chewy maple pumpkin cookies

these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall. With their rich, buttery flavor and a hint of maple sweetness, these cookies are perfect for any occasion—from cozy gatherings to festive celebrations. The chewy texture combined with a spiced sugar coating makes them irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Fall Flavors: Infused with pumpkin and maple, these cookies embody the warmth of autumn.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps ensure that even novice bakers can create these tasty treats with ease.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 20 cookies per batch, they are ideal for parties, potlucks, or as gifts.
• Chewy Texture: Thanks to the brown butter and pumpkin, each bite is satisfyingly chewy and soft.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast with your morning coffee.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your chewy maple pumpkin cookies, gather your tools to streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie scoop
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows for easy separation of dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk: A good whisk helps achieve the perfect consistency in your cookie dough by ensuring even mixing.
• Cookie scoop: This tool ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking and presentation.

Ingredients

To create these delicious chewy maple pumpkin cookies, you will need:

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: Prepare the Brown Butter

Make brown butter about an hour before you plan to make the cookies. It will need 15 minutes to make and another 15-30 to cool enough to use in the recipe.
1. Melt the butter in a clear heavy-bottom saucepan.
2. Once it starts foaming, whisk continuously until brown bits form.
3. Remove from heat, pour into a clean bowl, and cool for about 30 minutes at room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Purée

To ensure your pumpkin is not too watery:
1. Lay 2-3 paper towels across a wide, shallow bowl.
2. Scoop a generous 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree onto the paper towels.
3. Allow excess water to absorb into the towels; then squeeze out any remaining moisture.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In this step:
1. Whisk together the flour, chosen spice blend, baking soda, and salt in a bowl until well combined.
2. Set aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl:
1. Stir together the cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until fully incorporated.
2. Mix in the egg yolk until well blended.

Step 5: Add Pumpkin and Extracts

Stir in:
1. The prepared pumpkin purée.
2. Vanilla extract and optional maple extract until fully combined.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add:
1. The dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

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

Step 8: Preheat Oven

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

Step 9: Prepare Cookies for Baking

Before baking:
1. Allow dough to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
2. Combine spiced sugar mixture ingredients in a bowl.

Step 10: Shape Cookies

Using a cookie scoop:
1. Scoop dough into balls and roll them in the spiced sugar mixture.

Step 11: Bake Cookies

On prepared sheets:
1. Place cookie dough balls about 2-3 inches apart.
2. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for around 12-14 minutes.

Step 12: Cool Cookies

Once baked:
1. Cool on sheets for about 3-5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Enjoy your homemade chewy maple pumpkin cookies!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Their soft texture and rich flavor make them a wonderful addition to your dessert table or as an afternoon snack. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic comfort food experience that complements the sweetness and spices.

As a Dessert Sandwich

• Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting or whipped cream between two cookies for a delectable dessert sandwich that adds richness and creaminess.

On a Fall-Themed Platter

• Arrange the cookies alongside other seasonal treats like caramel apples, nuts, or mini pumpkin muffins for an inviting fall-themed platter at gatherings.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies with your favorite hot beverage, such as coffee or tea, where the warmth enhances the flavors and provides a cozy experience.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside sliced apples or pears for a refreshing contrast to the sweet and spicy flavors of the cookies.

How to Perfect chewy maple pumpkin cookies

To make your chewy maple pumpkin cookies even better, here are some tips to keep in mind.

• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices can greatly enhance the flavor profile of your cookies. Consider grinding your own spices for the best taste.
• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill is crucial. It helps develop flavors and ensures that the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
• Brown Butter Carefully: Watch the butter closely while browning it; burnt butter can lead to bitter flavors. Aim for a nice golden brown color with a nutty aroma.
• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies during baking. Every oven is different, so adjust baking times as needed based on how your oven performs.
• Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for extended enjoyment.

Best Side Dishes for chewy maple pumpkin cookies

If you’re looking to create a complete spread around your chewy maple pumpkin cookies, consider these complementary side dishes that will delight your guests.

1. Warm Apple Cider: A spiced warm apple cider pairs beautifully with the flavors of pumpkin and maple, providing warmth and comfort.
2. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and savory notes that balance out the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
3. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert experience.
4. Pumpkin Soup: A small cup of creamy pumpkin soup makes for a warming appetizer that enhances the fall theme.
5. Cheese Board: Include aged cheeses like cheddar on a cheese board; they provide savory contrast and elevate your cookie serving experience.
6. Caramel Sauce: Offer caramel sauce for drizzling over both the cookies and sliced fruit, adding an extra layer of sweetness.
7. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These add freshness along with chocolatey goodness that pairs well with spiced desserts.
8. Sweet Potato Wedges: Baked sweet potato wedges seasoned with cinnamon can serve as a nutritious side that echoes similar flavors found in your cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking chewy maple pumpkin cookies can be a delightful experience, but small mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Incorrectly measuring flour: Using too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy.
• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can result in cookies that spread too much during baking. Be sure to chill the dough for at least 8 hours for optimal texture.
• Overbaking the cookies: Leaving your cookies in the oven too long can make them hard. Start checking for doneness at 10 minutes and remove them while they’re still soft.
• Not using room temperature ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect how well your dough combines. Make sure your butter is melted and cooled, and that your egg yolk is at room temperature before mixing.
• Using stale spices: Old spices will not provide the flavor needed for these cookies. Check your spice jars and replace any that have been sitting around for too long.
• Ignoring ingredient substitutions: Substituting ingredients without knowing their effects can change the cookie’s texture and flavor. Stick to tested alternatives, especially when replacing key ingredients.

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 cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating chewy maple pumpkin cookies

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and reheat cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 10-15 seconds; be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about chewy maple pumpkin cookies.

What makes chewy maple pumpkin cookies chewy?

The combination of brown butter, brown sugar, and proper baking time contributes to their chewy texture.

Can I use different spices in my chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite spice blends like ginger or nutmeg for a unique twist.

How do I make my chewy maple pumpkin cookies healthier?

You can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or reduce the sugar slightly without sacrificing flavor.

Can I make these chewy maple pumpkin cookies vegan?

Yes! You can replace the egg yolk with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use plant-based butter instead.

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

They should look slightly puffed but not fully set; they will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Final Thoughts

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for fall gatherings or any sweet craving throughout the year. Their delightful blend of flavors makes them versatile—feel free to customize with nuts or chocolate chips! Try this recipe today, and enjoy every bite!