chewy maple pumpkin cookies

these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly capture the essence of fall. With their rich flavors, these cookies are ideal for gatherings, cozy evenings at home, or as a sweet surprise for loved ones. The combination of maple syrup and pumpkin creates a uniquely chewy texture that’s sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Delicious Fall Flavor: The blend of maple and pumpkin gives these cookies a warm, comforting taste that embodies the spirit of autumn.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want a snack with coffee.
• Chewy Texture: These cookies have a wonderful chewy consistency, making them hard to resist.
• Customizable Spice: Adjust the spice blend according to your preference for a personalized touch.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these chewy maple pumpkin cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Cookie scoop (2-inch size)
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheets

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without mess.
• Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking and presentation.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier while baking.

Ingredients

To make these 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 baking. It requires time to cool down after cooking.
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. Allow it to cool for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Pumpkin Purée

To ensure your cookies won’t be too wet:
1. Lay 2-3 paper towels across a wide shallow bowl.
2. Scoop 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin onto the paper towels.
3. Let it sit so excess water can absorb into the towels. Squeeze out any remaining moisture before using.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In this step, combine your dry ingredients:
1. In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, spice blend, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to mix your wet ingredients:
1. In another mixing bowl, stir together cooled brown butter, light brown sugar, and pure maple syrup until well combined.
2. Add in the egg yolk and mix until fully incorporated.
3. Stir in the blotted pumpkin along with vanilla extract and optional maple extract until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Carefully bring together your mixtures:
1. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

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

Step 7: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

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: Shape Cookies

Prepare your cookies for baking:
1. Let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before scooping.
2. Mix granulated sugar with additional spice blend in a small bowl.
3. Using a cookie scoop, portion out dough balls and roll them in the spiced sugar mixture.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Finally, bake your delicious treats:
1. Place dough balls about 2-3 inches apart on prepared sheets.
2. Bake for 12-14 minutes; check at around 9-10 minutes—if they puff up too much, gently bang the pan on the oven rack to flatten slightly before finishing baking.

Step 10: Cool Cookies

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

Enjoy your 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 autumn gathering or a festive holiday party. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

Pair with Warm Beverages

• Hot Chocolate: The rich flavors of hot chocolate complement the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
• Chai Tea: A spiced chai will enhance the spices in the cookies, creating a warm and inviting flavor profile.
• Cider: Warm apple cider pairs beautifully with these pumpkin cookies, making for a delightful fall treat.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Cheese Selection: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese that balance out the sweetness of the cookies.
• Fruits: Fresh apple slices or pears provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.
• Nuts: Add roasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.

Ideal for Gift Giving

• Cookie Jars: Pack these cookies in mason jars tied with ribbons for a charming homemade gift.
• Holiday Baskets: Include them as part of a larger gift basket filled with other baked goods and seasonal treats.

How to Perfect chewy maple pumpkin cookies

To achieve the ultimate chewy texture and rich flavor in your chewy maple pumpkin cookies, follow these tips for perfection.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps in achieving a smoother batter and better incorporation of flavors.
• Don’t skip chilling the dough: Chilling allows the flavors to meld and improves the texture, leading to chewier cookies.
• Bake until just set: Remove from the oven when they look slightly underbaked; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
• Experiment with spices: Adjust the spice blend according to your taste to make these cookies uniquely yours.

Best Side Dishes for chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies can be enjoyed alongside various side dishes that enhance their delightful flavor. Here are some great options:

1. Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon and sugar offer a crunchy contrast.
2. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a creamy side that complements the cookie’s texture.
4. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a deliciously creamy pairing with warm cookies.
5. Pumpkin Soup: A small bowl of savory pumpkin soup enhances the overall autumn theme.
6. Cheese Board: Include aged cheeses to balance out sweet flavors and add complexity to your dessert table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making chewy maple pumpkin cookies, avoiding common pitfalls is key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

• Using too much flour: Overmeasuring flour can lead to dry cookies. Use a kitchen scale or spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is essential for flavor and texture. If you skip it, your cookies may spread too much during baking.
• Not checking for doneness: Baking times can vary. Always check your cookies a minute or two before the suggested time to prevent overbaking.
• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold eggs or butter can affect how well ingredients mix together. Make sure your egg yolk is at room temperature for better incorporation.
• Forgetting to coat in sugar: Coating the cookie dough in spiced sugar adds flavor and texture. Don’t skip this step for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store chewy maple pumpkin cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing chewy maple pumpkin cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment paper between layers.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating chewy maple pumpkin cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds, just enough to warm it without making it tough.
• Stovetop: Place a pan over low heat, add a cookie, cover with a lid, and warm for about 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about chewy maple pumpkin cookies that might help you out.

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

Cookies are done when they look set around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue cooking slightly after being removed from the oven.

Can I make chewy maple pumpkin cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.

What can I use instead of brown sugar?

You can use coconut sugar or granulated sugar combined with a bit of molasses as an alternative to brown sugar in this recipe.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your chewy maple pumpkin cookies by adding chopped nuts or dairy-free chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.

How should I store leftover dough?

Wrap any leftover cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall flavors. Their versatility allows you to customize them with different spices or mix-ins as desired. We encourage you to try this easy recipe and enjoy these delicious cookies!