies.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now it’s time to add those dry ingredients into your wet mixture! Carefully stir them together until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight if possible. Chilling allows flavors to meld together while helping the cookies spread perfectly during baking.

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 large cookie sheets with parchment paper so that nothing sticks during baking!

Step 9: Prepare Sugar Coating

Mix together granulated sugar with another pinch of your chosen spice blend. This coating adds an extra layer of sweetness on top of those chewy cookies!

Step 10: Scoop & Roll Dough Balls

Using a cookie scoop (about 2 inches), scoop out portions of dough. Roll each ball in your spiced sugar mixture before placing them on lined baking sheets about 2-3 inches apart.

Step 11: Bake Your Cookies

Bake those beauties in the oven for about 12-14 minutes! Keep an eye on them; at around 9-10 minutes, if they seem too puffy, bang the pan gently on the oven rack—this helps them settle down beautifully.

Step 12: Cool Before Enjoying

Once they’re golden-brown around the edges but still soft in the center, take them out! Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack where they can fully firm up.

And just like that—you’ve made delicious chewy maple pumpkin cookies! Enjoy them fresh from the oven with a glass of milk or share them with friends—they’re sure to be loved by all!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Baking these chewy maple pumpkin cookies is a delightful experience, and a few insider tips can make them even better!

• Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of your cookies will greatly depend on the quality of your butter, maple syrup, and spices. Opting for European-style butter and pure maple syrup will elevate the taste to new heights.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 8 hours (or overnight) helps the flavors meld together and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in a chewier texture.

• Don’t skip the brown butter: Browning the butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of your cookies. Just be sure to let it cool before mixing it with other ingredients.

• Adjust spices to taste: The spice blend can be tailored to your liking. If you prefer a little more warmth, feel free to add an extra pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to personalize your cookies.

• Monitor baking time closely: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. If they puff up too much, gently banging the pan helps achieve that perfect chewy texture while baking!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are not just delicious; they also look stunning! Here are some creative ideas for serving them that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Drizzle of maple syrup: A light drizzle of pure maple syrup over each cookie adds an irresistible shine and extra sweetness.
• Sprinkle of sea salt: A pinch of flaky sea salt on top balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavors in every bite.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: This warm beverage complements the fall flavors in your cookies perfectly. Its sweetness pairs wonderfully with the spiced notes of pumpkin.
• Pumpkin spice latte: Indulge in this cozy drink alongside your cookies for a comforting treat that’s all about autumn flavors.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serve a scoop next to warm cookies for a delightful contrast between warm and cold, plus an extra dose of creaminess.
• Fresh fruit salad: A bright fruit salad with seasonal fruits like apples and pears adds a refreshing touch that balances out the richness of the cookies.

Whichever way you choose to serve these chewy maple pumpkin cookies, you’re in for a treat that’s sure to warm hearts and fill bellies! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the delightful flavors of fall whenever you crave them!

Storing Leftovers

• Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For optimal freshness, you can separate layers with parchment paper.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid.
• Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes until just heated through.
• Alternatively, use a microwave at low power for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

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

Can I make chewy maple pumpkin cookies without an egg yolk?

Yes! You can substitute the egg yolk with a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit until it thickens.

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

To achieve soft and chewy cookies, avoid overbaking them. The centers should look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

What makes these chewy maple pumpkin cookies so special?

The combination of brown butter and pure maple syrup creates a rich flavor that perfectly complements the warm spices, giving these cookies a unique twist that’s perfect for fall!

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in some chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the dough before chilling for an extra treat.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies! They’re not just delicious but also evoke the cozy warmth of fall with every bite. Enjoy sharing them with friends and family, or savoring them all by yourself—no judgment here! I can’t wait for you to experience their delightful flavors; happy baking!