chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall, these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are just what you need. They’re the kind of cookies that make your kitchen smell like autumn, with hints of warm spices and rich maple. Every bite is a delightful blend of sweetness and spice, making them perfect for everything from busy weeknights to festive gatherings with family and friends. Trust me; once you try these cookies, they’ll become a staple in your baking routine!

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are not only delicious but also easy to whip up. You can enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some dough for later! Whether you’re sharing them at a party or enjoying them with a cup of tea on a chilly evening, they’re sure to bring warmth and joy to your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Each ingredient is easy to find and wholesome, making this recipe approachable for everyone.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore these chewy treats! They’re perfect for baking together as a family.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can chill the dough overnight, making it easy to bake fresh cookies any time you want.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of maple syrup and pumpkin creates an irresistible flavor that’s perfect for fall.
• Chewy Texture: These cookies have the ideal chewy texture that keeps you coming back for more!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these irresistible chewy maple pumpkin cookies, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:

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

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to experiment with different flavors or ingredients based on your preferences. Here are a few fun ideas:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Mix in semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Frosting Option: Top each cookie with a light maple frosting if you’re feeling indulgent!
• Spice It Up: Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix for a little heat.

How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Step 1: Make the Brown Butter

Making brown butter is crucial because it adds a nutty flavor that’s simply divine. Start by melting the butter in a clear heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Keep whisking until it foams up and turns golden brown—this should take about 15 minutes. Once you see those lovely brown bits forming at the bottom, remove it from heat and pour it into a clean bowl to cool for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

Pumpkin can be watery, which might affect your cookie dough’s texture. To prevent this, place 2-3 paper towels across a shallow bowl and scoop about 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin onto them. Let it sit for a few minutes so the excess moisture can soak into the paper towels. Before adding it to your dough, give it a gentle squeeze to ensure it’s not too wet.

Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, your choice of spice blend, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Setting these dry ingredients aside helps ensure even distribution when mixed with the wet ingredients later.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In your mixing bowl with cooled brown butter, stir in the brown sugar and maple syrup until everything is well blended. This mixture will create that rich sweetness we love in our chewy maple pumpkin cookies.

Step 5: Add Egg Yolk and Pumpkin

Now it’s time to bring it all together! Stir in your room-temperature egg yolk until well combined. Then gently fold in the prepared pumpkin puree along with vanilla extract and optional maple extract. This step adds moisture and flavor.

Step 6: Mix Dry into Wet

Carefully stir in your flour mixture from earlier into this wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; we want our cookies soft and chewy!

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight if possible. Chilling allows flavors to meld beautifully while also helping control how much they spread during baking.

Step 8: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

When you’re ready to bake those delicious cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line one or two large cookie sheets with parchment paper so they won’t stick while baking.

Step 9: Roll Cookies in Sugar Mix

Take your chilled dough out of the fridge about 30 minutes before baking so it can warm slightly at room temperature. Meanwhile, mix together granulated sugar with some additional spice from earlier—a delightful touch! Use a cookie scoop to portion out dough balls and roll them in this spiced sugar mixture.

Step 10: Bake

Place your cookie dough balls on prepared baking sheets about 2-3 inches apart. Bake them at 350°F (177°C) for about 12-14 minutes; check around the 9-minute mark! If they look puffier than you’d like, firmly bang the pan on the oven rack—this helps deflate them slightly so they bake evenly.

Step 11: Cool

After taking them out of the oven, let your yummy chewy maple pumpkin cookies cool on the sheet for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

Now grab yourself some milk or tea because you deserve every single delicious bite of these delightful treats! Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

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

• Use chilled dough: Chilling the dough for at least 8 hours helps the flavors meld together and improves cookie texture. This step allows the dough to firm up, leading to thicker, chewier cookies.

• Don’t skip the brown butter: Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates your cookies beyond the ordinary. The caramelized bits create depth in taste that complements the pumpkin beautifully.

• Adjust spices to your taste: The spice blend can be tailored to your preference; whether you lean towards more cinnamon or nutmeg, adjusting these spices can make your cookies uniquely yours.

• Check for doneness early: Since ovens vary, keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. If they look puffy but undercooked at around 9-10 minutes, a gentle bang on the oven rack can help them settle and achieve that perfect texture.

• Allow cooling time: Letting the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them helps them set perfectly. This prevents them from breaking apart and keeps their chewy goodness intact.

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Presenting these chewy maple pumpkin cookies can be as fun as baking them! Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some ideas to serve them up.

Garnishes

• Drizzle of maple syrup: A light drizzle of pure maple syrup over the warm cookies can enhance their flavor and add a touch of sweetness.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and earthy notes that complement the pumpkin.
• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream provides a creamy contrast to the chewy texture while keeping it dairy-free and delicious.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider: Nothing says fall like a cozy mug of warm apple cider. Its sweet and spiced notes pair wonderfully with the flavors of your cookies.
• Vanilla almond milk: This creamy beverage offers a subtle sweetness that balances out the rich flavors of the cookies while being a refreshing accompaniment.
• Pumpkin soup: A small bowl of hearty pumpkin soup brings out even more pumpkin flavor in your meal. It’s comforting and makes for an inviting combination with your cookies.
• Cheese platter: Include some mild cheeses like brie or gouda alongside crackers for guests who enjoy savory flavors with their sweet treats. These pair beautifully with the spices in your cookies.

Enjoy creating and sharing these chewy maple pumpkin cookies—perfect for any occasion this fall!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep, making them an ideal snack or dessert for busy days. You can easily prepare the dough ahead of time or store baked cookies for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, consider placing a slice of bread in the container to help keep them soft.
• If you prefer, refrigerate the cookies for added longevity, but allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezing

• To freeze cookie dough, scoop the dough balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• For baked cookies, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen cookie dough, bake directly from the freezer without thawing, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• For baked cookies, microwave briefly (about 10-15 seconds) or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to refresh their texture.

FAQs

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

Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup in chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Yes! While maple syrup adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with honey or agave syrup if you prefer.

How can I make chewy maple pumpkin cookies gluten-free?

You can easily make these chewy maple pumpkin cookies gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

What makes these chewy maple pumpkin cookies special?

The combination of browned butter and pure maple syrup gives these chewy maple pumpkin cookies their rich flavor and amazing chewiness, making them perfect for fall!

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

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra treat that pairs beautifully with the fall flavors.

How long will my chewy maple pumpkin cookies stay fresh?

If stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, your chewy maple pumpkin cookies will stay fresh for about five days.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies as much as I do! Their warm flavors and delightful chewiness make them a special treat during the fall season. Enjoy sharing them with family and friends or keeping a batch just for yourself. Happy baking!