chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect! With their delightful blend of maple and pumpkin flavors, they’re an irresistible addition to any gathering or simply enjoyed on a chilly evening. I love making these cookies during the busy holiday season, and they also make a fantastic snack for family movie nights. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These chewy maple pumpkin cookies come together quickly and easily, making them perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet, buttery taste of these cookies—no one can resist them!
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can chill the dough overnight, which means you can bake fresh cookies whenever you’re ready.
• Delicious Fall Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and maple syrup creates a flavor profile that screams cozy autumn vibes.
• Versatile Treat: Whether for celebrations or just everyday snacking, these cookies fit every occasion perfectly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to create this delicious treat!

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 Coating

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to adapt it based on what you have at home or your preferences.

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some dairy-free chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
• Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the dough for added texture.
• Spice It Up: Adjust the spice blend to include more cinnamon or ginger if you want an extra kick.
• Frosting Fun: Top your cookies with a light drizzle of maple icing for an extra sweet touch.

How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Brown Butter

First things first—let’s make that delicious brown butter! Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. As it melts, keep whisking until it foams up and turns golden-brown. This step adds a rich, nutty flavor to your cookies. Once it’s ready, pour it into a clean bowl and let it cool down to room temperature.

Step 2: Blot the Pumpkin

Now we need to prepare our pumpkin puree. Place some paper towels in a shallow bowl and add about half a cup of canned pumpkin on top. This helps absorb excess moisture so our cookies don’t turn out too wet. After letting it sit for a bit, squeeze out any extra water before adding it to the mixing bowl later.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, your chosen spice blend, baking soda, and salt until everything is well mixed. This ensures that your spices are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In your large mixing bowl, stir together cooled brown butter, light brown sugar, and pure maple syrup until well combined. This mixture will be rich and sweet—just what we want for our cookie dough!

Step 5: Add Egg Yolk and Pumpkin

Next up is adding in the egg yolk along with our prepared pumpkin puree. Mix everything together until smooth. Then add in vanilla extract plus optional maple extract if you’re feeling adventurous; this will enhance that lovely flavor even more!

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly stir in the dry ingredients from earlier into your wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those chewy textures that make these cookies so special!

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least eight hours or overnight if possible. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together beautifully—trust me on this one!

Step 8: 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 waiting for your chilled dough to sit at room temperature for about thirty minutes. This helps them spread just right while baking.

Step 9: Prepare Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar with additional spice blend used in the cookie dough until combined well. Give it a taste test! Adjust spices if needed based on preference.

Step 10: Scoop & Roll Cookies

Using a 2-inch cookie scoop or tablespoon measure, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls before coating each ball thoroughly in the spiced sugar mixture.

Step 11: Bake!

Place those lovely cookie dough balls about two inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake in your preheated oven for about 12-14 minutes. At around nine minutes into baking time check them; if they look puffier than desired—give your pan a gentle bang on the oven rack. Finish baking till they’re set but still soft inside.

Step 12: Cool & Enjoy!

Once baked perfectly golden-brown around edges yet soft centers remain intact—let them cool on their sheets atop cooling racks for about three to five minutes before transferring fully onto racks to cool completely.

And there you have it! Your very own batch of chewy maple pumpkin cookies awaits! Enjoy them warm with a cup of tea or coffee—it’s pure bliss!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Baking is all about precision and a little love! Here are some helpful tips to ensure your chewy maple pumpkin cookies turn out perfectly every time:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing your egg yolk and other ingredients to reach room temperature helps them blend more smoothly into the dough, creating a consistent texture and enhancing the overall flavor of the cookies.

• Chill the dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough for at least 8 hours allows the flavors to meld together and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in a thicker, chewier cookie.

• Watch your baking time: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake, especially around the 9-10 minute mark. This ensures you achieve that perfect chewy texture without overbaking.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spice blend according to your taste. A little extra cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the fall flavors even more, making these cookies uniquely yours!

• Store properly: To maintain their softness, store your cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread. This will help keep them fresh and chewy for days!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These delightful chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration. Here’s how to present them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Sprinkled Cinnamon Sugar: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top of each cookie adds an enticing touch and enhances their autumnal flavor.
• Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts for a crunchy contrast that complements the soft chewiness of the cookie.

Side Dishes

• Hot Apple Cider: The warmth and spice of hot apple cider pair beautifully with these cookies, creating a comforting fall treat.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serving these cookies warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast between warm and cold, making every bite irresistible!
• Pumpkin Spice Latte: For an extra dose of fall flavor, enjoy your cookies with a cozy pumpkin spice latte. The creamy texture and spiced notes harmonize perfectly with the cookies.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can lighten up the dessert experience. Choose seasonal fruits like apples and pears to complement those autumn flavors beautifully.

Now that you’re armed with pro tips and serving suggestions, get ready to enjoy these scrumptious chewy maple pumpkin cookies! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer, so you always have a delicious treat ready to bake whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, consider layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer the cookie dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, no need to thaw; just bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

• To reheat cookies, place them on a microwave-safe plate and warm for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about these delightful chewy maple pumpkin cookies!

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

Absolutely! While European style butter provides a richer flavor due to its higher fat content, regular unsalted butter will work just fine. The key is to brown it for that delicious nutty flavor.

How do I achieve perfectly chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

To ensure your chewy maple pumpkin cookies turn out perfectly, make sure not to overmix the dough once you incorporate the dry ingredients. Chilling the dough is also crucial as it helps prevent spreading while baking.

Can I substitute the pumpkin puree in chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Yes! If you’re looking for alternatives, you could use applesauce or mashed bananas, though this might slightly alter the flavor and texture of your cookies.

How should I store leftover chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Store your leftover chewy maple pumpkin cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, consider freezing them!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies as much as I do! They’re such a wonderful treat that captures all the cozy flavors of fall. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them solo with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to bring joy. Happy baking, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or want to share your cookie-making adventures!