chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to share with friends or enjoy on a cozy evening at home, these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are just what you need! This recipe has become a cherished favorite in my kitchen, combining the warm flavors of fall with the chewy goodness of a cookie. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, each bite is like a hug from autumn itself.

These cookies are not only scrumptious but also super easy to whip up. Just imagine the aroma of cinnamon and maple wafting through your home as they bake. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party or simply indulging yourself, these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are bound to bring smiles all around!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: These cookies blend rich pumpkin and sweet maple syrup for an unforgettable taste.
• Chewy Texture: The brown butter gives them a wonderfully chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the spices.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is approachable for bakers of any skill level.
• Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s friends or family, everyone will love these cookies—making them great for gatherings!
• Make Ahead Convenience: The dough can chill overnight, so you can bake fresh cookies in no time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For these delightful chewy maple pumpkin cookies, you’ll only need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we 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 quite flexible! Here are some fun ways to mix things up:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an added crunch.
• Chocolate Chips: Stir in some dairy-free chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
• Frosting Fun: Top the cooled cookies with a maple-flavored frosting for extra sweetness.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spice blends like gingerbread or nutmeg for unique 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. To do this, melt the butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. Whisk continuously until it starts foaming and brown bits form at the bottom. This step adds deep flavor to your cookies! Once done, pour it into a clean bowl and let it cool for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

While your butter cools, take about 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin and scoop it onto paper towels laid over a shallow bowl. This helps absorb excess water from the pumpkin. It’s crucial because too much moisture can affect your cookie texture. After about 10 minutes, squeeze out any remaining water.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Once your brown butter is at room temperature, stir it together with light brown sugar and pure maple syrup until everything is nicely blended. Then mix in the egg yolk until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Add Pumpkin and Extracts

Next up, stir in the prepared pumpkin along with vanilla and optional maple extracts. This adds lovely layers of flavor that will make your cookies truly special.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently add your dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those chewy textures!

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge to chill for at least eight hours or overnight if possible. This step is essential; chilling helps develop flavor and improves texture.

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 you let your dough sit at room temperature for about half an hour.

Step 9: Prepare Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar with additional spice blend until well combined. Adjust spices according to taste if needed.

Step 10: Scoop & Roll Dough

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out dough balls and roll each one in the spiced sugar mixture until evenly coated.

Step 11: Bake Your Cookies

Place those beautifully coated dough balls on your lined baking sheet about 2-3 inches apart. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them—if they puff up too much during baking, give the pan a gentle bang on the oven rack after around ten minutes!

Step 12: Cool & Enjoy!

After baking, let them cool on the sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy those delicious chewy maple pumpkin cookies warm or store them for later—if they last that long!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies is a delightful experience, and with a few tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the butter and sugar cream together more easily, creating a better texture for your cookies.

• Don’t skip chilling the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 8 hours (or overnight) allows the flavors to meld and results in cookies that are chewy and flavorful.

• Check your oven temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature. To ensure accurate baking, consider using an oven thermometer. This way, you’ll prevent underbaked or overbaked cookies.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spice blend according to your taste. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves can enhance the flavor profile of your cookies.

• Store properly to maintain freshness: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help them stay chewy for days!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are not just delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving! Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some ideas on how to present this delightful treat.

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar Dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overpowering the cookie’s flavors.

• Chopped Nuts: Adding crushed pecans or walnuts on top provides a nice crunch and pairs beautifully with the soft texture of the cookie.

Side Dishes

• Hot Apple Cider: The warm spices in apple cider complement the flavors of the cookies, making for a perfect pairing during chilly evenings.

• Vanilla Almond Milk: This creamy beverage balances out the sweetness of the cookies while adding a nutty flavor that enhances your dessert experience.

• Pumpkin Spice Latte: For those who crave seasonal flavors, this classic coffee drink pairs wonderfully with your chewy maple pumpkin cookies, creating an inviting fall treat combo.

• Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses like brie or gouda can be an unexpected yet delightful contrast to the sweet flavors of your pumpkin cookies.

Enjoy baking and sharing these delectable chewy maple pumpkin cookies! They are sure to bring warmth and joy to any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough ahead of time, chill it, and bake fresh cookies whenever you want a sweet treat. Plus, they store beautifully for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover cookies in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow baked cookies to cool completely.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350 F (177 C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5 minutes.
• Enjoy them warm to experience that delicious chewy texture again!

FAQs

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

Can I use a different type of flour for chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Yes! While all-purpose flour is recommended for the best texture, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend if needed. Just be sure it’s a 1:1 substitute to maintain the same consistency.

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

To achieve the perfect chewiness, avoid overbaking the cookies. They should be slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven; they will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Can I make chewy maple pumpkin cookies without eggs?

Absolutely! To replace the egg yolk, try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water). This will help keep your cookies moist and chewy.

What spice blend works best for these chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

A classic pumpkin spice blend is wonderful for this recipe; however, chai spice also adds a unique depth of flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices!

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

Definitely! Chocolate chips would complement the flavors beautifully. Just fold in about 1/2 cup of mini or regular chocolate chips into the dough before chilling.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these chewy maple pumpkin cookies! They are not only delicious but also bring that cozy fall vibe straight into your kitchen. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them solo with a warm cup of tea, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your experience with me!