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. The moment you take your first bite, you’ll be wrapped in warmth and nostalgia, feeling like you’re cozied up by a fire with a good book. This recipe is one I hold dear to my heart because it brings joy to any gathering, be it a busy weeknight or a festive family celebration. The combination of maple and pumpkin creates an irresistible flavor that’s simply perfect for autumn!

Imagine a cookie that’s not only soft and chewy but also bursting with sweet, buttery goodness. These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are coated in a spiced sugar that enhances their lovely fall flavors. They’re bound to become a favorite in your home, just like they have in mine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will fall head over heels for these delicious cookies!
• Make-ahead convenience: You can chill the dough overnight, making it easy to whip up fresh cookies whenever the craving hits.
• Deliciously flavorful: The combination of pumpkin, maple syrup, and warm spices creates a cookie that sings of fall.
• Perfect for sharing: Bake a batch to share with friends or neighbors – they’ll love you for it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is part of the fun! You likely have many of these items already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to make these chewy maple pumpkin cookies:

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 mix things up according to your taste preferences:

• Add chocolate chips: For a sweet twist, fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips before baking.
• Use different spices: If you enjoy experimenting with flavors, try substituting cinnamon with nutmeg or cardamom for a unique taste.
• Make them gluten-free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend if needed.
• Include nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch and enhance the 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 a deep flavor to your cookies. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Watch closely as it foams; keep whisking until golden brown bits form at the bottom. Once it’s ready, pour it into a bowl and let it cool down for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

To ensure your cookies don’t turn out too watery, you’ll want to blot excess moisture from your canned pumpkin. Lay paper towels across a shallow bowl and scoop about 1/2 cup of pumpkin onto them. Let it soak up the moisture while you gather your dry ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, spice blend, baking soda, and salt until everything is well combined. This helps ensure even distribution of flavors when you mix everything together later.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In your bowl with the cooled brown butter, combine it with light brown sugar and maple syrup until smooth. It should look rich and inviting! Stir in the egg yolk next; this adds richness and helps bind everything together.

Step 5: Add Pumpkin and Extracts

Now it’s time to fold in that beautifully blotted pumpkin along with vanilla extract and optional maple extract. These will amplify those warm flavors we love during fall!

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Gently fold the dry mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix! Cover your dough with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight if time allows.

Step 7: Preheat and Prepare

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper so nothing sticks! Take your chilled dough out of the fridge for about 30 minutes before scooping; this helps them spread better while baking.

Step 8: Sugar Coating Mixture

While waiting for your dough to warm slightly, mix granulated sugar with extra spices in a small bowl. Taste it—you may want more spice depending on your preference!

Step 9: Shape Cookies

Using a cookie scoop (about 2 inches), scoop out dough balls. Roll each ball in that lovely spiced sugar mixture until coated evenly.

Step 10: Bake Those Cookies!

Place each sugar-coated dough ball on prepared sheets about 2-3 inches apart. Bake them for about 12-14 minutes! Keep an eye on them – if they puff up too much at around 9-10 minutes mark, give the pan a gentle bang against the oven rack to help them settle back down.

Step 11: Cooling Time

Once baked to perfection, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet atop a cooling rack for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them completely off cooling rack until fully cooled.

There you have it – delicious chewy maple pumpkin cookies ready to be enjoyed! Share them with friends or savor every last bite yourself; either way, these little treasures are sure to brighten any day!

Pro Tips for Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Baking these chewy maple pumpkin cookies is a delightful experience, and with a few tips, you can ensure they’re perfect every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your egg yolk and any other refrigerated items to room temperature helps them blend more smoothly into the dough, resulting in a better texture.

• Don’t skip chilling the dough: Chilling the dough not only enhances the flavors but also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, keeping them nice and chewy.

• Adjust spices to your taste: The spice blend can be tailored to your liking. If you love a little extra warmth, feel free to increase the amount of spice blend used in the cookie dough or sugar coating.

• Check for doneness carefully: Since every oven is different, keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should look puffy but slightly underbaked in the center when you pull them out; they will continue to cook as they cool.

• Store properly: To keep your cookies soft and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also add a slice of bread to help maintain moisture.

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying on cozy evenings at home. Here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Sprinkled Cinnamon Sugar: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top right before serving adds an extra touch of sweetness that complements the flavors beautifully.
• Chopped Nuts: Finely chopped walnuts or pecans can be sprinkled on top for a crunchy contrast to the soft cookie texture.

Side Dishes

• Hot Apple Cider: The warm spices of apple cider pair perfectly with these cookies, enhancing their fall flavors and creating a comforting treat.

• Creamy Pumpkin Soup: A small bowl of smooth pumpkin soup serves as a lovely starter that sets the mood for enjoying your sweet treats afterward.

• Spiced Chai Latte: This warm drink brings out the spices in your cookies while providing a cozy pairing that’s perfect for cooler weather.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your chewy maple pumpkin cookies will surely be a hit! Enjoy indulging in this seasonal delight!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep! Their delightful flavor makes them a wonderful treat to have on hand for gatherings, snacks, or as a sweet surprise throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator, where they can last about a week.
• Layer parchment paper between cookies in the container to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Place the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen cookies into an airtight freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure to label and date them!

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-8 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overheat!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about chewy maple pumpkin cookies that may help you in your baking journey:

Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of pumpkin or chai spice blend?

Absolutely! Pumpkin pie spice will add a lovely warm flavor to your chewy maple pumpkin cookies. Just substitute it in equal amounts.

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

Chilling the dough is key! By letting it rest overnight in the fridge, you allow the flavors to meld and help maintain that chewy texture when baked.

What makes these chewy maple pumpkin cookies special?

These cookies combine brown butter, real maple syrup, and pumpkin puree, creating a deliciously rich flavor that captures the essence of fall in every bite.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the recipe?

Yes! Feel free to mix in some chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor. Just keep in mind that this might change the bake time slightly.

How should I store my chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness. They also freeze well if you want to save some for later!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe warms your heart as much as it fills your home with cozy scents! These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are not just a tasty treat; they are a celebration of fall flavors that you can share with friends and family. Enjoy making them and savor every bite—I’d love to hear how they turn out for you!