chewy maple pumpkin cookies

these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are a delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of fall with a chewy, sweet texture. Perfect for celebrations, cozy gatherings, or simply as an afternoon snack, these cookies stand out with their unique blend of spices and rich maple sweetness. The use of brown butter adds a depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Chewy: These cookies offer a perfect chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Fall Flavors: Infused with pumpkin and warm spices, they capture the essence of autumn in every bite.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these cookies baked in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Great for parties, holidays, or just a sweet indulgence after dinner.
• Brown Butter Bonus: The brown butter elevates the flavor profile, adding nutty richness.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your chewy maple pumpkin cookies, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients without mess.
• Whisk: Helps incorporate air into your mixture, leading to lighter cookies.
• Cookie sheets: Provides a flat surface for even baking of your cookies.

Ingredients

To make these delightful chewy maple pumpkin cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

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 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 the brown butter about an hour before you begin making the cookies.
1. Melt the butter in a clear heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat.
2. Once it starts to foam, whisk continuously until you see brown bits forming at the bottom.
3. Remove from heat and pour into a clean bowl. Allow it to cool for about 30 minutes at room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare Pumpkin Puree

Next, you’ll want to prepare your pumpkin puree to remove excess moisture.
1. Lay 2-3 paper towels across a wide shallow bowl.
2. Scoop a generous 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree onto the towels.
3. Let it sit briefly so that excess water can absorb into the paper towels. Before using it in your recipe, squeeze out any leftover water.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to mix your dry ingredients:
1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, spice blend, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Stir together the cooled brown butter, light brown sugar, and maple syrup until mixed well.
2. Add in the egg yolk and mix again until fully combined.
3. Stir in the prepared pumpkin puree along with vanilla and optional maple extracts.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture:
1. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Chill Dough

Cover your dough with plastic wrap:
1. Chill it in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

When ready to bake:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
2. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
3. Let dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before scooping.
4. Mix remaining spice blend with granulated sugar for coating.

Step 8: Shape Cookies

Using a cookie scoop:
1. Portion out cookie dough balls and roll them in the spiced sugar mixture.
2. Place them on lined baking sheets spaced about 2-3 inches apart.

Step 9: Bake

Bake in preheated oven:
1. For about 12-14 minutes; check at around 9-10 minutes.
2. If they puff too much during baking, gently bang the pan on the oven rack to flatten slightly before finishing baking.

Step 10: Cool Cookies

Once baked:
1. Let them cool on the cookie sheet atop a cooling rack for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them to cool completely on the rack.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delicious chewy maple pumpkin cookies!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for any occasion, especially during the fall. Their delightful flavor complements a variety of beverages and can be enjoyed in different ways.

With a Cup of Tea

• Pair these cookies with your favorite herbal or chai tea for a cozy afternoon treat.

As Dessert After Dinner

• Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert that highlights the fall flavors.

At Gatherings or Parties

• Present these cookies on a decorative platter for holiday gatherings or casual parties. They’re sure to impress guests!

With Coffee

• Enjoy these cookies alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee, enhancing the rich flavors with each bite.

Gift Them

• Package a few cookies in a cute box or jar as a thoughtful gift for friends and family during the holiday season.

How to Perfect chewy maple pumpkin cookies

To ensure your chewy maple pumpkin cookies turn out just right, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring butter and egg yolk to room temperature for better mixing, resulting in a smoother dough.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill enhances flavors and prevents spreading, leading to perfectly shaped cookies.

• Brown the Butter Correctly: Watch the butter closely while browning; it should be nutty brown without burning for optimal flavor.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined when adding dry ingredients to maintain the cookie’s chewy texture.

• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of baking; every oven is different, and slight adjustments may be needed.

Best Side Dishes for chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Enjoying chewy maple pumpkin cookies can be enhanced by pairing them with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options:

1. Spiced Apple Cider – A warm beverage that brings out the fall flavors in your cookies.
2. Caramel Sauce – Drizzle over vanilla ice cream to elevate your dessert experience.
3. Cheese Platter – Include creamy cheeses like brie or sharp cheddar for a sweet and savory contrast.
4. Pumpkin Soup – A warm bowl of creamy pumpkin soup offers comfort and pairs well with cookie sweetness.
5. Roasted Nuts – Choose spiced or salted nuts for an enjoyable crunch alongside your soft cookies.
6. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits can balance the richness of the cookies nicely.
7. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a healthy option that complements the cookie’s flavor.
8. Chocolate Dipping Sauce – Offer melted chocolate for dipping, adding an indulgent twist to your cookie experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.

• Bold Ingredient Errors: Using incorrect or low-quality ingredients can affect the texture and flavor. Always use fresh spices and good quality maple syrup.
• Bold Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping the chilling step can lead to cookies that spread too much. Allow the dough to chill for at least 8 hours for optimal results.
• Bold Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can result in undercooked or burnt cookies. Always preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) before baking.
• Bold Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can make cookies tough instead of chewy. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
• Bold Inaccurate Baking Time: Not keeping an eye on baking time can lead to cookies that are too soft or overdone. Check your cookies at the 9-10 minute mark.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing chewy maple pumpkin cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then freeze until solid.
• Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating chewy maple pumpkin cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C). Bake for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individually for about 10-15 seconds until just warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes chewy maple pumpkin cookies so special?

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are rich with fall flavors from pumpkin and maple syrup, creating a perfect treat for any occasion.

Can I customize my chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to enhance the flavor and texture of your cookies.

How do I know when my chewy maple pumpkin cookies are done baking?

Look for a slight golden color around the edges. They should appear puffy but will settle as they cool.

Can I use other sweeteners instead of brown sugar?

Yes! You may use coconut sugar or a granulated sugar alternative if you prefer, but this may slightly change the flavor.

Final Thoughts

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are not only delicious but also versatile, making them perfect for any celebration or cozy afternoon snack. Feel free to experiment with add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to make them your own. Enjoy baking these delightful treats!