Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

These Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are the perfect treat for your Fall gatherings! With their rich flavor profile of brown butter, warm spices, and wholesome pumpkin, these cookies deliver comfort with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a festive party or simply indulging on a cozy evening at home, these chewy cookies will surely impress friends and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of brown butter and maple syrup adds a unique depth that elevates these pumpkin cookies beyond the ordinary.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can create these delightful treats without any hassle.
• Perfect for Fall: These cookies encapsulate the essence of autumn with their warm spices and pumpkin flavor, making them ideal for seasonal celebrations.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as dessert, a snack with coffee, or share them at potlucks and gatherings.
• Chewy Texture: The chewy consistency of these cookies makes them incredibly satisfying to eat, ensuring they won’t last long!

Tools and Preparation

To prepare these delicious cookies efficiently, having the right tools is crucial.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium bowl
• Rubber spatula
• Cookie scoop or measuring cup
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients easily without spills.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for folding in dry ingredients gently while maintaining the dough’s texture.
• Cookie scoop or measuring cup: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.

Ingredients

These chewy pumpkin cookies are bursting with flavor! Baked with loads of brown butter, warm spices, and pure pumpkin, these are the ultimate warm and cozy cookies that are perfect for the Fall baking season.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup (220g) unsalted butter
– 1 1/2 cups (280g) dark brown sugar, packed
– 1 large egg yolk
– 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/3 cup (80g) pumpkin puree
– 2 1/4 cups (280g) all purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
– 1/2 tsp cinnamon
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp granulated sugar
– 1 tsp cinnamon

How to Make Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

Step 1: Brown the Butter

First, brown the butter. Melt 1 cup of butter over medium heat, continuing to stir until it reaches a rich amber color.

Step 2: Chill the Butter

Pour the butter into a measuring glass to ensure you have the right amount. Scrape the bottom of the pot to capture all of the flavorful brown bits. It should measure just short of a full cup. Place it in the refrigerator to chill for about 20 minutes—don’t let it solidify.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices. Set aside.

Step 5: Combine Brown Sugar and Butter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dark brown sugar and cooled brown butter until it resembles clumpy wet sand.

Step 6: Add Wet Ingredients

Whisk in the egg yolk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree until smooth.

Step 7: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Add all of your dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Use a rubber spatula to fold everything together gently. If your dough feels too thin (it should hold its shape when scooped), chill it for an additional 15–20 minutes until thickened.

Step 8: Prepare Coating Mixture

In a small dish off to the side, mix together your coating ingredients (brown sugar and cinnamon).

Step 9: Scoop Cookies

Use a large cookie scoop (about 2oz) or a measuring cup (1/4 cup) to scoop out portions of dough. Drop each piece into the cinnamon-sugar mixture and toss to coat evenly.

Step 10: Place on Baking Sheet

Arrange your coated cookie dough on the prepared baking sheet about three inches apart from each other. You should be able to bake about four or five cookies at once while keeping remaining dough at room temperature.

Step 11: Bake Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for about 12–15 minutes or until you see darkened edges; centers should appear puffed but slightly underdone.

Step 12: Cool Cookies

Allow your cookies to rest on the baking sheet for two minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Continue baking any remaining dough.

Step 13: Enjoy!

Let your delicious cookies cool completely before diving in!

How to Serve Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

These chewy pumpkin cookies are delightful on their own, but they can be enhanced with a few serving suggestions. Pairing them with other treats or drinks can elevate the experience and make it even more enjoyable.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic choice! The creaminess of milk complements the warm spices in the cookies perfectly.

Warm with Ice Cream

• Serve these cookies warm and top them with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Drizzled with Extra Maple Syrup

• For those who love maple flavor, a light drizzle of maple syrup adds an extra touch of sweetness.

Paired with Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy your cookies alongside a cup of coffee or herbal tea to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.

As Part of a Fall Dessert Platter

• Arrange these cookies on a platter with other fall-themed treats like caramel apples, nut bars, and spiced nuts for a festive spread.

How to Perfect Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

Making these cookies just right is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your baking success.

• Brown the butter carefully: Watch the butter closely as it melts, stirring continuously until it reaches a rich amber color for that deep flavor.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your egg yolk and pumpkin puree are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother dough.

• Chill the dough if necessary: If your dough feels too soft after mixing, chilling it for 15-20 minutes will help firm it up for easier scooping.

• Scoop evenly: Use a large cookie scoop or measuring cup to ensure all cookies bake evenly and have the same size.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time; cookies should look slightly underdone in the center before resting on the baking sheet.

Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

While these cookies are fantastic alone, they can also be enjoyed with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Apple Slices with Cinnamon: Fresh apple slices sprinkled with cinnamon provide a crisp contrast to the chewy texture of the cookies.

2. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over your cookies creates an indulgent treat that pairs beautifully with pumpkin flavors.

3. Roasted Nuts: A mix of roasted almonds or pecans offers crunch and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.

4. Cream Cheese Frosting: Serve alongside a small bowl of cream cheese frosting for dipping; its tanginess pairs well with sweet pumpkin cookies.

5. Spiced Hot Chocolate: Enjoy these cookies alongside a mug of spiced hot chocolate for an ultra-cozy experience during chilly days.

6. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory counterpoint to the sweetness of your pumpkin cookies, creating an interesting flavor combination.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially with cookies. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies turn out perfectly.

• Using cold butter – Cold butter won’t brown properly and can lead to a different texture. Always start with room temperature or slightly melted butter for the best results.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Baking is a science, and incorrect measurements can ruin your cookies. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Skipping the chilling step – Chilling the dough is crucial for chewy cookies. If the dough is too warm, it will spread too much while baking. Chill it for at least 15-20 minutes.
• Overbaking the cookies – Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should look puffed and slightly underdone in the center. Remove them from the oven at the right time for that chewy texture.
• Ignoring ingredient freshness – Old spices or baking soda can affect flavor and rise. Always use fresh ingredients for the best taste.
• Not spacing cookies properly – Give your cookies enough room to spread on the baking sheet. Space them about 3 inches apart to avoid merging while baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

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

Reheating Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes for freshness.
• Microwave – Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds until warm; avoid overheating as they can become tough.
• Stovetop – Place in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies.

Can I use other types of sugar in this recipe?

You can substitute light brown sugar or even coconut sugar, but this may alter the flavor slightly.

How do I make my cookies more pumpkin-spiced?

To enhance the spice flavor, consider adding more pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon according to your taste preference.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but expect a denser texture. You might want to adjust the liquid content slightly.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

Look for edges that are darkened and centers that appear puffed but still slightly underdone; they will firm up as they cool.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

If your dough is too warm or you didn’t chill it enough, it may spread during baking. Make sure to chill your dough sufficiently before scooping.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, walnuts, or pecans for added texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile! With their rich flavors and soft texture, they are perfect for any Fall occasion. Enjoy experimenting with different spices or add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips to make this recipe your own!