chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are like a warm hug on a chilly day. They are sweet, buttery, and packed with that rich pumpkin flavor we all adore. Whether you’re sharing them at a family gathering or enjoying them with a cozy cup of tea, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around.

What makes these cookies truly special is their chewy texture and the lovely blend of spices that make each bite feel like autumn. Plus, they’re easy to whip up on a busy weeknight or can be made ahead for those special occasions. Trust me; once you try them, they’ll become a favorite in your baking repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Chewy: The brown butter gives these cookies a rich flavor and a wonderfully chewy texture.
• Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple steps and straightforward ingredients, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfect for Fall: The combination of pumpkin and maple creates a seasonal treat that’s full of warm flavors.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Chill the dough overnight for an even deeper flavor, making it convenient for busy days.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love these cookies—perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For these chewy maple pumpkin cookies, you only need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating that delicious taste 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 the Sugar Coating

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

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily tweak it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
• Mix in Chocolate Chips: If you’re a chocolate lover, add semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for an indulgent twist.
• Use Different Spices: Experiment with different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to find your perfect flavor combination.
• Make Them Vegan: Substitute the egg yolk with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use plant-based butter to make these cookies vegan-friendly.

How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Step 1: Make the Brown Butter

Start by preparing your brown butter about an hour before you plan to bake. This step is crucial because browning the butter adds depth and richness to your cookies. Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Whisk continuously until it starts to foam and turns golden brown with little bits forming at the bottom. Once done, pour it into a clean bowl and let it cool for about 30 minutes until it reaches room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

While waiting for the butter to cool, prepare your pumpkin puree. Lay 2-3 paper towels across a shallow bowl and scoop out about 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin onto them. This helps absorb excess moisture from the pumpkin which could otherwise make your cookies too wet. After about 15 minutes, squeeze out any remaining moisture before using it in your dough.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, chosen spice blend, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures that each cookie has an even distribution of flavors throughout.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cooled brown butter, light brown sugar, and pure maple syrup until fully combined. This mixture should be smooth and glossy—this is where all that delicious sweetness comes from!

Step 5: Add Egg Yolk & Pumpkin

Stir in your room-temperature egg yolk until it’s well blended into the mixture. Then add in the prepared pumpkin puree along with vanilla extract and optional maple extract if you’re using it. These ingredients will infuse your dough with delightful flavors.

Step 6: Mix Dry Into Wet

Now it’s time to combine! Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture until just combined—don’t overmix here; we want those delicious chewy textures!

Step 7: Chill Your Dough

Cover your cookie dough tightly with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least eight hours or overnight if possible. Chilling allows those flavors to meld beautifully while also helping with 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—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 9: Roll Cookies in Sugar Mixture

Mix together granulated sugar with your choice of spice blend in a shallow bowl. Using a cookie scoop, portion out dough balls about two inches apart on your prepared baking sheet before rolling each ball in the spiced sugar mixture.

Step 10: Bake Them Up!

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them; if they puff up more than you’d like during baking, just give them a little bang on the oven rack halfway through! This helps create that chewy texture we’re after.

Step 11: Cool Down

Once baked to perfection, let them cool on the baking sheet for about three to five minutes before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely.

And there you have it! Your chewy maple pumpkin cookies are ready to be enjoyed by family and friends—or just yourself! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Baking can be a delightful experience, especially when you have a few insider tips to make your cookies shine even brighter!

• Use European Style Butter: This type of butter has a higher fat content, which contributes to the rich, buttery flavor and helps achieve that perfect chewy texture.
• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 8 hours not only enhances the flavors but also helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
• Don’t Skip the Brown Butter: Browning the butter adds a nutty depth of flavor that really elevates these cookies. Just be sure to let it cool before mixing it into your dough!
• Adjust Spices to Taste: Everyone has different preferences when it comes to spice levels. Feel free to tweak the amount of pumpkin or chai spice blend based on what you enjoy most.
• Check for Doneness Early: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. If they puff up too much, give them a gentle bang on the oven rack to flatten them slightly – this way you’ll get that perfect chewy texture!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for sharing with friends and family during cozy gatherings or festive celebrations. Here are some ideas on how to present and enjoy them!

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar Dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overpowering the flavors.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

• Hot Apple Cider: The warmth and spices in hot apple cider complement the flavors in your cookies beautifully, creating a comforting beverage pairing.
• Pumpkin Spice Latte: Enjoy these cookies alongside a homemade or store-bought pumpkin spice latte for an indulgent fall treat that’s sure to please.
• Cream Cheese Frosting Dip: Serve with a small bowl of cream cheese frosting for dipping; this creamy contrast pairs wonderfully with the chewy texture of the biscuits.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: For an extra-special dessert experience, serve warm cookies over vanilla ice cream – the melting ice cream combined with warm spices is simply divine!

With these serving suggestions, you’ll create memorable moments around your table. Enjoy each bite of your homemade chewy maple pumpkin cookies!

Make Ahead and Storage

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

Storing Leftovers

• Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• To maintain their chewy texture, consider placing a slice of bread in the container with the cookies.

Freezing

• Allow the baked cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about these chewy maple pumpkin cookies.

Can I make chewy maple pumpkin cookies without brown sugar?

Yes! You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or an equal amount of granulated sugar mixed with a bit of molasses for that classic brown sugar flavor.

How do I store chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Store your chewy maple pumpkin cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay fresh and delightful!

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and drain fresh pumpkin thoroughly before using it in this recipe.

What makes these chewy maple pumpkin cookies special?

The combination of brown butter, pure maple syrup, and seasonal spices creates a uniquely rich flavor that captures the essence of fall in every bite.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll find joy in making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies as much as I do! Their warm flavors and delightful chewiness make them perfect for any occasion—be it cozy gatherings or simply treating yourself. Enjoy baking, savoring, and sharing these little bites of fall magic. Happy baking!