chewy maple pumpkin cookies

these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are the perfect treat for fall! With their rich pumpkin flavor and sweet maple undertones, they’re great for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations. These cookies boast a delightful chewy texture and a warm spice that will fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or share them with friends and family for a taste of autumn.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and maple creates a unique taste that captures the essence of fall.
• Chewy Texture: These cookies are perfectly chewy, making each bite satisfying and enjoyable.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can succeed.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve these cookies as a snack, dessert, or even as part of a festive spread.
• Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch to share at gatherings or holiday parties; they’re sure to be a hit!

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into baking these chewy maple pumpkin cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Cookie scoop
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheets

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills.
• Cookie scoop: Helps in portioning dough evenly for uniform cookies.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

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 Cookie 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 the Coating

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

How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Step 1: Prepare Brown Butter

Make brown butter about an hour before you plan to make the cookies.
1. Melt butter in a clear heavy-bottom saucepan.
2. Once the butter starts to foam, whisk continuously until brown bits form.
3. Remove from heat, pour into a clean bowl, and cool for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Pumpkin Puree

To remove excess moisture from the pumpkin:
1. Lay 2-3 paper towels in a wide shallow bowl.
2. Scoop 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree onto the paper towels.
3. Squeeze excess water from the pumpkin before using.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together flour, spice blend, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl:
1. Stir together cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until well mixed.
2. Mix in the egg yolk until fully combined.
3. Add the blotted pumpkin puree along with vanilla and optional maple extracts.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.

Step 6: Chill Dough

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

Step 7: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 8: Prepare Sugar Coating

Mix granulated sugar with additional spice blend until well combined.

Step 9: Form Cookies

Using a cookie scoop:
1. Scoop cookie dough and roll it into balls in the spiced sugar mixture.
2. Place on prepared baking sheets about 2-3 inches apart.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 12-14 minutes:
1. Check at around 9-10 minutes; if puffier than desired, bang the pan gently on the oven rack several times.
2. Finish baking for an additional few minutes as needed.

Step 11: Cool Cookies

Remove from oven; allow to cool on baking sheets for about 3-5 minutes before transferring to cooling racks.

Now you have delicious chewy maple pumpkin cookies ready to enjoy!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate your serving experience with a few creative ideas. Pair them with beverages or complement them with toppings for an extra treat.

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee enhance the sweet notes of the cookies.
• Tea: A warm cup of chai or spiced tea complements the pumpkin spices perfectly.
• Hot Chocolate: Indulge in a creamy hot chocolate alongside these cookies for a cozy pairing.

Topped with Cream

• Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Spread a light layer of cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast to the sweetness.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert.
• Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream: Match the flavors by pairing with pumpkin spice ice cream for a seasonal twist.

How to Perfect chewy maple pumpkin cookies

To achieve the best chewy maple pumpkin cookies, follow these simple tips that ensure perfect texture and flavor each time.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 8 hours helps develop flavors and improves cookie texture.
• Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: Ensure your pumpkin puree is fresh and well-drained; excess moisture can make cookies too wet.
• Brown Your Butter Carefully: Pay close attention while browning butter to avoid burning, as it adds depth to the flavor.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined to keep the cookies tender and chewy.
• Check Baking Time Early: Keep an eye on your cookies around the 9-minute mark to prevent overbaking.

Best Side Dishes for chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Pairing side dishes with chewy maple pumpkin cookies can create a well-rounded dessert spread. Here are some delightful options:

1. Cheese Plate: Include soft cheeses like Brie or goat cheese that contrast nicely with sweet flavors.
2. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits such as apples, pears, and pomegranates adds freshness.
3. Nuts and Dried Fruits: A bowl of mixed nuts and dried cranberries offers a crunchy texture against softness.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a healthy balance alongside your cookies.
5. Spiced Cider: Warm spiced cider makes for a cozy beverage that pairs perfectly with fall-themed treats.
6. Chocolate Fondue: Dip cookie pieces into chocolate fondue for an indulgent twist that satisfies your sweet tooth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your chewy maple pumpkin cookies turn out perfectly. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Skipping the brown butter step: Not browning the butter can lead to a less rich flavor. Make sure to take the time to brown it properly for a deeper taste.

• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can create tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep them chewy and soft.

• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can result in cookies that spread too much. Always chill the dough for at least 8 hours to maintain shape.

• Ignoring oven temperature: An incorrect oven temperature can affect baking time and cookie texture. Use an oven thermometer for accuracy.

• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Improper measurements can lead to inconsistent results. Use a kitchen scale for precision when measuring flour and sugar.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing chewy maple pumpkin cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating chewy maple pumpkin cookies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and warm cookies for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring they do not get too hot.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, warming gently while covered with a lid.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes chewy maple pumpkin cookies special?
The combination of brown butter, maple syrup, and pumpkin creates a uniquely chewy texture and rich flavor that’s perfect for fall.

How do I make chewy maple pumpkin cookies without eggs?
You can use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg substitute or try using applesauce for moisture and binding.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just ensure it’s well-blotted to remove excess moisture before adding it to the mix.

What spices work best with chewy maple pumpkin cookies?
A blend of pumpkin or chai spices works wonderfully, but feel free to experiment with cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for more flavor.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to these cookies?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts or chocolate chips can be added into the dough for extra texture and flavor if desired.

Final Thoughts

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are not only delightful but also versatile. You can customize them by adding your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Enjoy the cozy flavors of fall with every bite!