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! With their delightful blend of pumpkin and maple flavors, these cookies are sure to bring warmth to any occasion—be it a busy weeknight or a festive family gathering. The chewy texture, combined with the sweet and spicy sugar coating, makes each bite a little piece of happiness. Trust me; once you bake these up, they’ll become a go-to favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels. You can whip up a batch without any fuss!
• Delicious Fall Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and maple syrup creates a warm, comforting taste that’s perfect for autumn.
• Family-Friendly: These cookies are a hit with both kids and adults alike. They make for great snacks or desserts after dinner.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Chill the dough overnight, and you can bake fresh cookies whenever you want them!
• Versatile Options: This recipe can be easily adapted to suit different tastes or dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For these chewy maple pumpkin cookies, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Don’t worry; they’re easy to find! Here’s what you’ll need:

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 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 experiment with different flavors or ingredients to make it your own.

• Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a lovely crunch and extra flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Stir in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra sweet twist.
• Swap the Spice: If you prefer a different flavor profile, try using cinnamon or ginger instead of pumpkin spice.
• Frosting Option: Top your cookies with a vegan frosting made from coconut cream and maple syrup for an indulgent treat.

How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Step 1: Make the Brown Butter

Start by making your 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. Keep whisking until it foams and develops those lovely brown bits—this is where all the flavor comes from! Once done, pour it into a clean bowl and let it cool at room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

While your butter cools, it’s time to prepare your canned pumpkin. Lay 2-3 paper towels across a shallow bowl and scoop about 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree onto them. Allow the excess moisture to absorb into the towels—this will ensure your cookies aren’t too wet.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, your chosen spice blend, baking soda, and salt until everything is well combined. This step helps ensure that your spices are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cooled brown butter with light brown sugar and pure maple syrup until everything is nicely blended. This mixture should be smooth and inviting!

Step 5: Add Egg Yolk & Pumpkin

Next, stir in your room-temperature egg yolk until fully incorporated. Then add in the blotted pumpkin along with vanilla extract—and if you’re feeling adventurous—a touch of maple extract too! Mixing these wet ingredients creates that rich base for your cookie dough.

Step 6: Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures

Carefully fold in those dry ingredients into your wet mixture until just combined. Be gentle here; overmixing can lead to tough cookies. You want that perfect chewy texture!

Step 7: Chill Your Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight if possible. Chilling helps develop flavors and improves texture—trust me on this one!

Step 8: Preheat & Prepare Baking Sheets

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line one or two large baking sheets with parchment paper while allowing your chilled dough to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Step 9: Sugar Coating Preparation

In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar with an additional spoonful of your chosen spice blend until well combined. Taste it! Adjust as needed—you want it just right!

Step 10: Scoop & Roll Cookies

Using a cookie scoop (about 2 inches), scoop out some dough balls. Roll each one in that spiced sugar mixture until coated nicely.

Step 11: Bake & Cool Cookies

Place each dough ball on the prepared baking sheet about 2-3 inches apart. Bake for approximately 12-14 minutes. Check around the halfway mark; if they’re puffier than desired, give them a gentle bang on the oven rack! Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them to cooling racks.

Now all that’s left is to enjoy these deliciously chewy maple pumpkin cookies! They’ll fill your kitchen with delightful aromas—perfect for sharing or savoring all on your own!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Baking can be a delightful adventure, especially when you have a few handy tips up your sleeve!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter, egg yolk, and pumpkin puree to room temperature ensures they mix more easily with the other ingredients, resulting in a smoother cookie dough.

• Don’t skip chilling the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 8 hours helps to develop flavors and creates a firmer texture, which leads to those perfectly chewy cookies we all love.

• Check your oven temperature: Ovens can vary in heat distribution. If you find that your cookies are baking unevenly, consider using an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.

• Adjust the spice levels: Feel free to customize the spice blend according to your taste! Adding more or less of your favorite spices can personalize these cookies for your palate.

• Experiment with add-ins: For added texture and flavor, consider folding in some chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried cranberries into the cookie dough before chilling!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Serving these delightful chewy maple pumpkin cookies is all about creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for sharing with family and friends. Here are some great ideas to enhance your presentation!

Garnishes

• Drizzle of maple syrup: A light drizzle of pure maple syrup on top adds an extra touch of sweetness and showcases the star ingredient.
• Sprinkle of cinnamon sugar: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top right after baking will enhance both flavor and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Chai latte: This warm beverage pairs beautifully with the spices in the cookies, creating a comforting experience that’s perfect for fall.
• Apple cider: The tartness of apple cider complements the sweetness of the cookies wonderfully and evokes all those cozy autumn vibes.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream served alongside warm cookies creates a delicious contrast that is simply irresistible!
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad featuring apples, pears, and pomegranates provides a light and healthy balance to these rich cookies.

With these tips and serving suggestions in mind, you’ll be ready to share your chewy maple pumpkin cookies with everyone around you. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and have delicious cookies ready for any occasion.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough by scooping it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, then freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a resealable freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
• To bake from frozen, simply add 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

• To enjoy your chewy maple pumpkin cookies warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.

FAQs

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

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

Yes! Regular unsalted butter will work well; just ensure it’s melted and cooled before combining with other ingredients.

How do I make chewy maple pumpkin cookies less sweet?

You can reduce the brown sugar or maple syrup slightly. Just keep in mind that this may alter the texture a bit!

What can I use if I don’t have canned pumpkin for chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

You can substitute with homemade pumpkin puree or even mashed sweet potatoes if needed!

How long do chewy maple pumpkin cookies last after baking?

When stored properly, they last about 5 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these chewy maple pumpkin cookies! They’re not only delightful but also capture the essence of fall with every bite. Enjoy making them for yourself or sharing them with friends and family. Happy baking, and let me know how they turn out!