chewy maple pumpkin cookies

these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall. With their soft, buttery texture and rich flavors, they make for the perfect dessert or snack for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering, celebrating Thanksgiving, or simply indulging in a sweet moment at home, these cookies will impress everyone with their unique taste and aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, making chewy maple pumpkin cookies is a breeze!
• Delicious Fall Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, maple syrup, and warm spices delivers the quintessential taste of autumn.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or an everyday snack, these cookies fit right in.
• Chewy Texture: The brown butter adds a nutty richness while ensuring each cookie is soft and chewy.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice blend to suit your preferences or try adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor!

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can elevate your baking experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining your ingredients smoothly and efficiently.
• Cookie scoop: Provides uniformity in cookie size, ensuring even baking.
• Cooling rack: Allows air circulation around baked cookies to prevent sogginess.

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 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

To begin, prepare the brown butter about an hour before 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 brown bits form at the bottom.
3. Remove from heat and pour into a clean bowl; let cool for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Pumpkin Puree

Next, you need to prepare your canned pumpkin.
1. Lay 2-3 paper towels across a wide bowl.
2. Scoop 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree onto the paper towels to absorb excess water.
3. Squeeze out any remaining moisture before using.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

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

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now combine both mixtures:
1. Gradually stir in dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.

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 & Prepare Baking Sheets

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

Step 8: Shape Cookies

With chilled dough:
1. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
2. Mix granulated sugar with remaining spice blend for coating.
3. Using a cookie scoop, shape dough into balls and roll them in spiced sugar mixture.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Place shaped cookie dough on prepared sheets:
1. Leave about 2-3 inches between each ball.
2. Bake for 12-14 minutes; check at around 10 minutes for puffiness.

Step 10: Cool Cookies

After baking:
1. Let cookies cool on baking sheets for about 3-5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Enjoy your deliciously chewy maple pumpkin cookies!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or just enjoying a cozy evening at home, here are some delightful ways to serve them.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pair these cookies with your favorite coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon treat. The flavors of pumpkin and maple complement warm beverages perfectly.

At Dessert Parties

• Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies as part of a dessert platter during celebrations. Their unique flavor will impress guests alongside other sweet treats.

As After-School Snacks

• These cookies make for a great after-school snack for kids. They are sweet enough to satisfy cravings but also include the wholesome goodness of pumpkin.

Gift Them

• Package these cookies in a decorative box as homemade gifts for friends and family. The seasonal flavors make them an excellent choice for holiday gifting.

With Ice Cream

• Enjoy these cookies warm and pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination creates an indulgent dessert experience that everyone will love.

How to Perfect chewy maple pumpkin cookies

To achieve the best chewy maple pumpkin cookies, follow these handy tips for success.

• Use Brown Butter: Browning the butter adds depth and nuttiness to your cookies, enhancing their overall flavor.
• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for several hours helps develop flavors and results in chewier cookies.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time to prevent overbaking. Cookies should be soft in the center when you take them out.
• Adjust Spices: Feel free to customize the spice blend according to your preference. More cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the fall flavor.
• Use Fresh Pumpkin: If possible, use fresh pumpkin puree for a richer taste compared to canned options.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain their chewiness and freshness.

Best Side Dishes for chewy maple pumpkin cookies

When serving chewy maple pumpkin cookies, consider pairing them with some delightful side dishes that complement their flavors beautifully.

1. Pumpkin Spice Latte: This warm drink echoes the spices in the cookies, making it a perfect match.
2. Apple Cider: A glass of spiced apple cider adds sweetness and tang, enhancing the fall theme.
3. Cheese Platter: Include creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese that balance out the sweetness of the cookies.
4. Roasted Nuts: A mix of salted roasted nuts offers a savory contrast that pairs well with sweet treats.
5. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with apples and pears provides freshness alongside rich cookies.
6. Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fall fruits for a wholesome side dish that complements the cookie’s flavors.
7. Chai Tea: This spiced tea brings warmth and depth, matching nicely with the cookie’s ingredients.
8. Candied Pecans: Sweet pecans add crunch and enhance the autumnal feel when served alongside these cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies can be delightful, but it’s easy to make mistakes that could affect the outcome. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Bold butter mistake: Using cold butter instead of browned butter can lead to cookies that lack flavor and chewiness. Always brown your butter in advance for a richer taste.
• Bold pumpkin prep error: Not blottin g the canned pumpkin can result in overly wet dough. Squeeze out excess moisture using paper towels before adding it to your mix.
• Bold chilling oversight: Skipping the chilling step may cause your cookies to spread too much while baking. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 8 hours for better texture.
• Bold baking timing issue: Underbaking or overbaking can ruin your cookies. Keep a close eye on them, especially during the last few minutes of baking.
• Bold ingredient substitution mistake: Replacing ingredients with different types might alter texture and flavor. Stick to the listed ingredients for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store chewy maple pumpkin cookies in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing chewy maple pumpkin cookies

• Freeze cookie dough balls before baking for up to 3 months.
• Use a freezer-safe container or sealable bag to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating chewy maple pumpkin cookies

• Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Bold Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds until soft. Be cautious not to overheat.
• Bold Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a minute or two, covered, to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making chewy maple pumpkin cookies:

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, but ensure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture.

How do I make my chewy maple pumpkin cookies softer?

To achieve softer cookies, ensure you don’t overbake them and keep them stored in an airtight container after cooling.

Can I substitute other sweeteners in this recipe?

You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or use a sugar alternative, but it may change the flavor slightly.

What if I don’t have maple extract?

If you don’t have maple extract, you can omit it, but adding a touch more vanilla will help maintain flavor depth.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Chewy maple pumpkin cookies stay fresh for about 5 days when stored properly at room temperature or refrigerated.

Final Thoughts

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are not just delicious; they embody all that is wonderful about fall flavors. Their rich buttery texture combined with warm spices makes them perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Feel free to customize these by adding nuts or chocolate chips as per your preference!