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 the thing! They’re soft, buttery, and packed with delicious pumpkin flavor. What makes this recipe special is the delightful combination of maple syrup and warm spices that will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a busy weeknight snack, or simply to indulge yourself, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and wholesome ingredients, you’ll whip these up in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cookies! These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive celebration or just a cozy night in, these cookies fit right in.
• Make Ahead Convenience: The dough can chill overnight, making it easy to bake fresh cookies when you need them.
• Delicious Flavor: The rich taste of brown butter combined with maple and pumpkin will leave you wanting more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple ingredients is part of the fun! For these chewy maple pumpkin cookies, you’ll need some pantry staples mixed with seasonal favorites. Let’s dive into 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

Coating

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

Variations

One of the great things about this recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients or add some twists. Here are a few ideas:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra treat!
• Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
• Frosted Delight: Top your cookies with a light drizzle of dairy-free icing for a sweet finish.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like ginger or nutmeg to change up the flavor profile.

How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Step 1: Make the Brown Butter

Start by making brown butter about an hour before you plan to bake. This step adds a nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of your cookies. Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. As it foams, whisk continuously until you see brown bits forming at the bottom. Remove from heat and pour into a clean bowl to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

To ensure your cookies aren’t too watery, we need to prepare the canned pumpkin first. Lay 2-3 paper towels across a shallow bowl and scoop out about 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree onto them. Let it sit so that excess moisture absorbs into the towels. Before adding it to your cookie dough, give it a gentle squeeze!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, your chosen spice blend, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This mixture will help create that perfect chewy texture we all love!

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together your cooled brown butter, light brown sugar, and pure maple syrup until they’re fully combined. This mix is where all that delicious flavor begins!

Step 5: Add Egg Yolk and Pumpkin

Next, add in your egg yolk and continue mixing until everything is smooth. Then gently fold in the prepared pumpkin puree along with the vanilla extract and optional maple extract for an extra hint of sweetness.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Gradually stir in your dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle here!

Step 7: Chill Your Dough

Cover your dough with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight if you want to plan ahead. Chilling helps develop flavors and gives those chewy maple pumpkin cookies their perfect texture.

Step 8: Bake!

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper while letting your dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Roll out cookie dough balls using a cookie scoop and coat them in spiced sugar before placing them on your prepared sheets.

Step 9: Enjoy!

Bake those beauties for about 12-14 minutes! Keep an eye on them toward the end—if they puff up too much, give the pan a little bang on the oven rack to help them spread out perfectly. Once baked, let them cool on a rack and enjoy every bite!

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are sure to become a favorite in no time—happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Making cookies can be a delightful experience, and with these simple tips, you’ll elevate your chewy maple pumpkin cookies to the next level!

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices can make a world of difference in flavor. They enhance the warm, cozy notes of your cookies, giving them that extra autumnal flair.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the cookie dough to chill for at least 8 hours (or overnight) helps develop flavors and improves texture. Chilled dough prevents spreading too much during baking, leading to perfectly shaped cookies.

• Check for doneness carefully: Since oven temperatures can vary, keep an eye on your cookies as they approach the end of the baking time. The edges should be set while the center looks slightly underbaked; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

• Experiment with extracts: If you enjoy deeper flavors, don’t hesitate to add more maple extract or even a hint of almond extract. Just a small amount can bring an unexpected twist that complements the pumpkin beautifully.

• Store properly: To maintain that chewy texture, store your cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread or a damp paper towel. This keeps them soft and delicious for days!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are not only scrumptious but also visually appealing! Here are some creative ways to present them at your next gathering or cozy night in.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon sugar sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top just before serving adds an inviting sweetness and enhances that lovely fall aroma.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added texture and a nutty flavor that pairs well with the pumpkin.
• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream on the side gives a delightful richness that complements the flavors of the cookies perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: The warm, spiced notes from hot apple cider create a cozy pairing with these cookies, making it perfect for chilly fall evenings.
• Pumpkin spice latte: A classic coffee drink that resonates with the flavors of your cookies—smooth coffee blended with spices will enhance your dessert experience.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a cold contrast to the warm cookies and melts beautifully over them for a delicious treat.
• Fruit salad: A simple fruit salad featuring apples, pears, and pomegranate seeds offers a refreshing balance to the rich sweetness of the cookies.

Enjoy these chewy maple pumpkin cookies as a delightful treat any time this season! With their rich flavors and warm spices, they’re sure to become a beloved staple in your fall baking repertoire.

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep, making them a delightful treat to enjoy throughout the week. You can easily whip up a batch and store them for later, ensuring you always have a sweet snack on hand.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, consider refrigerating the cookies, where they can last up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• Cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For the best texture, reheat frozen cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warmed but not hot.

FAQs

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

Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of pumpkin spice blend?

Absolutely! Pumpkin pie spice is a great alternative and will enhance the fall flavors in your chewy maple pumpkin cookies.

How do I get my chewy maple pumpkin cookies to stay soft?

To keep your chewy maple pumpkin cookies soft, make sure not to overbake them. They should look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet as they cool.

Can I make these chewy maple pumpkin cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. This will allow you to enjoy these delicious cookies without any gluten.

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

These cookies are delightful warm with a cup of tea or coffee! They also pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies! Their sweet and spicy flavors beautifully capture the essence of fall, making them truly special. Whether you’re sharing them with family or savoring them yourself, these treats are sure to brighten your day. Enjoy every bite and happy baking!