chewy maple pumpkin cookies

these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly encapsulates the essence of fall. Made from a rich maple pumpkin sugar cookie dough and coated in a sweet, spicy sugar mixture, these cookies deliver a chewy, buttery flavor that will warm your heart. They are ideal for holiday gatherings, cozy evenings at home, or anytime you crave a taste of autumn.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Fall Flavor: Each bite is packed with the warm spices of pumpkin and maple, making them perfect for the season.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, anyone can whip these up in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Great for dessert tables, parties, or as an afternoon snack alongside your favorite beverage.
• Chewy Texture: The unique combination of brown butter and chilled dough ensures that each cookie is irresistibly chewy.
• Customizable Spice: Adjust the spice blend to suit your taste—add more heat or sweetness depending on your preference.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making these chewy maple pumpkin cookies, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process and ensure delicious results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These allow you to combine ingredients easily without mess.
• Baking sheets: They provide a sturdy surface for even baking and prevent sticking when lined with parchment paper.
• Parchment paper: This helps prevent cookies from sticking, ensuring easy removal after baking.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down bowls and mixing ingredients thoroughly.

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Ingredients

To make these chewy maple pumpkin cookies, you will need:

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 the Brown Butter

Start by making the brown butter about an hour before you plan to bake.
* Melt the butter in a clear heavy bottom saucepan over medium heat.
* Once it starts to foam, whisk continuously until it turns golden brown with small bits forming at the bottom.
* Remove from heat and pour into a clean bowl; let it cool for about 30 minutes until it reaches room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Purée

While the butter is cooling:
* Lay 2–3 paper towels across a shallow bowl.
* Scoop a generous 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin onto the paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
* Squeeze out any remaining water before using it in your recipe.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
* Whisk together the all-purpose flour, spice blend, baking soda, and salt until fully combined. Set aside.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In your mixing bowl:
* Stir together the cooled brown butter, light brown sugar, and pure maple syrup until well blended.
* Add in the egg yolk and mix until combined.
* Then stir in the blotted pumpkin along with the vanilla extract and optional maple extract.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture:
* Stir just until combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap:
* Chill in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight to enhance texture.

Step 7: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

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

Step 8: Shape Cookies

After chilling:
* Remove dough from fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before scooping.
* In a separate bowl, mix granulated sugar with additional spice blend for coating.

Using a cookie scoop:
* Scoop out portions of dough and roll them in spiced sugar mixture before placing them on prepared sheets about 2–3 inches apart.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Bake in preheated oven:
* For about 12–14 minutes. Check at around 9–10 minutes; if they seem too puffed up, gently bang the pan on oven rack to flatten slightly before finishing baking.

Step 10: Cool & Enjoy

Once done:
* Cool on baking sheet for about 3–5 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack to cool fully.

Enjoy your chewy maple pumpkin cookies fresh out of the oven or store them for later!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy gathering or a festive celebration. Their delightful flavor makes them a wonderful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways.

With a Cup of Coffee

• Enjoy these cookies alongside your favorite coffee. The rich flavors of maple and pumpkin pair beautifully with the boldness of coffee.

As a Dessert Platter

• Create an inviting dessert platter with these cookies, complemented by other seasonal treats like apple slices or caramel sauce for dipping.

With Whipped Cream

• Top your cookies with a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent twist. This adds a light and fluffy texture that balances the chewiness.

Paired with Hot Chocolate

• Serve these cookies with hot chocolate for a comforting combination. The sweetness of the cookies enhances the rich flavor of the drink.

As Party Favors

• Package these cookies as party favors. Place them in cute bags tied with ribbons for guests to take home and enjoy later.

How to Perfect chewy maple pumpkin cookies

To achieve the best chewy maple pumpkin cookies, follow these simple tips that ensure optimal taste and texture.

• Brown Butter: Use well-browned butter for extra depth of flavor. This step enhances the nuttiness and richness of your cookies.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill not only helps in developing flavors but also makes it easier to handle while shaping your cookies.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.

• Use Fresh Spices: Opt for fresh spices in your blend to elevate the overall taste of your cookies. Freshly ground spices pack more flavor than pre-ground options.

• Test Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of baking. Cookies should look slightly underbaked when you take them out, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.

Best Side Dishes for chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Chewy maple pumpkin cookies can be paired with various side dishes that enhance their flavors and create a delightful experience.

1. Spiced Apples: Sautéed apples with cinnamon complement the warm flavors of the cookies beautifully.

2. Cream Cheese Frosting: A light spread of cream cheese frosting adds tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cookie’s flavor.

3. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of creamy pumpkin soup serves as a savory contrast to sweet cookies, making for an enjoyable snack combination.

4. Vanilla Ice Cream: Pairing these cookies with vanilla ice cream creates an indulgent dessert experience that balances textures.

5. Maple Glazed Carrots: Sweet and savory glazed carrots provide a delightful side that matches the cookie’s flavors well.

6. Chai Tea: A soothing cup of chai tea brings warmth and spiciness that complements chewy maple pumpkin cookies effectively.

7. Nut Mix: A mix of roasted nuts adds crunchiness to your cookie serving, enhancing both texture and flavor profiles.

8. Cheese Board: Include mild cheeses on a cheese board alongside your cookies for an interesting sweet-and-savory pairing option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making chewy maple pumpkin cookies, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are a few to watch for:

• Using too much flour – This can lead to dry cookies. Always measure flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
• Not chilling the dough – Skipping this step can result in cookies that spread too much. Chill the dough for at least 8 hours for the best texture.
• Overbaking – Cookies should be slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
• Ignoring ingredient temperature – Using cold butter or eggs can impact how well they mix. Ensure ingredients are at room temperature before using.
• Not tasting your spice mix – Adjusting spices can enhance flavor. Always taste your mixture before rolling the dough in sugar.

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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 and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating chewy maple pumpkin cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop – Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes chewy maple pumpkin cookies chewy?

The combination of brown butter, brown sugar, and proper chilling time creates that delightful chewy texture.

Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of chai spice blend?

Yes, pumpkin pie spice is an excellent substitute and adds classic fall flavor to your chewy maple pumpkin cookies.

How should I store leftover chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer shelf life.

How do I customize my chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to personalize your cookie experience!

Final Thoughts

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for fall gatherings and cozy evenings at home. Their rich flavors pair wonderfully with coffee or tea, making them versatile treats. Feel free to customize them with your favorite add-ins or spices! Enjoy baking these delightful cookies that are sure to impress family and friends.