chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are a personal favorite of mine. Not only do they fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, but each bite is a warm hug in cookie form. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, they bring everyone together around the table with their sweet and buttery flavor.

What makes these cookies even more special is their chewy texture and the cozy spices that remind us of crisp autumn days. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing them with friends, these cookies are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up in no time.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet flavors and chewy texture!
• Make-ahead convenience: The dough can be chilled overnight, making it perfect for prepping ahead of time.
• Delicious fall flavor: Infused with pumpkin and maple, these cookies celebrate the best tastes of the season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For these chewy maple pumpkin cookies, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that pack big flavor. Gather up these items to get started on your baking adventure!

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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add chocolate chips: Toss in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra sweet surprise.
• Try different spices: Experiment with cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique twist on flavors.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
• Incorporate nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for some crunch!

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 is crucial; browning the butter enhances its flavor and gives your cookies a rich nuttiness. Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. Whisk continuously until it foams and turns golden brown—this should take about 15 minutes. Once you see those lovely brown bits forming, pour it into a clean bowl and let it cool until it reaches room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

While your butter cools, it’s time to prepare the pumpkin. Lay 2-3 paper towels in a shallow bowl and scoop about ½ cup of canned pumpkin onto them. This helps absorb excess moisture so your cookies don’t turn out too wet. After letting it sit briefly, give it a gentle squeeze to remove any extra water before using.

Step 3: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, spice blend, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This ensures an even distribution of flavors throughout your cookie dough.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, stir together your cooled brown butter, light brown sugar, and pure maple syrup until everything is thoroughly mixed. The combination of these ingredients creates a beautiful base filled with sweetness!

Step 5: Add Egg Yolk and Pumpkin

Now it’s time to add in that delicious egg yolk! Stir it into your wet mixture until fully combined. Then add in the blotted pumpkin along with vanilla and optional maple extracts—this is where all that wonderful fall flavor comes from!

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those chewy delights to be soft and tender!

Step 7: Chill Your Dough

Cover your dough tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least 8 hours or up to overnight. Chilling helps develop flavors while also firming up the dough for easy scooping later.

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 baking sheets with parchment paper—this ensures easy cleanup! Take your chilled dough out of the fridge so it can sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes; this helps with spreading while baking.

Step 9: Prepare Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and additional spice blend used in the cookie dough until well combined. Taste this mixture; if you want more spice kick, go ahead and adjust as needed!

Step 10: Scoop & Coat Dough Balls

Using a cookie scoop (about 2 inches), scoop out portions of dough. Roll each ball in your spiced sugar mixture until completely coated—this adds an extra layer of sweetness!

Step 11: Bake Your Cookies

Place sugar-coated cookie balls on your prepared baking sheet about 2-3 inches apart. Bake them in preheated oven for about 12-14 minutes. Check around the 9-10 minute mark—if they look puffier than desired, gently bang the pan against the oven rack; this helps them settle into that perfect chewy shape!

Step 12: Cool & Enjoy!

Once baked, let those delightful cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely before diving into that deliciousness!

And there you have it—your very own batch of chewy maple pumpkin cookies ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Baking these chewy maple pumpkin cookies is a delightful experience, and a few tips can help you achieve cookie perfection!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your egg yolk and any other refrigerated ingredients are at room temperature. This allows them to blend more easily into the batter, creating a smoother dough and ensuring an even bake.

• Chill the dough thoroughly: Don’t skip the chilling step! Allowing the dough to rest in the fridge for at least 8 hours helps develop flavors and improves the cookie’s texture, resulting in that perfect chewiness.

• Check your oven temperature: Ovens can vary, so it’s smart to use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s accurate. Baking at the correct temperature is crucial for getting those cookies just right—golden on the outside and soft on the inside.

• Adjust spice levels: Feel free to tweak the amount of spice blend according to your taste preferences. More spices can enhance the flavor profile, making your cookies even more aromatic and delicious.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Taking them out when they’re still slightly undercooked ensures they’ll remain super chewy once cooled.

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy fall gathering or a simple afternoon snack with tea or coffee. Here are some fun ways to present them!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overpowering the cookie’s flavors.
• Chopped nuts: Add some crushed walnuts or pecans on top for a delightful crunch that complements the softness of the cookie.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: A warm mug of spiced apple cider pairs beautifully with these cookies, enhancing their autumn flavor.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast between warm and cold.
• Pumpkin soup: A bowl of savory pumpkin soup makes for a comforting combo that celebrates all things pumpkin during fall.
• Fresh fruit platter: Balance out the sweetness with slices of fresh apples or pears—crisp fruits add refreshing contrast to every bite!

Enjoy sharing (or keeping!) these delectable chewy maple pumpkin cookies as you embrace this season’s flavors!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time, making them an ideal treat for gatherings or just to have on hand for snacking throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag.
• Alternatively, freeze baked cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper in between.
• Enjoy frozen cookie dough within 3 months and baked cookies within 2 months.

Reheating

• For baked cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
• If using the microwave, warm individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

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

Can I make chewy maple pumpkin cookies without brown butter?

Absolutely! You can use regular unsalted butter instead. Just melt it and mix as directed. Brown butter adds a rich flavor but isn’t essential.

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

To ensure your cookies are chewy, chill the dough properly and avoid overbaking. The edges should be set while the centers remain soft when you take them out of the oven.

Can I substitute other spices in chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different spice blends such as cinnamon or nutmeg if you want to adjust the flavor profile to your liking.

What can I use as a replacement for canned pumpkin?

If you don’t have canned pumpkin, you can use homemade pumpkin puree or even sweet potato puree as an alternative.

How long do these chewy maple pumpkin cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they can last up to 5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies as much as I do! These treats not only capture the essence of fall but also bring warmth and joy with every bite. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe—it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. Happy baking!