chewy maple pumpkin cookies

these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of maple and pumpkin, perfect for any fall gathering or cozy afternoon snack. With their chewy texture and sweet, buttery taste, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or simply enjoying a quiet day at home, these cookies will fill your kitchen with the warm aroma of spices and sweetness.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Dough
• For Coating
• How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies
• Step 1: Make Brown Butter
• Step 2: Prepare Pumpkin Puree
• Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
• Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
• Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
• Step 6: Chill Dough
• Step 7: Preheat Oven
• Step 8: Prepare Sugar Coating
• Step 9: Shape Cookies
• Step 10: Bake Cookies
• Step 11: Cool Cookies
• How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies
• With a Glass of Milk
• As Part of a Dessert Platter
• Warm with Ice Cream
• With Coffee or Tea
• At Holiday Gatherings
• How to Perfect chewy maple pumpkin cookies
• Best Side Dishes for chewy maple pumpkin cookies
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing chewy maple pumpkin cookies
• Reheating chewy maple pumpkin cookies
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I achieve chewier cookies?
• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
• What variations can I make with chewy maple pumpkin cookies?
• How do I store leftover chewy maple pumpkin cookies?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of maple syrup and pumpkin creates a unique taste that embodies the essence of fall.
• Chewy Texture: These cookies have a wonderfully chewy consistency, making each bite satisfying and enjoyable.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile: Great for celebrations, holiday gatherings, or as an everyday snack, these cookies fit any occasion.
• Unique Twist: The addition of brown butter adds depth and richness that elevates the traditional cookie experience.

Tools and Preparation

To make these chewy maple pumpkin cookies successfully, gather your essential tools before you start. Preparing your kitchen with the right equipment will make the baking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie scoop
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheets

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or mixing bowls: Essential for thoroughly combining ingredients, ensuring an even texture in your dough.
• Whisk: Helps incorporate air into the mixture while combining dry ingredients, leading to light and fluffy cookies.
• Cookie scoop: Provides uniform cookie sizes for even baking, resulting in perfectly shaped treats every time.

Ingredients

these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are made from a maple pumpkin sugar cookie dough. they’re coated in a sweet and spicy sugar. the result is a chewy, sweet and buttery pumpkin cookie that’s full of delicious fall flavor!

For the 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 Coating

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

How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Step 1: Make Brown Butter

Start by preparing brown butter about an hour before you plan to bake.
1. Melt the butter in a clear heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat.
2. Once it starts foaming, whisk continuously until brown bits form.
3. Remove from heat, pour into a clean bowl, and let cool for 30 minutes at room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare Pumpkin Puree

Next, prepare your pumpkin puree to remove excess water.
1. Lay 2-3 paper towels across a wide shallow bowl.
2. Scoop 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree onto the towels.
3. Allow water to absorb into the towels; then squeeze out any remaining moisture before using it in your recipe.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine your dry ingredients.
1. Whisk together flour, spice blend, baking soda, and salt until well mixed.
2. Set aside for later use.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring together the wet ingredients.
1. Stir together cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until well combined.
2. Add in the egg yolk and mix until fully incorporated.
3. Stir in the pumpkin puree along with vanilla extract (and maple extract if using).

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently mix everything together to create your cookie dough.
1. Gradually add dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 6: Chill Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

When ready to bake:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
2. Line 1-2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 8: Prepare Sugar Coating

While waiting for your dough to warm up:
1. Combine granulated sugar with remaining spice blend until well mixed—taste and adjust if necessary.

Step 9: Shape Cookies

Scoop out portions of cookie dough using a 2-inch cookie scoop.
1. Roll each scoop in spiced sugar mixture until fully coated.
2. Place dough balls on prepared baking sheets about 2-3 inches apart.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 12-14 minutes.
1. Start checking around 9-10 minutes; if puffy, gently bang the pan on the oven rack to help them spread better.

Step 11: Cool Cookies

Once done baking:
1. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet on top of a cooling rack for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them to fully cool on the rack.

Enjoy your batch of chewy maple pumpkin cookies! They’ll be perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for sharing and can be enjoyed in various delightful ways. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a chilled glass of milk for a classic combination that enhances the cookie’s sweetness.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a festive dessert platter alongside other fall treats like caramel apples and pumpkin pie for a seasonal celebration.

Warm with Ice Cream

• Serve warm chewy maple pumpkin cookies topped with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies with your favorite coffee or tea. The spices in the cookies complement warm beverages beautifully.

At Holiday Gatherings

• These cookies make an excellent addition to holiday parties or potlucks, bringing seasonal flavors that everyone will love.

How to Perfect chewy maple pumpkin cookies

To achieve the best chewy maple pumpkin cookies, follow these essential tips. They will enhance the texture and flavor of your baked goods.

• Use Browned Butter: Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates these cookies and makes them extra delicious.
• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 8 hours helps the flavors develop and results in better-textured cookies.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Avoid packing flour into your measuring cup to ensure you don’t end up with dry cookies. Spoon it into the cup instead.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when incorporating dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Check for Doneness Early: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. If they puff up too much, gently bang the pan to help them settle before finishing baking.

Best Side Dishes for chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some tasty options that complement their flavors perfectly.

1. Apple Cider: A warm mug of apple cider enhances the fall theme and pairs well with the spices in the cookies.
2. Pumpkin Spice Latte: Enjoying these cookies alongside a creamy pumpkin spice latte makes for a cozy afternoon treat.
3. Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits creates a savory contrast to the sweet cookies, making for an inviting snack spread.
4. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup: A bowl of creamy butternut squash soup offers warmth and depth, pairing beautifully with dessert afterward.
5. Spiced Hot Chocolate: Rich hot chocolate spiced with cinnamon or nutmeg provides a comforting drink option that complements the cookie’s flavors.
6. Caramel Dip: Serve soft caramel dip for dunking, adding an extra layer of sweetness that enhances each bite of cookie.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making chewy maple pumpkin cookies, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Incorrectly measuring flour: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use the spoon and level method for accurate measurement.
• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can result in cookies that spread too much during baking. Always chill your dough for optimal texture.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or egg yolks can affect how well the dough comes together. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
• Overbaking: Cookies can go from perfectly chewy to hard quickly. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven when they are just set.
• Neglecting flavoring adjustments: The spice blend is crucial for flavor. Don’t hesitate to adjust it based on your taste preferences.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store chewy maple pumpkin cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing chewy maple pumpkin cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating chewy maple pumpkin cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C), place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as they can become tough.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, flipping once, for soft warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about chewy maple pumpkin cookies:

How do I achieve chewier cookies?

To enhance chewiness, ensure you use brown sugar which retains moisture better than white sugar.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, but you must prepare the fresh pumpkin properly by cooking and draining it well before using it in your recipe.

What variations can I make with chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

You can include chocolate chips, nuts, or even cranberries for added texture and flavor.

How do I store leftover chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Final Thoughts

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights at home. Their sweet and buttery flavor makes them versatile enough to serve as dessert or a delightful snack. Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins or spices!