chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are a warm hug in cookie form. They’re easy to whip up and bring a cozy vibe to any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a family get-together or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, these cookies will make your heart sing and your taste buds dance.

What I love most about this recipe is how it combines the rich flavors of maple and pumpkin, creating a chewy texture that’s simply irresistible. Plus, they’re coated in a sweet and spicy sugar that adds an extra layer of flavor. Trust me; once you bake these chewy maple pumpkin cookies, you’ll want to share them with everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy preparation: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you can have these cookies ready in no time!
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone from kids to adults will adore these chewy treats. They are perfect for sharing!
• Make-ahead convenience: The dough can be chilled overnight, making it easy to bake fresh cookies when you need them.
• Delicious fall flavor: Each bite is packed with the warm spices and sweetness that define autumn.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies is a breeze with just a few wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookie Dough

• 2 1/4 c (270g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp pumpkin or chai spice blend
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 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 the Sugar Coating

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

Variations

This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to get creative! Here are some fun ideas for variations:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an added crunch.
• Include chocolate chips: Mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Try different extracts: Experiment with almond or hazelnut extract instead of vanilla for unique flavors.
• Make them gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.

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 special step adds depth and richness to your cookies! Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. Once it starts to foam, whisk continuously until brown bits form at the bottom. It should smell nutty and fragrant. Pour it into a clean bowl and let it cool for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

To ensure your cookies don’t end up too watery, lay out 2-3 paper towels in a shallow bowl. Scoop about 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin onto the towels and let it sit for a bit. The paper will absorb excess moisture—just squeeze out any remaining water before using it in your dough.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, spice blend, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step ensures even distribution of flavors throughout your dough.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, stir together the cooled brown butter, light brown sugar, and pure maple syrup until smooth. Then add in the egg yolk and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Add Pumpkin & Extracts

Stir in the blotted pumpkin puree along with vanilla extract and optional maple extract until everything is well combined. The mixture should look velvety soft!

Step 6: Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this helps maintain that chewy texture we love!

Step 7: Chill Your Dough

Cover your dough with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight if possible. Chilling helps develop flavors and makes scooping easier.

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 your dough sits at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Step 9: Mix Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar with your chosen spice blend until evenly combined—this will give our cookies that lovely sweet crust!

Step 10: Scoop & Roll Dough Balls

Using a cookie scoop, portion out dough balls about two inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Roll each ball in the spiced sugar mixture before placing them on the sheet.

Step 11: Bake

Bake your cookies for about 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them; if they look puffier than you’d like around the 9-10 minute mark, gently bang the pan against the oven rack to help flatten them out before finishing baking.

Step 12: Cool & Enjoy

Once baked to perfection, let cool on the sheet for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Take a moment to admire those beautiful chewy maple pumpkin cookies before diving in!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Baking can be a delightful experience, especially when you have a few tips up your sleeve to make these chewy maple pumpkin cookies even more scrumptious!

• Use high-quality maple syrup: The flavor of your cookies will greatly benefit from pure maple syrup rather than imitation syrup. It adds depth and complexity to the sweetness.

• Don’t skip the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps develop flavor and ensures your cookies maintain a chewy texture instead of spreading too thin while baking.

• Check for doneness carefully: Every oven is different, so keeping an eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking is crucial. You want them to be set but still soft in the center for that perfect chewy bite.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spice blend according to your taste. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger can bring out even more autumn flavors.

• Storage matters: Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, consider freezing them — just make sure they are fully cooled before wrapping!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are not only delicious on their own, but they also lend themselves well to creative serving ideas that will impress family and friends!

Garnishes

• Dust with powdered sugar: A light sprinkling of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal that complements the rich flavors of the cookie.
• Serve with whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream brings in extra creaminess and pairs perfectly with the spiced cookie.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: The warm spices in apple cider resonate beautifully with these cookies, making it a comforting beverage choice for fall gatherings.
• Maple-infused oatmeal: Serve your cookies alongside a bowl of maple-infused oatmeal for a cozy breakfast or snack option that echoes their flavors.
• Pumpkin spice latte: Enhance your treat time with a homemade pumpkin spice latte — the creamy coffee drink pairs excellently with the pumpkin flavor in the cookies.
• Cheese platter: A selection of mild cheeses like brie or gouda can provide a savory contrast, creating an enjoyable balance when served next to sweet cookies.

Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful chewy maple pumpkin cookies! They’re sure to become a favorite during your fall festivities.

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough ahead of time and enjoy freshly baked cookies whenever you crave them. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat them:

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Alternatively, freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen baked cookies, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then warm in a preheated oven at 350 F (177 C) for 5-7 minutes.
• If reheating from the fridge, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until soft.

FAQs

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

Can I use regular butter instead of European style for chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Absolutely! While European style butter adds richness due to its higher fat content, regular unsalted butter will work just fine. Just make sure it’s softened before mixing.

How can I adjust the spices in my chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Feel free to customize the spice blend according to your preference! You can add more cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cloves for a bolder flavor. Tasting the sugar mixture before rolling the dough helps find your perfect balance!

What makes these chewy maple pumpkin cookies so special?

The combination of brown butter and pure maple syrup creates a rich flavor profile that perfectly complements the pumpkin. This results in a cookie that is not only chewy but also infused with warm fall spices.

Can I make these chewy maple pumpkin cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about these chewy maple pumpkin cookies as I am! They bring together all the cozy flavors of fall in every delicious bite. Whether you’re sharing them at gatherings or enjoying them solo with a cup of tea, they’re bound to brighten your day. Happy baking, and I can’t wait for you to try this delightful recipe!