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 combine the warm flavors of pumpkin and maple, creating a cookie that’s both chewy and sweet. I love how these cookies fill my kitchen with a cozy aroma, making them perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Trust me; once you bake these up, they’ll become a staple in your home!

Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or sharing them with friends, every bite is a hug in cookie form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can whip these cookies up in no time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a celebration or just a cozy night in, they fit right in.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet and spicy flavor of these cookies.
• Make Ahead Convenience: Chill the dough overnight for easy baking when you’re ready!
• Fall Flavor in Every Bite: The combination of pumpkin and maple is simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies is straightforward with wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/4 c (270g) all purpose flour
• 2 tsp pumpkin or chai spice blend
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 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

Coating

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to customize your chewy maple pumpkin cookies:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some dark chocolate or butterscotch chips for an extra treat.
• Incorporate Nuts: Walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with different spice blends like cinnamon or nutmeg for unique flavors.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a different twist.

How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Step 1: Make the Brown Butter

Start by preparing the brown butter about an hour before baking. This step adds depth to your cookies. Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. Once it starts foaming, whisk continuously until you see brown bits forming at the bottom. Remove it from heat and pour it into a clean bowl to cool. Let it sit until it’s room temperature; this process takes about 30 minutes but is totally worth it!

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

While your butter cools, it’s time to prepare the pumpkin. Place 2-3 paper towels across a shallow bowl and scoop out about 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin onto them. The paper towels will absorb excess moisture from the pumpkin—important for achieving that perfect chewy texture! Squeeze out any additional water before adding it to your dough.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Next up, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, spice blend, baking soda, and salt. This helps ensure even distribution of flavors throughout your cookie dough.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, stir together your cooled brown butter, light brown sugar, and pure maple syrup until combined. This mixture should be creamy and smooth—this is where those lovely sweet notes come from!

Step 5: Add Egg Yolk and Pumpkin

Now add in your egg yolk and mix until fully incorporated. Follow this by stirring in the prepared pumpkin along with vanilla and optional maple extracts until everything is well combined.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—be careful not to overmix! This helps keep your cookies tender while ensuring they’re packed with flavor.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough tightly with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight if possible. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully while also helping achieve that chewy texture we love.

Step 8: Preheat Oven & Prepare Cookie 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.

Step 9: Prepare Sugar Coating

While waiting for the oven to heat up, mix together granulated sugar with half a teaspoon of your chosen spice blend in a shallow dish. Adjust spices to taste—this will create an irresistible coating!

Step 10: Scoop and Roll Cookies

Using a 2-inch cookie scoop, portion out balls of cookie dough and roll them in your spiced sugar mixture until fully coated.

Step 11: Bake Cookies

Place the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheets about 2-3 inches apart. Bake them for about 12-14 minutes. At around minute ten, check on their puffiness; if they’re too puffy for your liking, give them a gentle bang on the oven rack!

Step 12: Cool Cookies

Once baked to perfection, allow them to cool on the sheet for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack to finish cooling completely.

And there you have it! A delightful batch of chewy maple pumpkin cookies ready for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! Enjoy each bite as you embrace those cozy fall vibes!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These tips will help you achieve the best chewy maple pumpkin cookies that are sure to impress your family and friends!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your egg yolk and other ingredients to room temperature helps them blend more smoothly, which results in a better cookie texture.

• Don’t skip chilling the dough: Chilling the dough for at least 8 hours allows the flavors to meld and improves the cookie’s structure, resulting in a perfectly chewy texture.

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents dense cookies caused by excess flour.

• Keep an eye on baking time: Every oven is different! Start checking your cookies a couple of minutes before the suggested time to avoid overbaking and ensure they stay chewy.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spice blend to suit your taste. Adding more cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the fall flavor profile of these delightful cookies.

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for sharing, whether at a cozy gathering or as an afternoon treat. Here are some fun ways to serve them!

Garnishes

• Sprinkle with powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
• Drizzle with maple syrup: A gentle drizzle of pure maple syrup enhances the flavor and gives a lovely sheen to each cookie.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: The warm spiced notes of apple cider complement the flavors of pumpkin beautifully, making it the perfect drink alongside these cookies.
• Vanilla ice cream: Pairing these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture, enhancing the overall experience.
• Creamy chai latte: The spices in chai tea resonate with those in the cookies, making this beverage an ideal pairing for cozy afternoons.
• Mixed nuts: A bowl of lightly salted mixed nuts provides a crunchy contrast to the soft, chewy texture of the cookies, adding variety to your snack table.

Enjoy baking these delicious chewy maple pumpkin cookies, and don’t forget to share them with loved ones!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make the dough in advance, chill it, and bake fresh cookies whenever you want a sweet treat. Here’s how to store and preserve their delightful flavor:

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Label the bag with the date; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen cookie dough, bake from frozen at 350°F (177°C) for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• If reheating baked cookies, warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (149°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

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

Can I make chewy maple pumpkin cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the egg yolk with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). This will still yield deliciously chewy cookies.

How do I achieve the best texture in my chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

To ensure your chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfectly textured, remember to chill the dough well before baking. This helps them hold their shape and develop that delightful chewiness!

Can I use other types of flour for chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

While all-purpose flour gives the best results, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends that are specifically designed for baking. Just keep in mind that this may change the texture slightly.

What is the best way to measure flour for chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

For precise measurements, spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid packing it down which can lead to dry cookies.

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

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips after mixing your dough for added flavor and texture!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try your hand at these chewy maple pumpkin cookies! They embody everything wonderful about fall—warm spices, cozy flavors, and that perfect chewy texture. Whether you’re enjoying them with friends or savoring them solo with a cup of tea, these treats are sure to brighten your day. Happy baking!