chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall, then these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are just what you need! With their soft, buttery texture and warm spices, they are an absolute joy to enjoy on cozy evenings or share at family gatherings. The sweet aroma of maple and pumpkin fills the air as you bake, making it feel like a warm hug from the inside out. Plus, they’re easy to whip up, so you can enjoy them any day of the week!

Perfect for busy weeknights or festive celebrations, these cookies have quickly become a staple in my home. Whether snacking with a cup of tea or treating friends during the holidays, these chewy maple pumpkin cookies have a way of bringing everyone together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these ingredients already in your pantry!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and maple syrup creates a uniquely sweet and spicy cookie that’s hard to resist.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love helping to make and decorate these cookies, making it a fun family activity.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dough in advance and pop it in the fridge—perfect for last-minute baking!
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as-is or with your favorite frosting for an extra special touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies come together with simple, wholesome ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. 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 wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra treat.
• Include Nuts: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Frost Them: Top with your favorite plant-based frosting for a sweet twist.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spice blends like cinnamon or nutmeg for varied flavors.

How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Step 1: Make the Brown Butter

Start by making brown butter about an hour before you plan to bake. This step adds a rich, nutty flavor to your cookies. Simply melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Whisk continuously until brown bits form at the bottom—this takes about 15 minutes. Once done, pour it into a clean bowl and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

To ensure your cookies don’t turn out too wet, blot out excess moisture from the canned pumpkin. Lay 2-3 paper towels across a wide bowl and scoop about 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree onto them. Let it sit so that the paper towels absorb excess water. Before adding it to your dough, give it a gentle squeeze.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, your chosen spice blend, baking soda, and salt until everything is well mixed. This will help evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices throughout your cookie dough.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In your mixing bowl with cooled brown butter, stir in light brown sugar and pure maple syrup until combined. The mixture should be smooth and glossy—a sign that those flavors are melding beautifully!

Step 5: Add Egg Yolks and Flavors

Stir in the egg yolk until fully incorporated, followed by the blotted pumpkin along with vanilla and optional maple extracts. This mixture will add richness and depth to your chewy maple pumpkin cookies.

Step 6: Combine All Ingredients

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients into your wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those delicious pockets of flavor!

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Cover your cookie dough tightly with plastic wrap. Chill it in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight if you can wait! Chilling helps enhance flavors and firm up the dough for perfect shaping later on.

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 helping achieve golden edges.

Step 9: Make Sugar Coating

Mix granulated sugar with additional spice blend used for flavoring in your cookie dough. Adjust spices according to taste; it’s all about finding that perfect balance!

Step 10: Shape Cookies

Using a cookie scoop (about 2 inches), scoop out portions of dough. Roll each ball in the spiced sugar mixture until well coated. Place them approximately 2-3 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Step 11: Bake

Bake your cookies at 350°F (177°C) for about 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them after about ten minutes; if they look puffier than desired, gently tap the baking sheet against the oven rack several times to encourage spreading.

Step 12: Cool Down

Let your freshly baked chewy maple pumpkin cookies 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 scrumptious chewy maple pumpkin cookies ready to share—or keep all to yourself! Enjoy every bite this fall season!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Baking these chewy maple pumpkin cookies is a delightful experience, and with a few helpful tips, you can make them even more scrumptious!

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices enhance the flavor profile of your cookies, making them more aromatic and tasty. If possible, grind your spices just before adding them to the dough for a burst of flavor.

• Don’t skip chilling the dough: Chilling the cookie dough allows the flavors to meld and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. This results in a thicker, chewier texture that’s simply divine.

• Check your oven temperature: Every oven can be a little different, so it’s a good idea to use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the right temperature. This will help you achieve perfect baking results every time.

• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries to the dough for added texture and flavor. Just remember to adjust baking time if you change the ingredients!

• Store properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or freeze them for longer storage. This keeps them fresh and chewy for whenever that cookie craving strikes!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some fun ways to present them that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Drizzle of maple syrup: A light drizzle of pure maple syrup over the top adds a lovely touch of sweetness and enhances their fall flavor.
• Sprinkle of coarse sea salt: A pinch of flaky sea salt on top balances out the sweetness and adds an unexpected savory element that enhances each bite.

Side Dishes

• Cinnamon-spiced whipped cream: Serve these cookies with a dollop of cinnamon-spiced whipped cream on the side for a creamy contrast that complements their chewy texture.
• Warm apple cider: The cozy warmth of spiced apple cider pairs beautifully with these cookies, making for a comforting treat on chilly days.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside these cookies creates a delightful mix of warm and cold sensations, perfect for indulging!
• Chai latte: The spiced notes in chai latte echo the flavors in your cookies, creating a harmonious pairing that elevates snack time into something special.

Enjoy making and sharing these delightful chewy maple pumpkin cookies—perfect for any fall gathering or simply as a sweet treat at home!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough ahead of time, ensuring you have a delicious treat ready to bake whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Place leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
• For added freshness, you can place a slice of bread in the container.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the baked cookies cool completely.
• Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
• For cookie dough, scoop the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Use within 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.
• If you prefer warm cookies, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

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

Can I use regular butter instead of European style butter?

Yes! While European style butter adds richness due to its higher fat content, regular unsalted butter will work just fine in these chewy maple pumpkin cookies.

How do I achieve the perfect chewiness in my cookies?

To enhance chewiness, ensure you don’t overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients. Chilling the dough also helps create that soft and chewy texture.

Can I substitute pumpkin puree with anything else?

For a different flavor twist, you can use applesauce or mashed banana as a substitute. However, keep in mind that this will alter the overall taste of your chewy maple pumpkin cookies.

How can I make these chewy maple pumpkin cookies vegan?

You can replace the egg yolk with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use plant-based butter instead of regular butter.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies as much as I do! They’re perfect for those cozy fall moments or any time you crave something sweet and comforting. So gather your ingredients and get baking—these delightful treats are sure to bring a smile to your face. Happy baking!