chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are just what you need! They are soft, buttery, and bursting with warm spices that remind us of cozy evenings by the fire. I love making these cookies for family gatherings or simply as a sweet snack during busy weeknights. The combination of maple syrup and pumpkin creates an irresistible flavor that everyone will adore!

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying with your favorite cup of tea. Plus, they fill your kitchen with an amazing aroma while baking—who can resist that? Let’s dive into how to make this scrumptious treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal fuss, you can whip up a batch in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cookies! These are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Chill the dough overnight for easier prep on a busy day.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The blend of spices and maple syrup makes each bite a taste of autumn bliss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how easy it is to gather the ingredients for these chewy maple pumpkin cookies. They’re all wholesome staples you probably have in your pantry already!

For the Cookies

• 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 wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your flavors and ingredients.

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra sweet surprise.
• Substitute Sweeteners: Swap out brown sugar for coconut sugar if you’re looking for a healthier option.
• Try Different Spices: Experiment with ginger or nutmeg to give your cookies a unique twist.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Brown Butter

Make brown butter about an hour before you plan to bake. This step adds a nutty flavor that elevates your cookies. Melt the butter in a clear heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. Once it begins to foam, whisk continuously until you see brown bits forming at the bottom. Remove from heat and transfer it to a clean bowl to cool for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

While the butter cools, let’s prepare the pumpkin. Place 2-3 paper towels in a wide, shallow bowl and scoop about 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin onto them. This helps remove excess moisture so your cookies don’t turn out soggy. After letting it sit for a few minutes, squeeze out any remaining water.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, spice blend, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This ensures that every cookie has an even distribution of flavors.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cooled brown butter, light brown sugar, and maple syrup until nicely blended. Then add in the egg yolk until fully incorporated. Next, mix in the prepared pumpkin along with vanilla and optional maple extracts.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Gradually stir in your dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those soft cookie textures!

Step 6: Chill Dough

Cover your dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight if possible. Chilling allows flavors to meld beautifully and makes rolling easier.

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 for easy cleanup. Take the dough out of the fridge so it can sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Step 8: Prepare Sugar Coating

While waiting for the dough to warm up slightly, combine granulated sugar with additional spice blend in a small bowl until well mixed.

Step 9: Scoop & Roll Dough Balls

Using a 2-inch cookie scoop, scoop out portions of cookie dough and roll them in your spiced sugar mixture until they’re nicely coated.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Place dough balls about 2-3 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 12-14 minutes. If they puff up too much while baking, gently tap the pan on the oven rack after around 9-10 minutes.

Step 11: Cool Before Enjoying

Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This helps them set properly while still being chewy!

There you have it—delicious chewy maple pumpkin cookies ready to share (or keep all to yourself)! Enjoy every bite as they embody everything wonderful about fall!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

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

• Use room temperature ingredients: Let your egg yolk and canned pumpkin sit at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and improves the texture of the cookies.

• Don’t skip the chilling step: Chilling the dough not only enhances the flavors but also improves the texture by preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

• Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary, so check your cookies a minute or two before the suggested baking time. This ensures they stay chewy and don’t overbake.

• Brown your butter carefully: Watch your butter closely while browning. It can go from perfect to burnt in seconds! The brown bits add a rich flavor that elevates your cookies.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spice blend to suit your taste! Adding a pinch more cinnamon or nutmeg can give it that extra fall warmth you love.

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving them. Here are some delightful ways to present and enjoy them!

Garnishes

• Drizzle of maple syrup: A light drizzle of pure maple syrup on top adds an extra layer of sweetness and enhances the maple flavor.
• Sprinkle of sea salt: A tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving can create a lovely contrast with the sweet cookie, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider: This spiced beverage is perfect for fall and pairs beautifully with the flavors of pumpkin and maple, creating a cozy vibe.
• Creamy vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside these warm cookies makes for an indulgent dessert that balances out the spices perfectly.
• Roasted nuts: A mix of roasted pecans or walnuts provides a crunchy contrast to the soft, chewy texture of the cookies.
• Chai latte: The warm spices in chai complement the flavors in these cookies nicely, making it an ideal pairing for an afternoon treat.

Now that you’re equipped with pro tips and serving ideas, get ready to delight friends and family with these scrumptious chewy maple pumpkin cookies! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch ahead of time and store them for later, ensuring you always have a delicious treat on hand.

Storing Leftovers

• Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• For best freshness, enjoy them within 5 days.
• If you prefer softer cookies, place a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture.

Freezing

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

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Place frozen or refrigerated cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
• Enjoy them warm for that freshly baked taste!

FAQs

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

Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of chai spice blend?

Absolutely! Pumpkin pie spice will give your chewy maple pumpkin cookies a wonderful flavor that complements the pumpkin perfectly.

How can I make my chewy maple pumpkin cookies even chewier?

To enhance the chewiness of your chewy maple pumpkin cookies, try chilling the dough longer before baking. This helps develop flavors and improves texture!

Can I substitute maple syrup with another sweetener?

While maple syrup adds unique flavor, you can replace it with agave syrup or honey if necessary. However, this may alter the taste slightly.

How do I know when my chewy maple pumpkin cookies are done baking?

Your cookies should look set and slightly puffed. If they appear too puffy, gently bang the pan on the oven rack as described in the recipe to encourage spreading.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re excited to try these chewy maple pumpkin cookies! They embody everything wonderful about fall with their rich flavors and comforting texture. Whether enjoyed with friends or savored solo with a cup of tea, they are sure to bring warmth and joy into your kitchen. Happy baking, and I can’t wait for you to experience these delightful treats!