chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, you’ll love these chewy maple pumpkin cookies. They are warm, sweet, and filled with that cozy pumpkin flavor we all crave as the leaves begin to change. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe is a staple in my kitchen during the autumn months. There’s something so comforting about biting into a soft, chewy cookie that tastes like a hug in dessert form!

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are not just delicious; they also fill your home with an irresistible aroma while they bake. You can enjoy them fresh out of the oven or share them with friends and family for a festive treat that everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to make: With straightforward steps and easy-to-find ingredients, baking becomes a breeze.
• Family-friendly: The kids will love helping out in the kitchen, and they’ll certainly enjoy eating these cookies!
• Make-ahead convenience: Chill the dough overnight for minimal fuss on baking day.
• Flavor-packed: The combination of maple syrup and pumpkin creates a taste explosion that screams fall.
• Perfectly chewy: These cookies have that ideal texture — soft on the inside with just the right amount of chewiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up these delicious chewy maple pumpkin cookies, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s 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

This recipe is flexible and can easily be adapted to suit your taste! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add chocolate chips: For a sweet twist, fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips to the dough before baking.
• Use different spices: Experiment with cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique flavor profile.
• Make them larger: Use a larger cookie scoop if you prefer big, bakery-style cookies.
• Add nuts: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.

How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Step 1: Make Brown Butter

Start by making brown butter about an hour before you plan to bake. Melt your butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. Keep whisking as it foams and turns golden brown — this process adds depth and nuttiness to your cookies. Once you see those lovely brown bits forming, remove it from the heat and pour it into a clean bowl. Let it cool down to room temperature; this step is vital because using hot butter can affect the dough’s consistency.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

Next, we need to prepare our pumpkin puree. Lay 2-3 paper towels across a wide bowl and scoop about 1/2 cup of pumpkin onto it. The paper towels will absorb excess moisture from the puree. After letting it sit for a few minutes, give it a gentle squeeze before adding it to your mix; this ensures our cookies won’t be too wet.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring everything together! In a large mixing bowl, stir together your cooled brown butter, light brown sugar, and pure maple syrup until smooth. This combination creates that rich sweetness we love in these chewy maple pumpkin cookies.

Step 5: Add Egg Yolk and Flavorings

Stir in the egg yolk until fully incorporated — this adds richness to our dough! Then throw in the blotted pumpkin along with vanilla and optional maple extracts. Each ingredient adds layers of flavor that make these cookies truly special.

Step 6: Add Dry Ingredients

Gently stir your dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookies to be soft and chewy!

Step 7: Chill Dough

Cover your dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight if possible. Chilling helps enhance flavors while giving them their perfect chewy texture when baked.

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 — this prevents sticking while ensuring even baking.

Step 9: Prepare Spice-Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar with additional spice blend used earlier. Stir well so each grain of sugar is infused with that warm fall flavor!

Step 10: Scoop & Roll Cookies

Using a cookie scoop (about 2 inches), scoop out portions of chilled dough and roll each ball in your spiced sugar mixture until fully coated.

Step 11: Bake Your Cookies

Place your sugar-coated dough balls on your prepared sheets about 2-3 inches apart. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 12-14 minutes. Halfway through baking (around minute 10), keep an eye on them; if they puff up too much for your liking, gently bang the pan on the oven rack to help them flatten out slightly before finishing baking.

Step 12: Cool & Enjoy!

Once done baking, let those heavenly cookies cool on their sheet for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack to cool completely. Now you can enjoy every delicious bite of these chewy maple pumpkin cookies!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Baking is a delightful adventure, and with these tips, you can ensure your chewy maple pumpkin cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your egg yolk and pumpkin to room temperature helps them blend more easily into the dough, resulting in a smoother texture and better flavor integration.

• Don’t skip chilling the dough: Chilling the cookie dough is essential for achieving that perfect chewy texture. It allows the flavors to meld together and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

• Adjust the spice level: Everyone’s taste preferences are different! Feel free to tweak the amount of pumpkin or chai spice blend according to your liking. This personal touch will make your cookies uniquely yours.

• Monitor baking time closely: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. If you prefer a softer cookie, take them out a minute or two early when they’re still slightly underbaked—they’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.

• Store properly for freshness: To keep your cookies chewy and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing them for up to three months!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a cozy fall gathering or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home. Here are some delightful ways to present and enjoy this seasonal treat.

Garnishes

• Chopped walnuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped walnuts on top of the warm cookies for added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Drizzle of maple syrup: A light drizzle of pure maple syrup over each cookie adds an extra touch of sweetness that complements their flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: The warm spices in apple cider create a wonderful pairing with these cookies, making it an ideal beverage choice for fall gatherings.
• Creamy vanilla ice cream: The cool, creamy texture of vanilla ice cream contrasts perfectly with the warm spices in the cookies, creating a delightful dessert experience.
• Autumn fruit salad: A mix of fresh apples, pears, and pomegranate seeds not only adds color but also provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the cookies.
• Coffee or chai tea: Enjoying these cookies with a cup of coffee or chai tea enhances their flavors and makes for a cozy afternoon snack.

With these tips and serving ideas, you’ll be ready to impress friends and family with your delicious chewy maple pumpkin cookies! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy their delicious flavors throughout the week! You can easily store or freeze them, making them a great treat to have on hand for gatherings or cozy evenings at home.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container, ensuring they are well-sealed. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy them warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them for about 10-15 seconds if you’re in a hurry!

FAQs

If you’re curious about these delightful chewy maple pumpkin cookies, read on for some common questions!

Can I use other types of flour for chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or whole wheat flour; however, keep in mind that it may change the texture slightly.

How do I make chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

To achieve those chewy maple pumpkin cookies, make sure to chill the dough before baking and use brown butter. The combination of ingredients creates that soft texture we love!

What’s the best way to add more pumpkin flavor?

For extra pumpkin flavor, consider adding a bit more canned pumpkin puree or using pumpkin spice extract in addition to your spices!

Can these cookies be made vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the egg yolk with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and replace the butter with a plant-based alternative.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies as much as I do! They embody everything wonderful about fall—warm spices, sweet maple syrup, and cozy vibes. Whether you’re sharing them at celebrations or keeping them all to yourself (no judgment here!), I’m sure they’ll bring smiles all around. Happy baking!