chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking for a warm and inviting treat to share with family or friends, these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are just the thing! With the perfect blend of pumpkin and maple flavors, they capture the essence of fall in every bite. Plus, they’re super easy to make, making them ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a cozy get-together or simply craving something delicious, this recipe will surely become a favorite.

What makes these cookies truly special is their chewy texture and buttery sweetness, thanks to the delightful brown butter and maple syrup. Trust me; once you bake up a batch, they’ll disappear in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Fall Flavor: These cookies combine the warm spices of fall with sweet maple goodness.
• Easy Preparation: Simple steps mean you can whip these up without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the chewy texture and rich taste.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The dough can be chilled overnight, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday celebration or a cozy snack at home, these cookies fit right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. 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 quite versatile! You can play around with different flavors and textures to suit your taste.

• Add Chocolate Chips: For a chocolatey twist, fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips before chilling the dough.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices such as ginger or nutmeg to give your cookies a unique flavor profile.

How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Step 1: Make the Brown Butter

Start by making the brown butter about an hour before you’re ready to bake. This step adds depth of flavor to your cookies. Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. As it melts, keep whisking until it starts to foam and turns golden brown—watch closely so it doesn’t burn! Once done, pour it into a bowl and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

To ensure your pumpkin puree isn’t too watery, lay 2-3 paper towels across a shallow bowl and scoop in about 1/2 cup of pumpkin. The paper towels will absorb excess moisture. After letting it sit for a bit, squeeze out any remaining water before adding it to your mix.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, chosen spice blend, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step is essential because it helps distribute the baking soda evenly throughout the dough.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and pure maple syrup until smooth. This mixture creates that wonderful sweetness that makes these cookies irresistible!

Step 5: Incorporate Egg Yolk

Next up is adding one large egg yolk into your wet mixture. Stir well until fully incorporated; this step helps bind everything together nicely.

Step 6: Add Pumpkin and Extracts

Now it’s time to add the blotted pumpkin puree along with both vanilla and optional maple extracts. Stir everything together until thoroughly mixed—this is where all those lovely flavors start coming together!

Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

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

Step 8: Chill the Dough

Cover your cookie dough with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight. Chilling helps enhance the flavors and gives you that perfect chewiness when baked.

Step 9: 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 so your cookies don’t stick!

Step 10: Prepare Sugar Coating

Mix together granulated sugar with an extra sprinkle of spice from earlier. Taste it if you’d like—this step lets you adjust sweetness if needed!

Step 11: Scoop & Roll Dough Balls

Using a cookie scoop (about 2 inches), portion out dough balls then roll them into the spiced sugar mixture until fully coated.

Step 12: Bake Cookies

Place those lovely cookie dough balls on your prepared baking sheets spaced about 2-3 inches apart. Bake them for about 12-14 minutes; halfway through check their puffiness! If they seem too puffy for your liking at around nine minutes in, give them a gentle bang on the oven rack—it helps flatten them just right.

Step 13: Cool & Enjoy!

Once baked to perfection, let them cool on the baking sheet for about three-five minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack. Now comes my favorite part—enjoying these delightful chewy maple pumpkin cookies!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

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

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing your eggs and other ingredients to come to room temperature ensures they blend more easily into the dough, resulting in a smoother texture.

• Don’t skip chilling the dough: Chilling the dough is essential for developing flavor and achieving that perfect chewy texture. It also helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.

• Check your oven temperature: Ovens can vary, so using an oven thermometer will help ensure yours is at the right temperature for even baking. This way, you avoid underbaked or overbaked cookies!

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spice blend according to your taste. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger can bring an extra layer of warmth to these fall-flavored treats.

• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can even freeze them for up to three months—perfect for enjoying a taste of fall any time!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are not only delicious but also beautiful enough to impress your guests. Here are some ideas on how to present them!

Garnishes

• Drizzle with maple syrup: A light drizzle of pure maple syrup adds an extra touch of sweetness and enhances the flavor profile.
• Sprinkle with sea salt: Just a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before serving balances the sweetness and elevates the overall taste.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider: This classic fall beverage pairs beautifully with pumpkin flavors and adds warmth to any gathering.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream served alongside your warm cookies creates a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.
• Spiced chai tea: The warm spices of chai complement the cozy flavors in these cookies perfectly, making it an ideal pairing for chilly evenings.
• Roasted pecans: Adding roasted pecans on the side provides a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the softness of the cookies.

Enjoy sharing these chewy maple pumpkin cookies with friends and family! They’ll surely become a favorite at any celebration or cozy gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make the dough ahead of time or store the baked cookies for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, consider layering parchment paper between the cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• To freeze cookie dough, scoop the unbaked dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
• For baked cookies, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep well for about 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen baked cookies, simply place them on a baking sheet at 350°F (177°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• If reheating in the microwave, do so in short bursts of 10-15 seconds to avoid overheating.

FAQs

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

Can I use a different type of sugar in chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Absolutely! You can substitute light brown sugar with dark brown sugar or even coconut sugar for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that it may slightly alter the texture and taste.

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

To ensure your chewy maple pumpkin cookies remain soft and chewy, avoid overbaking them. Remove them from the oven when they’re just set; they will continue to firm up as they cool.

Can I add chocolate chips to my chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Yes! Adding chocolate chips can enhance the flavor and create a delightful contrast. Just fold them into the dough before chilling.

What makes these chewy maple pumpkin cookies special?

These cookies stand out due to their rich blend of brown butter, pure maple syrup, and warm spices that capture the essence of fall. They are both comforting and indulgent!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies as much as I do! Their delightful flavors and textures make them a perfect treat for any occasion or just a cozy night in. Get ready to share these delicious bites with friends and family—they’re sure to become a favorite! Happy baking!