chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are just what you need! They combine the warm flavors of pumpkin and maple with a sweet and spicy sugar coating that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these cookies bring a delightful aroma to your kitchen and create wonderful memories with every bite.

This recipe has become a favorite of mine because it’s not only simple to make, but it also fills your home with that comforting scent of autumn. Whether you’re sharing them with friends at a gathering or enjoying them during a quiet afternoon, these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are sure to become a cherished tradition!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious cookies in no time.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves the taste of pumpkin and maple, making these cookies a hit for kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: The dough can be chilled overnight, so you can bake them fresh whenever you want!
• Delicious fall flavor: Every bite is infused with the warm spices and sweetness that make this season special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are made from simple and wholesome ingredients. You probably have most of them in your pantry already! Here’s what you’ll need:

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 Coating

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to get creative with your ingredients. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add chocolate chips: Stir in some semi-sweet or dairy-free chocolate chips for an indulgent twist.
• Include nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a nice crunch and extra flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to gluten sensitivities.
• Use different spices: Experiment with cinnamon or ginger for a unique flavor profile that suits your taste.

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 step adds depth and richness to your cookies. Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. As it starts to foam, whisk continuously until golden brown bits form at the bottom. Once ready, pour it into a clean bowl and let it cool for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

To ensure your cookies aren’t too watery, we need to prepare the pumpkin. Lay 2-3 paper towels across a shallow bowl and scoop about 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin onto it. Let it sit for a moment while the excess water absorbs into the towels. Before adding it to your dough, give it a gentle squeeze to remove any remaining moisture.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, spice blend, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the cookie mix. Set this aside; we’ll add it later!

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, stir together the cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until fully combined. Then add in the egg yolk and mix again until smooth. Afterward, stir in the prepared pumpkin along with both vanilla extracts until everything is well blended.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

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

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight if possible. Chilling allows flavors to meld beautifully while preventing excessive spreading during baking.

Step 7: Get Ready to Bake

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 out your chilled dough and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes—it helps improve spreading!

Step 8: Prepare Sugar Coating

While waiting for the dough, mix together granulated sugar and extra spices in a small bowl until well blended. Taste this mixture; adjust spices as desired!

Step 9: Scoop & Roll Dough

Using a cookie scoop (about 2 inches), scoop out portions of dough and roll them in your spiced sugar mixture until fully coated.

Step 10: Bake Your Cookies

Place those delightful cookie balls on your prepared sheets about 2-3 inches apart. Bake them in your preheated oven for around 12-14 minutes. At about halfway through baking—around 9-10 minutes—check on their puffiness! If they look too puffy for your liking, gently bang the sheet against the oven rack once or twice before finishing baking.

Step 11: Cool Down

Once baked to perfection, let them cool on their baking sheets atop wire racks for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them completely onto cooling racks.

And there you have it—delicious chewy maple pumpkin cookies that will bring warmth into every corner of your home! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and these tips will help you create the perfect batch of chewy maple pumpkin cookies!

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices can enhance the flavor profile significantly, giving your cookies that warm, comforting essence of fall.

• Cool the butter properly: Ensuring your brown butter is cooled to room temperature is key; this prevents the dough from becoming greasy and helps achieve that chewy texture.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill not only enhances the flavors but also helps prevent spreading during baking, ensuring those perfectly shaped cookies.

• Don’t skip the sugar coating: Rolling your cookie dough in spiced sugar before baking adds an extra layer of sweetness and a delightful crunch that complements the soft interior.

• Monitor baking time closely: Ovens can vary in temperature; keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of their baking time to avoid overcooking. The cookies should look slightly puffed but set at the edges.

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies not only taste delicious but also look inviting, making them perfect for any occasion!

Garnishes

• Drizzle of maple syrup: A light drizzle over each cookie will add a touch of sweetness and enhance the maple flavor.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and nuttiness that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin.
• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream can add a creamy element that complements these cookies beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: The warm, spiced notes of apple cider make for a cozy pairing with these cookies, perfect for fall gatherings.
• Pumpkin spice latte: This classic coffee drink mirrors the flavors in your cookies and creates a comforting beverage experience.
• Creamy vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream next to a warm cookie offers a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits like apples and pears adds freshness and balances out the richness of the cookies.

Enjoy serving these delightful chewy maple pumpkin cookies at your next gathering or as a cozy treat just for yourself!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the delightful taste of fall whenever you crave a sweet treat. With just a little planning, you can easily have these cookies ready to go for gatherings or cozy nights at home.

Storing Leftovers

• Place cooled cookies in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them, but be mindful that the texture may change slightly.

Freezing

• Before baking, scoop cookie dough balls and roll them in the spiced sugar mixture.
• Place the unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be stored for up to 3 months.
• To bake from frozen, add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

• If your cookies are refrigerated, let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and place cookies on a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 5-7 minutes or until warm. Enjoy that fresh-baked taste again!

FAQs

If you’re still curious about these chewy maple pumpkin cookies, I’ve got you covered with some common questions!

Can I substitute the egg yolk in chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Absolutely! You can use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or applesauce (1/4 cup) as an egg replacement in these chewy maple pumpkin cookies.

How do I ensure my chewy maple pumpkin cookies come out perfectly?

To achieve perfectly chewy maple pumpkin cookies, make sure your butter is browned properly and chill the dough before baking. This helps develop flavor and texture.

Can I use different spices in this chewy maple pumpkin cookie recipe?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different spice blends such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or even ginger. Each will bring its own unique twist to your chewy maple pumpkin cookies.

How long do homemade chewy maple pumpkin cookies last?

Homemade chewy maple pumpkin cookies stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, consider freezing them!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies as much as I do! They’re not just delicious; they embody the essence of fall in every bite. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring them yourself, these cookies are bound to bring warmth and joy. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends!