chewy maple pumpkin cookies

these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are the perfect treat for fall gatherings, cozy evenings, or just a sweet snack any time of the year. With their soft and chewy texture, these cookies blend the rich flavors of maple and pumpkin beautifully. Coated in a spiced sugar mixture, they deliver a delightful sweetness that will leave everyone asking for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of maple syrup and pumpkin creates a unique taste that is both sweet and comforting.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these delightful cookies in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for celebrations, lunchboxes, or cozy evenings at home with a warm drink.
• Chewy Texture: These cookies are not only flavorful but also have a satisfying chewiness that makes them irresistible.
• Seasonal Appeal: Embrace the flavors of fall with these autumn-inspired cookies that capture the essence of the season.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients effectively without spills.
• Cookie scoop: Helps create uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up easy after baking.

Ingredients

To make these chewy maple pumpkin cookies, you will 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 the Sugar 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 making brown butter about an hour before you plan to bake. It will take around 15 minutes to prepare and 15-30 minutes to cool enough for use.
– Melt butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat.
– Once it begins to foam, whisk continuously until brown bits form at the bottom.
– Remove from heat and pour into a clean bowl; let it cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Pumpkin Puree

While your butter is cooling, prepare your pumpkin puree.
– Lay 2-3 paper towels across a wide bowl.
– Scoop about 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree onto the paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
– Before using in your recipe, squeeze out any remaining water from the pumpkin.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine your dry ingredients:
– Whisk together flour, spice blend, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another mixing bowl:
– Stir together cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until well mixed.
– Add in egg yolk and stir until combined.
– Mix in blotted pumpkin puree along with vanilla extract and optional maple extract until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet

Carefully fold in the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

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

Step 7: Preheat Oven

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

Step 8: Prepare Sugar Coating

In a small bowl:
– Mix granulated sugar with remaining spice blend until well combined; adjust spices if desired.

Step 9: Shape Cookies

Remove dough from refrigerator:
– Let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften slightly.
– Using a cookie scoop, portion out dough and roll each ball in the spiced sugar mixture.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Place cookie dough balls on prepared sheets about 2–3 inches apart:
– Bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 12–14 minutes.
– At around 9–10 minutes into baking, check consistency. If puffier than desired, gently bang the cookie sheet on oven rack to flatten slightly. Bake an additional few minutes as needed.

Step 11: Cool Cookies

After baking:
– Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet on top of a cooling rack for about 3–5 minutes before transferring them to cool completely on the rack.

Enjoy your delicious chewy maple pumpkin cookies!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for any occasion. Their warm, inviting flavors make them a delightful treat to share with family and friends.

With a Glass of Milk

• Enjoy these cookies with a cold glass of milk, which complements their sweetness and enhances the rich flavors.

At a Fall Gathering

• Serve these cookies at fall-themed parties or gatherings. Their festive appearance and delicious taste will delight your guests.

As an Afternoon Snack

• Pair these cookies with your favorite tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. The spices in the cookies add warmth to your beverage.

Gift Packaging

• Package these cookies in decorative tins or boxes for a thoughtful gift. They make an excellent homemade present for birthdays or holidays.

How to Perfect chewy maple pumpkin cookies

To achieve the best chewy maple pumpkin cookies, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking ingredients, especially the spices and baking soda, are fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 8 hours helps develop flavors and improves the cookie’s structure.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. Remove them when they are just set; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Adjust Spices: Feel free to tweak the spice blend according to your taste preferences. Adding more cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the fall flavor.
• Brown Butter Carefully: Make sure not to burn the butter when browning. It should have a nutty aroma and golden color before cooling.

Best Side Dishes for chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Pairing side dishes with chewy maple pumpkin cookies can create a well-rounded experience. Here are some tasty options:

1. Spiced Apple Cider
   A warm drink that enhances the autumn flavors of the cookies and adds a comforting touch.

2. Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
   This creamy dessert provides a delightful contrast to the chewy texture of the cookies.

3. Maple Glazed Pecans
   Crunchy pecans glazed with maple syrup offer a sweet nutty complement that pairs well with the cookie’s flavors.

4. Pumpkin Soup
   A silky smooth pumpkin soup brings out similar flavors, creating a cohesive fall-themed meal.

5. Cheese Platter
   Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese that pair nicely with the sweetness of the cookies for an elegant touch.

6. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing fruit salad featuring apples, pears, and berries can balance the richness of the cookies and add brightness to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making chewy maple pumpkin cookies, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can prevent the dough from mixing properly. Always let your ingredients come to room temperature before starting.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving that perfect chewy texture. Don’t skip this step, as it helps the flavors meld and prevents spreading during baking.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy or fluff up the flour with a spoon before scooping it into your measuring cup.
• Overbaking the cookies: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven, as they’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet.
• Neglecting spice balance: Adjusting spices can make or break your cookie’s flavor. Taste your spice mix before rolling the cookies and adjust as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store chewy maple pumpkin cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing chewy maple pumpkin cookies

• Freeze baked cookies in a single layer until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating chewy maple pumpkin cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds until soft but not hot.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for 1-2 minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes chewy maple pumpkin cookies different from regular pumpkin cookies?
The addition of brown butter and chilling time creates a chewier texture and richer flavor profile compared to standard pumpkin cookies.

Can I use other types of flour for chewy maple pumpkin cookies?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or gluten-free blends. However, this may alter the texture slightly.

How do I enhance the flavor of chewy maple pumpkin cookies?
Try adding nuts or chocolate chips, or increasing the spice blend for a more robust flavor.

Are chewy maple pumpkin cookies suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! Their delightful taste and festive appearance make them perfect gifts during fall celebrations.

Final Thoughts

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall. With their rich flavors and buttery texture, they’re perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with your favorite add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips!