chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, then these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are just what you need! Picture warm spices wafting through your kitchen as these delightful cookies bake. They’re not only perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home, but they also make a great addition to any dessert table. Trust me, once you take a bite of these sweet, buttery delights, you’ll want to share them with everyone!

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are truly special. The combination of brown butter and pure maple syrup brings out a rich depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. Plus, the spiced sugar coating adds that extra touch that makes them feel like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple preparation: The dough comes together quickly, making it easy to whip up anytime you crave something sweet.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love helping out in the kitchen and indulging in these tasty treats!
• Make-ahead convenience: Chill the dough overnight for cookie perfection without the last-minute rush.
• Delicious flavor: The blend of pumpkin and maple creates a unique taste that screams fall and comfort.
• Versatile: These cookies can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make these chewy maple pumpkin cookies. You might already have many of them in your pantry!

For the Cookies

• 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! Feel free to get creative and adjust the flavors to suit your taste.

• Change up the spices: Swap out the pumpkin spice for cinnamon or nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
• Add some crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture.
• Chocolate chips galore: Mix in semi-sweet chocolate or white chocolate chips for an extra sweetness boost.
• Dairy-free option: Use plant-based butter and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free if you want to keep it vegan!

How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Step 1: Make the Brown Butter

Start by preparing your brown butter about an hour before you’re ready to bake. Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Whisk continuously until it begins to foam and turn golden brown. This process adds a nutty flavor that elevates your cookies! Once done, pour it into a bowl and let it cool at room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

While your butter cools down, prepare your pumpkin puree. Lay 2-3 paper towels across a shallow bowl and scoop about 1/2 cup of pumpkin onto them. The paper towels will absorb excess moisture, which helps keep your cookies from getting too wet!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, spice blend, baking soda, and salt until everything is well mixed. This step ensures an even distribution of flavors throughout your dough.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cooled brown butter with light brown sugar and maple syrup until well combined. It’s essential to mix these ingredients well; they create the base flavor for our chewy cookies.

Step 5: Add Egg Yolk and Pumpkin

Next, stir in the egg yolk until it’s fully incorporated. Then add in the prepared pumpkin along with vanilla and optional maple extracts. These ingredients add moisture and help achieve that chewy texture we love!

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in the dry mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookies to stay tender!

Step 7: Chill Your Dough

Cover your cookie dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight if possible. Chilling helps enhance both flavor and texture.

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 baking sheets with parchment paper so nothing sticks while baking.

Step 9: Prepare Spiced Sugar Coating

Mix together granulated sugar and additional spice blend in a small bowl until fully combined. Taste this mixture; adjust it if necessary based on how spicy you’d like it!

Step 10: Scoop & Roll Dough Balls

Use a cookie scoop to portion out cookie dough balls—about 2 inches wide works great! Roll each ball into your spiced sugar coating before placing them on the lined baking sheets spaced about 2-3 inches apart.

Step 11: Bake

Bake those beauties for about 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them—if they puff up too much before turning golden-brown on top, give them a gentle bang against the oven rack halfway through baking!

Step 12: Cool & Enjoy!

Let your freshly baked cookies cool on their sheets for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks completely cool down. Now it’s time to enjoy every chewy bite of these delicious maple pumpkin cookies!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Baking these chewy maple pumpkin cookies is a delightful experience, and with a few helpful tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use European-style butter: This butter has a higher fat content than regular butter, which gives your cookies a richer flavor and chewier texture.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 8 hours helps develop the flavors and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

• Squeeze excess moisture from pumpkin: By removing excess water from your pumpkin puree, you’ll prevent your cookies from becoming too wet and ensure they have that perfect chewy consistency.

• Watch the baking time closely: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. If they look puffy, give the pan a gentle bang to help them flatten for that ideal chewy texture.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spice blend according to your taste! More cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance that cozy fall flavor profile even further.

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are not just delicious; they also make for a charming presentation. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them solo, here are some ideas on how to serve them.

Garnishes

• Drizzle of Maple Syrup: A light drizzle of pure maple syrup on top adds an extra layer of sweetness and enhances that maple flavor.

• Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar right before serving can add both visual appeal and a hint of extra spice.

Side Dishes

• Coffee or Tea: Pairing these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or spiced tea creates a comforting snack experience perfect for chilly days.

• Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate: Enjoy your cookies alongside a mug of rich hot chocolate flavored with pumpkin spice for a decadent treat.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert, serve your warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The melt-in-your-mouth combination is simply heavenly!

• Fresh Fruit Salad: Balance out the sweetness by enjoying these cookies with a side of fresh fruit salad. The bright flavors will complement the richness of the cookie beautifully.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy your chewy maple pumpkin cookies in style! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep, making them a delightful treat you can enjoy throughout the week or share with friends and family. With just a little planning, you can have these cookies ready to go whenever the craving hits!

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you prefer softer cookies, place a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture.

Freezing

• Allow the 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.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months; simply thaw 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 warm them for about 5 minutes or until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave a cookie on low power for about 15-20 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

FAQs

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

Can I use canned pumpkin for chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin is perfect for this recipe. Just remember to blot off any excess moisture before using it to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly chewy.

How do I make chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

To make chewy maple pumpkin cookies, follow our detailed recipe above! The combination of browned butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup creates the perfect chewy texture and rich flavor.

Can I substitute other spices in my chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different spice blends like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even ginger. Just adjust according to your taste preference.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels too sticky after chilling, simply add a little extra flour gradually until it reaches a workable consistency.

How long does it take to prepare and bake chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

The total time from preparation to baking is about 512 minutes, which includes chilling time. But trust me, the wait is worth every bite!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies as much as I do! They really capture the essence of fall with their warm spices and sweet flavors. Whether you’re enjoying them on a cozy afternoon or sharing them with loved ones, they are sure to bring smiles all around. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and savor every moment of this delightful treat!