chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies bring the warmth of fall right to your kitchen. With a delightful balance of maple syrup and pumpkin flavors, these cookies are perfect for gatherings, cozy evenings, or just a sweet treat any time of year. Their chewy texture combined with the sweet and spicy sugar coating makes them irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these cookies up in no time.
• Delicious Fall Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and maple creates a rich taste that embodies the essence of autumn.
• Perfectly Chewy: The unique preparation ensures your cookies are soft and chewy, never dry.
• Versatile Treat: Great for celebrations, snacks, or dessert; they fit any occasion perfectly.
• Impressive Appearance: The sugar coating adds a beautiful finish that will impress friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth mixture by thoroughly combining wet ingredients.
• Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
• Baking sheets: Provides a sturdy surface for baking and prevents sticking when lined with parchment.

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 Cookies:

• 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

To start your cookies off with rich flavor:
1. Melt the butter in a clear heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat.
2. Once it begins to foam, whisk continuously until brown bits form at the bottom.
3. Pour into a clean bowl and let cool for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Pumpkin Purée

Ensure your pumpkin is not too watery:
1. Lay 2-3 paper towels across a wide bowl.
2. Scoop 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin onto the towels to absorb excess water.
3. Squeeze out any remaining moisture before using.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine all dry elements:
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, spice blend, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Create the base mixture:
1. Stir together cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until fully incorporated.
2. Add the egg yolk and mix well.
3. Stir in the pumpkin purée along with vanilla and optional maple extract.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Bring it all together:
1. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until just combined.
2. Cover dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight.

Step 6: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

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

Step 7: Form Cookies

Make them look great:
1. Remove chilled dough from the fridge after sitting at room temperature for 30 minutes.
2. Mix sugar with spice blend for coating.
3. Use a cookie scoop to portion out dough balls; roll them in spiced sugar mixture.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Finish off those tasty treats:
1. Place dough balls on prepared sheets about 2-3 inches apart.
2. Bake for 12-14 minutes; check around the halfway mark to adjust puffiness if necessary.

Step 9: Cool Cookies

Let them set:
1. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them to cooling racks to cool completely.

Enjoy your deliciously chewy maple pumpkin cookies as a festive treat or delightful snack!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy evening at home. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Enjoy these cookies with a cold glass of milk. The creamy texture complements the chewy cookie perfectly.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter with other fall treats like caramel apples and mini pumpkin pies for an inviting dessert spread.

Paired with Coffee or Tea

• Savor these cookies alongside your favorite coffee or herbal tea. The warm spices in the cookies balance wonderfully with hot beverages.

Warmed with Ice Cream

• Heat up a cookie and serve it topped with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The contrast of warm and cold makes for an indulgent treat.

Gift-Wrapped for Friends

• Package these cookies in festive boxes as gifts for friends and family. They’re sure to appreciate this sweet gesture during the fall season.

How to Perfect chewy maple pumpkin cookies

To achieve the ultimate chewy texture in your maple pumpkin cookies, follow these simple tips that will elevate your baking game.

• Use Brown Butter: Browning the butter adds depth and richness to the flavor, enhancing the overall taste of your cookies.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 8 hours helps develop flavors and improves the cookie’s texture.

• Measure Flour Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, ensuring you don’t add too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.

• Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Monitor your cookies closely in the oven; they should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when removed.

Best Side Dishes for chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Pairing side dishes with your chewy maple pumpkin cookies can create a harmonious meal or snack experience. Here are some delightful options to consider:

1. Spiced Apple Cider: Warm apple cider infused with spices creates a cozy drink that enhances the fall flavors of the cookies.

2. Pumpkin Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup provides a savory contrast that complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.

3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, especially sharp cheddar or creamy brie, pairs well with sweet desserts like these cookies.

4. Candied Pecans: Crunchy candied pecans add texture and nutty flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the soft, chewy cookie.

5. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad made with seasonal fruits like pears and apples offers a light and refreshing accompaniment.

6. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate fondue for an indulgent treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

7. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over your cookie platter for added sweetness and decadence that pairs wonderfully with maple flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Skipping the brown butter: Browned butter adds a rich, nutty flavor. Don’t skip this step; take the time to properly brown your butter for the best taste.
• Using watery pumpkin puree: Excess moisture can lead to soggy cookies. Always blot canned pumpkin with paper towels before adding it to your dough.
• Not chilling the dough: Chilling allows the flavors to meld and helps achieve a chewy texture. Make sure to chill your dough for at least 8 hours.
• Overbaking the cookies: Baking them too long can make them dry. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven when they are just set.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key in baking. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups properly for 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 cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating chewy maple pumpkin cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and reheat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through, being careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding chewy maple pumpkin cookies that may help you while preparing this delightful treat.

How do I make chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

To make chewy maple pumpkin cookies, start by browning butter and mixing it with sugars and pumpkin puree. Chill the dough before baking for optimal texture.

Can I use other spices instead of pumpkin spice?

Yes! You can substitute with chai spice or any of your favorite fall spices. Just ensure that you balance the flavors based on what you choose.

How should I store my cookies?

Store your chewy maple pumpkin cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely! These cookies freeze well. Just make sure to store them in freezer-safe bags after they have cooled completely.

What’s the best way to ensure my cookies are chewy?

Chilling the cookie dough before baking and not overbaking are key factors in achieving that perfect chewy texture.

Final Thoughts

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are a delightful blend of flavors that perfectly capture the essence of fall. With their soft texture and sweet notes, they’re great for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor!