chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly embodies the essence of fall, these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are just what you need! The combination of rich maple syrup and cozy pumpkin spice creates a cookie that’s not only delicious but also a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, a cozy night in, or simply want to treat yourself after a long day, these cookies will brighten your mood and fill your home with wonderful aromas.

I love sharing this recipe because it brings smiles to faces young and old alike. The chewy texture paired with the sweet and spicy sugar coating makes them irresistible. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, so you can spend more time enjoying them with loved ones!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Fall Flavor: These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are packed with seasonal taste that everyone loves.
• Quick Prep Time: With just 20 minutes of prep, you can have these cookies ready to bake in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Perfect for kids and adults alike; everyone will adore these sweet treats.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Chill the dough overnight for an even easier baking experience when you’re ready.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to mix in your favorite ingredients or spices for unique variations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies is a breeze with simple and wholesome ingredients. You likely have most of them already 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

For Coating

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

Variations

The beauty of these chewy maple pumpkin cookies is their flexibility! Feel free to get creative and adapt them to your taste:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some dark chocolate chips for an indulgent twist.
• Incorporate Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch.
• Swap Spices: Experiment with different spice blends like ginger or nutmeg for an exciting flavor change.
• Try Different Extracts: Almond extract could give these cookies an interesting flavor profile.

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 adds depth of flavor 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 from heat and let it cool for about 30 minutes until it reaches room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

To ensure your cookies don’t turn out too watery, we need to blot the canned pumpkin first. Lay 2-3 paper towels across a shallow bowl and scoop about 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree onto the towels. Let it sit for a bit so the excess moisture absorbs into the towels. Give it a gentle squeeze before adding it to the mixture.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, your chosen spice blend, baking soda, and salt until they are well combined. This step helps ensure that all dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cooled brown butter, light brown sugar, and pure maple syrup until everything is well mixed. This creates that rich base for our delicious cookies!

Step 5: Add Egg Yolk and Pumpkin

Next, stir in the room temperature egg yolk until fully integrated. Then add in the prepared pumpkin along with vanilla extract and optional maple extract. Mixing these wet ingredients well ensures each cookie will be full of flavor.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry 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; this keeps our cookies soft and chewy.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Cover your cookie dough tightly with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight if possible. Chilling helps develop flavors while also creating that perfect chewy texture when baked.

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 so they don’t stick while baking.

Step 9: Prepare Sugar Coating

Mix together granulated sugar and additional spice blend used in your dough until well combined. This adds an extra layer of flavor!

Step 10: Scoop & Roll Cookies

Using a medium cookie scoop (about 2 inches), scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls before rolling them in the spiced sugar mixture.

Step 11: Bake

Place each ball about 2-3 inches apart on your lined baking sheets. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them; if they puff up too much during baking, gently bang the pan against the oven rack at around 9-10 minutes—it works like magic!

Step 12: Cool & Enjoy

Once baked to perfection, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Now comes the best part—enjoying those warm chewy maple pumpkin cookies!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Baking can be a delightful experience, especially when you have a few tricks up your sleeve! Here are some pro tips to ensure your chewy maple pumpkin cookies come out perfectly every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your egg yolk and other wet ingredients are at room temperature. This helps them blend together more smoothly, resulting in a better cookie texture.

• Don’t skip the chilling step: Chilling the dough not only enhances the flavors but also allows the butter to solidify slightly, leading to a chewier cookie. It’s worth the wait!

• Check for doneness carefully: Ovens can vary in temperature, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. If they puff up too much, banging the pan helps them spread into that perfect chewy shape.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spice blend according to your preference. Adding extra cinnamon or nutmeg can give your cookies a warm kick that’s perfect for fall.

• Store properly: For maximum freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for several days.

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Presenting your chewy maple pumpkin cookies can be just as fun as making them! Here are some ideas on how to serve these delightful treats.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle with powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and makes the cookies visually appealing.
• Drizzle with maple syrup: Just a little drizzle of pure maple syrup on top can enhance that maple flavor and make these cookies even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: The warm spices in apple cider complement these pumpkin cookies perfectly, creating a cozy fall vibe.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside warm cookies creates a delicious contrast of temperatures and textures.
• Cream cheese frosting: Consider serving these cookies with a side of creamy frosting for dipping or spreading, adding an extra indulgent layer to each bite.
• Chai tea: A steaming cup of chai tea brings out the spices in the cookies and offers a comforting pairing that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful chewy maple pumpkin cookies with friends and family! They’re sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough in advance, chill it, and bake fresh cookies whenever you want. Plus, they store beautifully so you can enjoy them throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container.
• Keep them at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, store them in the fridge.

Freezing

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

Reheating

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5-7 minutes until just heated through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delightful chewy maple pumpkin cookies:

Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar?

Yes! While brown sugar adds moisture and flavor, you can substitute it with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative of your choice. Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the taste and texture.

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

To achieve the best results with your chewy maple pumpkin cookies, make sure to chill the dough as instructed. This helps prevent excessive spreading during baking. Also, monitor the baking time closely; pulling them out when they’re just set will give you that perfect chewy texture!

Can I add chocolate chips to these chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Absolutely! If you’re a fan of chocolate, feel free to fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips into your cookie dough for an extra treat. Just be sure not to overload on them so that the flavors of maple and pumpkin shine through.

How long will these chewy maple pumpkin cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies will remain fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature or longer if refrigerated. You can also freeze them for later enjoyment!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies as much as I do! They encapsulate all the cozy flavors of fall and are sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them with a cup of coffee on your own, these cookies are truly special. Happy baking!