chewy maple pumpkin cookies
If you’re looking for the ultimate fall treat, these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are just what you need! The comforting aroma of spices and maple syrup fills the air as they bake, creating a cozy atmosphere that makes any day feel like a celebration. This recipe has been passed down through my family, and it never fails to bring smiles and warm hearts. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight dessert or a special family gathering, these cookies are sure to impress.
What makes these cookies so special is their chewy texture and rich flavor. The combination of pumpkin and maple syrup creates a delightful taste that dances on your tongue. Plus, the spiced sugar coating adds just the right amount of sweetness and warmth. You’ll find yourself reaching for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can whip up a batch in no time, perfect for novice bakers.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love these cookies! Their chewy texture makes them fun to eat.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can chill the dough overnight for an even more convenient baking experience.
- Delicious Flavor: The blend of pumpkin and maple syrup gives these cookies a unique taste that screams fall.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s cozy nights at home or festive gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need
These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are made from simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Each one plays a vital role in creating that deliciously chewy texture and rich flavor.
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 Sugar
- 1/2 c (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin or chai spice blend
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to customize it to suit your taste.
- Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra sweet touch, fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips before chilling the dough.
- Swap Sweeteners: Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
- Experiment with Spices: Try adding ginger or nutmeg for a unique twist on traditional flavors.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs.
How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies
Step 1: Make the Brown Butter
Start by making the brown butter about an hour before you plan to bake. This step is essential as browning the butter enhances its flavor and gives the cookies a deeper richness. Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan until it foams and turns golden brown with little bits forming at the bottom. Be sure to whisk continuously during this process to avoid burning!
Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin
Next, we need to prepare the canned pumpkin. Lay some paper towels in a shallow bowl and scoop out about 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree onto them. This helps absorb excess moisture so your cookies don’t end up too wet. After about 10 minutes, give it a gentle squeeze to remove any extra water before using.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together your flour, spice blend, baking soda, and salt until they are well combined. This step ensures that all dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout your dough for consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooled brown butter with light brown sugar and maple syrup until smooth. Then add in the egg yolk—this gives structure to your cookie—and stir until fully mixed. Next up is adding the prepared pumpkin along with both vanilla extracts; mix until everything is well blended together.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Carefully fold your dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; be careful not to overmix as this can make your cookies tough instead of chewy!
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover your dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least eight hours or up to overnight. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and helps create that perfect chewy texture when baked.
Step 7: 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 while you let your dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes; this will help them spread nicely during baking.
Step 8: Roll in Spiced Sugar
In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar with additional spice blend used in the cookie dough until combined. Using a cookie scoop, portion out balls of dough then roll each ball generously in the spiced sugar mixture before placing them on your prepared baking sheets—give them some space as they will spread!
Step 9: Bake & Cool
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 12-14 minutes or until they’re just set but still soft in the center. If they puff up too much during baking, gently bang them on the oven rack midway through cooking—this will create those lovely chewy edges! Once done baking, cool them on the sheet for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack.
Now you have delicious chewy maple pumpkin cookies ready to enjoy! Every bite is like taking a cozy hug from autumn itself. Happy baking!
Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies
Baking can be a delightful adventure, and these tips will ensure your chewy maple pumpkin cookies turn out perfectly every time!
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Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices can enhance the flavor of your cookies significantly. They’ll provide a stronger, more aromatic kick that elevates the overall taste.
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Don’t skip chilling the dough: Allowing your dough to chill not only helps develop flavors but also ensures that your cookies maintain their shape while baking. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect chewy texture.
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Measure pumpkin accurately: Make sure to blot the canned pumpkin well to remove excess moisture. Too much liquid can make your cookies cakey instead of chewy.
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Keep an eye on baking time: Every oven is different, so start checking your cookies a few minutes early. You want them to be set at the edges but still soft in the center for that ideal chewiness.
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Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread can help maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies
These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for cozy gatherings or as a sweet treat any day of the week! Here are some presentation ideas to make them shine.
Garnishes
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Drizzle with maple syrup: A light drizzle of pure maple syrup on top adds an extra layer of sweetness and showcases the maple flavor.
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Sprinkle with sea salt: A pinch of flaky sea salt on each cookie enhances the sweetness and provides a delightful contrast in flavor.
Side Dishes
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Hot apple cider: This warm drink pairs beautifully with the flavors of fall and complements the spices in your cookies perfectly.
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Creamy vanilla ice cream: Serve your warm cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert duo that balances warmth and coolness.
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Cheese platter: A selection of mild cheeses like brie or gouda can create an interesting contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, offering a savory touch.
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Seasonal fruit salad: A refreshing mix of apples, pears, and pomegranate seeds can add brightness to your dessert table while providing a healthy balance.
Now you’re all set to bake up these delightful chewy maple pumpkin cookies! Enjoy every bite and share the joy with those you love. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage
These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the delightful flavors of fall whenever the craving strikes! With a few simple storage techniques, you can keep these cookies fresh for days or even weeks.
Storing Leftovers
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer freshness, place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.
Freezing
- Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet until frozen solid.
- Transfer the frozen dough balls to a zip-top bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To bake from frozen, simply add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
- For best results, reheat cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
- You can also microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat!
FAQs
If you’re still curious about these delicious treats, here are some common questions I often hear.
Can I use regular butter instead of browned butter in chewy maple pumpkin cookies?
While regular butter works, using browned butter enhances the flavor profile and gives the cookies a rich, nutty taste that complements the pumpkin wonderfully.
How do I make chewy maple pumpkin cookies less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of brown sugar or maple syrup slightly without affecting the texture too much. Just be sure not to cut back too much, as sweetness plays a key role in flavor.
What variations can I try with my chewy maple pumpkin cookies?
Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits like cranberries for added texture and flavor! Each addition brings its own unique twist.
Can I make gluten-free chewy maple pumpkin cookies?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. This way, you can still enjoy these delightful cookies without gluten.
Final Thoughts
I hope this recipe for chewy maple pumpkin cookies fills your kitchen with warmth and delightful aromas. These treats are not just perfect for celebrating fall but also offer a cozy moment any day of the year. Enjoy making these scrumptious cookies and savor each bite—there’s nothing quite like sharing homemade goodies with loved ones. Happy baking!
Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies
Indulge in the comforting flavors of fall with these chewy maple pumpkin cookies. Each bite is a delightful blend of sweet maple syrup and rich pumpkin, enhanced by warm spices that fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma. These cookies boast a chewy texture that’s perfect for cozy evenings or festive gatherings, making them a beloved treat for all ages. Easy to prepare and versatile enough to customize, they are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether enjoyed solo or paired with a warm drink, these cookies encapsulate the essence of autumn.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
- 1 c (226g) 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 c (100g) granulated sugar for coating
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin or chai spice blend for coating
Instructions
- Prepare brown butter: Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat until golden brown; set aside to cool.
- Blot pumpkin: Place pumpkin puree on paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
- Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, spice blend, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooled brown butter with brown sugar and maple syrup until smooth. Add egg yolk, prepared pumpkin, and extracts; mix well.
- Combine mixtures: Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
- Chill dough: Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven: Heat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll in spiced sugar: Mix granulated sugar with spice blend; roll dough balls in this mixture before placing on baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are set but centers are soft.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg