chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall, then these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are just what you need! I adore how the rich flavors of maple and pumpkin come together in this recipe. Each bite is like a warm hug on a chilly day, making them perfect for everything from busy weeknights to festive family gatherings. Trust me, once you bake these, they’ll become a cherished favorite!

The magic of these cookies lies in their delightful chewiness. The brown butter adds a nutty depth, while the spiced sugar coating gives them a sweet kick. You won’t be able to resist grabbing one (or two!) fresh out of the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll have these cookies baked in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cookies, especially when they’re bursting with delicious fall flavors!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dough the night before and bake them when you’re ready for that fresh-baked aroma.
• Delightfully Chewy: Thanks to the combination of brown butter and pumpkin, each cookie has a satisfying texture that keeps you coming back for more.
• Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a potluck or just a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For these chewy maple pumpkin cookies, you’ll be using simple and wholesome ingredients that bring out the best flavors. Here’s what you 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

For Coating

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients. Here are some fun variations you might enjoy:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an added crunch.
• Chocolate Chunks: Mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
• Frosting Fun: Top your cookies with a simple maple glaze for extra sweetness.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spice blends like cinnamon or allspice for unique flavor twists.

How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Step 1: Make the Brown Butter

Start by making brown butter about an hour before you’re ready to bake. This step is important because it adds that delicious nutty flavor we all love! Melt your butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. Keep whisking until it foams and turns golden brown with little bits forming at the bottom. Once done, transfer it into a clean bowl and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

Next up is prepping your canned pumpkin. Lay out 2-3 paper towels across a wide bowl and scoop about 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree onto them. This will help absorb any excess water from the pumpkin so our cookies don’t turn out too wet! After about 10 minutes, gently squeeze out any remaining moisture before adding it to your mixture.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together your flour, spice blend, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This ensures that all your dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout your cookie dough.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to stir together your cooled brown butter with the brown sugar and maple syrup until smooth. This mix will create that lovely sweet base for our cookies! Next, add in the egg yolk and mix until fully combined.

Step 5: Add Pumpkin & Extracts

Stir in the prepared pumpkin along with vanilla and maple extracts until everything is nicely blended together. These ingredients really enhance the flavor profile of our chewy maple pumpkin cookies!

Step 6: Combine Dry & Wet Mixtures

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

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Cover your cookie dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight if you can wait! Chilling helps develop those flavors even more.

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 baking sheets with parchment paper so those cookies won’t stick!

Step 9: Shape Cookies

Take your chilled dough out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, mix granulated sugar with additional spices used earlier in a small bowl. Using a cookie scoop, form balls of dough and roll them in this sweet spice mix.

Step 10: Bake Away!

Place your sugar-coated cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets about 2-3 inches apart. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 12-14 minutes—keep an eye on them! If they look puffier than you’d like midway through baking, give the pan a gentle bang on the oven rack to help them flatten out.

Step 11: Cool & Enjoy!

Once baked to perfection, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack to cool completely. Then grab yourself one—or maybe two—and enjoy every bite of these delightful chewy maple pumpkin cookies!

Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Baking these chewy maple pumpkin cookies is a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can elevate your cookie game even further!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your egg yolk and butter are at room temperature helps to create a smoother dough, which in turn encourages even baking and improves the texture of the cookies.

• Don’t skip the chilling: Chilling the dough for at least 8 hours (or overnight) allows the flavors to meld beautifully and helps prevent spreading during baking. This results in perfectly chewy cookies that hold their shape.

• Watch your baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; each oven is different. If you prefer softer cookies, take them out just as they start to look set but are still slightly underbaked in the center.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spice blend to suit your taste. Adding extra cinnamon or nutmeg can bring out more warmth and depth of flavor, making your cookies uniquely yours!

• Store properly: To keep your chewy maple pumpkin cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for later enjoyment—just thaw before serving!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy fall gathering or an afternoon treat with friends. Here are some fun ideas on how to present them!

Garnishes

• Drizzle with maple syrup: A light drizzle of pure maple syrup over the cooled cookies adds an extra touch of sweetness and enhances that delicious maple flavor.
• Sprinkle with chopped nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts provide a lovely crunch and complement the soft texture of the cookie.

Side Dishes

• Spiced apple cider: A warm cup of spiced apple cider pairs beautifully with these cookies, bringing together autumn flavors for a comforting snack.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serve these warm cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert that contrasts warm and cold textures.
• Fresh fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with apples, pears, and citrus offers a refreshing balance to the rich sweetness of the cookies.
• Coffee or tea: Enjoying your chewy maple pumpkin cookies with a hot cup of coffee or tea creates a cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for fall afternoons.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to create an unforgettable experience with your chewy maple pumpkin cookies! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep, making it easy to whip up a delicious batch ahead of time. You can store them for later enjoyment or even freeze some dough to bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate the cookies, which can extend their freshness for up to two weeks.

Freezing

• To freeze baked cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• For cookie dough, scoop the balls of dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months.

Reheating

• To enjoy your cookies warm, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave each cookie for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these chewy maple pumpkin cookies that might help you out!

Can I make chewy maple pumpkin cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the egg yolk with a flaxseed meal or chia seed mix. Combine 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit until it thickens, and use it as an egg replacement.

How do I achieve softer chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

To ensure your chewy maple pumpkin cookies remain soft and chewy, be careful not to overbake them. They should look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven; they will continue cooking on the baking sheet as they cool.

What if I don’t have pumpkin spice blend?

If you don’t have pumpkin spice blend on hand, you can easily make your own by mixing equal parts cinnamon and nutmeg with a pinch of ginger and cloves. This will give your chewy maple pumpkin cookies that delightful fall flavor!

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

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in some chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the dough before chilling it. Just keep in mind that this may change the texture slightly but will add extra deliciousness!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies as much as I do! They capture all the cozy flavors of fall in every bite. Whether you’re sharing them with friends at gatherings or enjoying them solo with a warm cup of tea, these cookies are sure to bring comfort and joy. Happy baking!