chewy maple pumpkin cookies

these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are the perfect treat for fall! Combining the rich flavors of maple and pumpkin, they are an ideal dessert for any gathering or cozy night in. The unique feature lies in the chewy texture and sweet, spicy sugar coating that makes every bite a delightful experience. Enjoy them at celebrations, as an afternoon snack, or even as a thoughtful gift during the autumn season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible flavor: The blend of pumpkin and maple creates a deliciously sweet and aromatic cookie that embodies the essence of fall.
• Chewy texture: These cookies stay soft and chewy, ensuring a delightful mouthfeel with every bite.
• Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile serving options: Serve them warm with a cup of coffee or package them up as gifts for friends—these cookies cater to various occasions!
• Customizable spices: Feel free to adjust the spice blend to suit your taste; whether you prefer pumpkin spice or chai, it’s all up to you!

Tools and Preparation

To make these chewy maple pumpkin cookies successfully, having the right tools is essential. Below is a list of equipment you’ll need to prepare this delectable treat.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These are crucial for combining ingredients evenly without making a mess.
• Whisk: A whisk helps incorporate air into your batter, leading to lighter cookies.
• Cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop ensures uniform sizes for even baking.
• Cooling rack: This allows your cookies to cool properly without getting soggy on the baking sheet.

Ingredients

Creating these chewy maple pumpkin cookies requires some key ingredients that come together beautifully.

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/4 c (270g) all purpose flour
• 2 tsp pumpkin or chai spice blend
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 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

Coating Sugar Mixture

• 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

Begin by making brown butter about an hour before starting on your cookies. It takes around 15 minutes to prepare and another 15-30 minutes to cool.
1. Melt butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.
2. Once it starts foaming, whisk continuously until it turns golden brown with small brown bits forming.
3. Remove from heat, pour into a clean bowl, and let cool for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Pumpkin Puree

Prepare the pumpkin puree while the butter cools:
1. Lay 2-3 paper towels in a wide shallow bowl.
2. Scoop about 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin onto the towels.
3. Let it sit so excess water absorbs into the towels; squeeze out any remaining moisture before using.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In this step, mix your dry ingredients:
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, spice blend, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

Now combine your wet ingredients:
1. In another bowl, stir together cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until fully mixed.
2. Add egg yolk and mix well until incorporated.
3. Stir in prepared pumpkin puree along with vanilla and optional maple extracts.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined:
1. Avoid overmixing; it’s okay if there are some lumps.

Step 6: Chill Dough

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

Step 7: Preheat Oven

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

Step 8: Prepare Sugar Coating

Mix the sugar coating while waiting for dough:
1. Combine granulated sugar with remaining spice blend in a bowl.

Step 9: Scoop Dough

Scoop out your cookie dough:
1. Use a cookie scoop to portion out dough balls.
2. Roll each ball in the spiced sugar mixture until coated.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Place cookie balls on prepared sheets:
1. Space them about 2-3 inches apart.
2. Bake for 12-14 minutes; check at around 9-10 minutes for puffy cookies—tap pan if necessary.

Step 11: Cool Cookies

Let cookies rest after baking:
1. Cool on sheets for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them onto cooling racks to cool completely.

Enjoy your delightful batch of chewy maple pumpkin cookies!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy fall gathering or a simple snack at home. Here are some delightful ways to serve these treats that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

With a Warm Beverage

• Hot Chocolate: The rich flavors of hot chocolate pair beautifully with the sweet and spicy notes in the cookies.
• Chai Latte: A spiced chai latte complements the pumpkin spice in the cookies, creating a cozy experience.
• Coffee: Enjoying these cookies with a cup of coffee enhances their buttery flavor.

As a Dessert Platter

• Cookie Assortment: Serve alongside other fall-themed cookies like snickerdoodles or gingerbread for variety.
• Cheese Board: Pair with cream cheese or soft cheeses for an unexpected sweet and savory combination.

For Special Occasions

• Holiday Parties: These cookies make an excellent addition to holiday dessert tables or as gifts.
• Baking Events: Share them at baking competitions or community bake sales to showcase your skills.

Topped with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top creates a delightful contrast in texture and temperature.
• Pumpkin Spice Gelato: For an extra kick, serve with pumpkin spice gelato to amplify the fall flavors.

How to Perfect chewy maple pumpkin cookies

To achieve the perfect chewy maple pumpkin cookies, follow these helpful tips that will enhance both flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Pumpkin: Freshly blotted pumpkin puree gives the best flavor and moisture balance.
• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill overnight helps develop flavors and improves texture while baking.
• Brown Your Butter Well: Properly browned butter adds depth and richness to your cookie dough.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Test Baking Times: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies during baking for optimal doneness.

Best Side Dishes for chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Pairing side dishes with chewy maple pumpkin cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some tasty options that complement their unique flavors.

1. Spiced Apple Cider: A warm drink that enhances the autumnal feeling of the cookies.
2. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup: The sweetness of the soup pairs well with the spices in the cookies.
3. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts: The savory-sweet contrast makes for an interesting side dish choice.
4. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A comforting classic that balances sweetness with creaminess.
5. Maple Glazed Carrots: These sweet carrots echo the maple flavor in the cookies while adding color to your plate.
6. Cheddar Cheese Biscuits: The sharpness of cheddar provides a nice counterpoint to the sweetness of the cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the outcome. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using cold butter: Cold butter will not blend well with the sugar, resulting in a dense cookie. Always brown and cool your butter to the right temperature before mixing.
• Skipping the chilling time: Chilling the dough is essential for achieving the perfect texture. Don’t rush this step; allow the dough to chill for at least 8 hours.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make cookies tough instead of chewy. Mix just until ingredients are combined to maintain a soft texture.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature can ruin your cookies. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing chewy maple pumpkin cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating chewy maple pumpkin cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds at a time until warm; be cautious not to overheat as they may become tough.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet on low heat, covering it with a lid for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes chewy maple pumpkin cookies different from regular pumpkin cookies?

Chewy maple pumpkin cookies have a unique texture due to browned butter and the right balance of ingredients. This creates a soft and buttery cookie filled with fall flavors.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin purée! Just ensure it’s well-blotted to remove excess moisture before adding it to the dough.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

The edges should look set and slightly golden while the center will appear soft. They will firm up as they cool.

Can I customize these chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried cranberries for extra flavor and texture. The base recipe is versatile and forgiving.

Final Thoughts

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for celebrating fall flavors with family and friends. Their soft texture combined with sweet spices makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize them with your favorite add-ins, making each batch uniquely yours!