chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that perfectly embodies the flavors of fall, then these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are just what you need! They are soft, sweet, and bursting with pumpkin goodness, making them the ideal dessert for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The blend of spices and the rich taste of maple syrup create a warm hug in cookie form. I always find myself reaching for this recipe when I want to share something special with friends and family.

These cookies not only taste amazing but also fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma as they bake. Whether it’s a chilly afternoon or a festive occasion, these chewy maple pumpkin cookies will surely bring smiles all around.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, even beginner bakers can whip these up without fuss!
• Delicious fall flavors: Each bite is filled with the warm spices of pumpkin and maple that scream autumn.
• Perfect for sharing: Bake a batch for friends, family, or even neighbors – they’re sure to be a hit!
• Make-ahead convenience: The dough can chill overnight, making it easy to prepare ahead of time.
• Customizable options: Feel free to experiment with different spices and additions for your perfect cookie!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are made from simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to create these delightful treats!

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

For Coating

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ways to mix things up:

• Add chocolate chips: Stir in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
• Incorporate nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a nice crunch and depth of flavor.
• Try different spices: Experiment with ginger or nutmeg for an extra kick of warmth.
• Make them gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a deliciously accommodating option.

How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Step 1: Make the Brown Butter

Start by preparing the brown butter about an hour before baking. This step is crucial because browning the butter adds a nutty richness to your cookies. Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan until it foams and turns golden brown. Be sure to whisk continuously until those lovely brown bits form at the bottom. Once done, transfer it to a clean bowl and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

To ensure your cookies aren’t too watery, we need to blott out excess moisture from the canned pumpkin. Lay down 2-3 paper towels over a shallow bowl and scoop about 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree onto them. Let it sit for a bit while absorbing water. Before adding it to our mixture, give it a gentle squeeze to remove any remaining moisture.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, chosen spice blend, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout your dough.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In your mixing bowl with cooled brown butter, stir in light brown sugar and pure maple syrup until everything is smooth and well combined. The gooey sweetness from the maple syrup is what makes these cookies truly special!

Step 5: Add Egg Yolk & Pumpkin

Next up is adding the egg yolk into your wet mixture. Stir until fully incorporated before adding in that luscious canned pumpkin along with vanilla extract and optional maple extract. Mix well – this is where all those delicious flavors start coming together!

Step 6: Combine Everything

Now it’s time to bring our dry ingredients into play! Gradually mix in the dry ingredients into your wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing; we want tender cookies!

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Cover your cookie dough tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge. Allow it to chill for at least eight hours or overnight if possible. This resting period helps develop flavors and textures that will elevate your cookies.

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 cookie sheets with parchment paper while you let your chilled dough sit at room temperature for about half an hour.

Step 9: Prepare Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar with another bit of your chosen spice blend until well mixed. Feel free to adjust based on how spicy you like it!

Step 10: Scoop & Roll Cookies

Using a 2-inch cookie scoop, portion out some dough balls. Roll each ball in that spiced sugar mixture before placing them on your prepared baking sheets about 2-3 inches apart.

Step 11: Bake & Cool Cookies

Place those beautiful trays into your preheated oven! Bake them for about 12-14 minutes; keep an eye on them around the halfway mark! If they puff up too much before finishing up their bake time, give them a gentle bang against the oven rack—this helps them settle nicely.

Let them cool on their baking sheet atop a cooling rack for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them over completely cool on racks.

And there you have it—deliciously chewy maple pumpkin cookies that will surely become your new favorite treat! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies can be a delightful experience, especially with a few handy tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices will enhance the flavor profile of your cookies, making them more aromatic and flavorful. Consider using whole spices and grinding them just before use.

• Don’t skip chilling the dough: Chilling the cookie dough is essential for achieving the right texture. It allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

• Test doneness by appearance: Instead of relying solely on bake time, watch for a slight golden edge and a soft center. The cookies will continue to set as they cool, resulting in that perfect chewy consistency.

• Adjust sweetness to taste: Feel free to tweak the amount of sugar or spices based on your preferences. Baking is all about finding what works best for you!

• Experiment with add-ins: Consider folding in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries for added texture and flavor. These can provide a delightful contrast to the soft cookie base.

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Presenting them well can make all the difference at gatherings or cozy nights at home.

Garnishes

• A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar: Dusting some cinnamon sugar on top right before serving adds an extra layer of sweetness and warmth.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts: A handful of chopped nuts sprinkled over the cookies can provide a lovely crunch that complements their chewiness.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider: This classic fall beverage pairs beautifully with these cookies, enhancing their pumpkin flavor and creating a comforting experience.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside warm cookies creates a delightful contrast between hot and cold that’s simply irresistible.
• Spiced chai tea: The warm spices in chai tea complement the flavors in your cookies, making it an excellent pairing for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Fresh fruit platter: A selection of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and grapes balances the sweetness of the cookies while adding freshness to your dessert spread.

Enjoy these chewy maple pumpkin cookies with your favorite accompaniments, and let the flavors of fall warm your heart!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to bake a batch ahead of time for gatherings or cozy evenings at home. With a few simple storage tips, you can enjoy these delightful treats fresh for days.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
• To maintain their chewyness, separate layers of cookies with parchment paper.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Alternatively, freeze baked cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 3 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• For reheating baked cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and warm the cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• If using a microwave, heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds until just warm.
• Enjoy the freshly-baked taste again!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making chewy maple pumpkin cookies.

Can I make chewy maple pumpkin cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure that it has xanthan gum included or add it separately as needed.

How do I ensure my chewy maple pumpkin cookies stay soft?

To keep your chewy maple pumpkin cookies soft, be sure not to overbake them. They should be slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out of the oven.

Can I use different spices in my chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger. Each blend will give your chewy maple pumpkin cookies a unique flavor profile that’s perfect for fall.

How long do chewy maple pumpkin cookies last?

Stored correctly in an airtight container, chewy maple pumpkin cookies can last up to 5 days at room temperature or up to 10 days in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies! They embody the comforting flavors of fall and are sure to bring warmth and happiness to your gatherings. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats with friends and family. Happy baking!