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! Imagine biting into a warm cookie that’s sweet, buttery, and bursting with pumpkin flavor. This recipe has been a favorite in my home for years, perfect for everything from busy weeknights to family gatherings. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them solo with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to bring warmth and joy.

What makes these chewy maple pumpkin cookies so special? It’s all about the delightful combination of flavors and textures. The brown butter adds a rich nuttiness, while the maple syrup brings a lovely sweetness that pairs perfectly with pumpkin. Trust me; once you try them, they’ll become your go-to fall treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Family-friendly: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, and they’ll adore the delicious results!
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering, these cookies will impress your guests.
• Make-ahead convenience: The dough can be chilled overnight, making it easy to whip up fresh cookies whenever you want.
• Deliciously flavorful: The blend of spices and the rich taste of brown butter create a cookie that is truly unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are made from simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Each one contributes to the delightful flavor and texture of the cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookie Dough

• 2 1/4 cups (270g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin or chai spice blend
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (226g) European style unsalted butter, browned and cool but still liquid
• 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup (79ml) pure maple syrup
• 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (125g) canned pumpkin, blotted
• 2 teaspoons (10ml) vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) maple extract, optional

For Coating

• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin or chai spice blend

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize these chewy maple pumpkin cookies to suit your taste.

• Add chocolate chips: Stir in some dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Try different spices: Swap out the pumpkin spice for cinnamon or ginger to change up the flavor profile.
• Go nutty: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and richness.
• Make them gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for those with dietary restrictions.

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. This step gives your cookies a beautiful depth of flavor. Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Whisk continuously until it foams and turns golden brown with nutty bits forming at the bottom. Remove from heat and pour it into a clean bowl to cool for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Pumpkin Puree

To keep your cookies from being too watery, it’s crucial to drain excess moisture from your canned pumpkin. Lay 2-3 paper towels across a shallow bowl and scoop about 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree onto them. Let it sit for a bit while it absorbs moisture. Before using it in your dough, gently squeeze out any remaining water.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together your cooled brown butter, light brown sugar, and maple syrup until fully blended. Next, mix in the egg yolk until everything is creamy and smooth.

Step 5: Add Pumpkin & Extracts

Now it’s time for the star ingredients! Stir in your prepared pumpkin puree along with vanilla extract and optional maple extract until well mixed. This combination ensures that each bite is packed with flavor.

Step 6: Combine Dry & Wet Ingredients

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

Step 7: Chill Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight if possible. Chilling helps develop flavors and makes scooping easier when you’re ready to bake.

Step 8: Preheat Oven & Prepare Cookie 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 while allowing your chilled dough to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Step 9: Prepare Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar with your choice of spice until well combined. This will give an extra boost of flavor when we coat our cookie dough balls!

Step 10: Scoop & Coat Cookies

Using a cookie scoop (about 2 inches), scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls before rolling them through your spiced sugar mixture.

Step 11: Bake Cookies

Place the coated cookie dough balls on your prepared baking sheet about 2-3 inches apart. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them around the halfway mark; if they puff up too much, bang the pan gently on the oven rack to help them spread.

Step 12: Cool Down

Once baked perfectly golden-brown on top but still soft inside, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

And there you have it! A batch of homemade chewy maple pumpkin cookies ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Baking these chewy maple pumpkin cookies can be a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can make them even better!

• Use chilled dough – Chilling the dough for at least 8 hours helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, resulting in a thicker, chewier texture.

• Brown butter carefully – Taking your time to brown the butter properly adds a nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cookies. Watch it closely to avoid burning!

• Squeeze out excess moisture from pumpkin – Removing excess liquid from the canned pumpkin ensures your cookie dough isn’t too wet, which helps maintain the perfect chewy texture.

• Check for doneness early – Start checking your cookies around 9 minutes into baking. If they puff up too much, gently bang the pan to help flatten them without overbaking.

• Store properly for freshness – Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them soft and chewy for several days.

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are not just delicious; they’re also visually appealing and can be served in various delightful ways. Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation!

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream – A dollop of whipped coconut cream on top adds a creamy texture that complements the spices beautifully.
• Chopped Pecans or Walnuts – Sprinkling some chopped nuts on top before serving gives a lovely crunch and enhances the fall flavor.

Side Dishes

• Hot Apple Cider – The warmth and sweetness of apple cider pair perfectly with the spices in these cookies, making for a cozy treat.
• Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side creates a delightful contrast of temperatures and flavors with each bite.
• Pumpkin Spice Latte – For coffee lovers, pairing these cookies with a pumpkin spice latte brings out all those warm fall flavors in every sip and bite.
• Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses balances the sweetness of the cookies and offers a savory complement that’s sure to impress guests.

These serving suggestions will not only enhance your enjoyment but also make sharing these scrumptious treats with friends and family even more memorable. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge or even freeze the baked cookies for a delightful treat on demand.

Storing Leftovers

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing

• Freeze uncooked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Baked cookies can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen baked cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 5 minutes.
• For frozen cookie dough, bake directly from the freezer; just add an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

FAQs

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

How can I make chewy maple pumpkin cookies without using eggs?

You can replace the egg yolk with a flaxseed meal alternative. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens, and use it as a substitute.

Can I use regular butter instead of European style butter?

Yes, you can use regular unsalted butter; however, European style butter adds a richer flavor due to its higher fat content.

What can I use instead of pumpkin puree for chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

If you don’t have pumpkin puree on hand, you can substitute with applesauce or mashed bananas, but keep in mind that the flavor will differ slightly.

How do I get my chewy maple pumpkin cookies to spread more?

Letting the dough sit at room temperature before baking helps them spread better. Also, ensure your baking soda is fresh for proper leavening.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to these chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or dairy-free chocolate chips for an added crunch and sweetness.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies as much as I do! They’re not only deliciously soft and buttery but also encapsulate all the comforting flavors of fall. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them yourself, they’re sure to bring joy to your day. Happy baking!