these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly capture the essence of fall. With their sweet and spicy flavor, they make an excellent addition to any celebration or cozy gathering. These cookies are not only easy to make but also deliver a wonderfully chewy texture and rich maple flavor that is sure to impress friends and family alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of maple syrup and pumpkin creates a unique taste that’s both comforting and satisfying.
- Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual afternoon snack, these cookies are versatile enough for any event.
- Chewy Texture: Thanks to the special dough preparation, each bite delivers a soft and chewy experience that cookie lovers will adore.
- Fall Inspired: Capture the spirit of autumn with flavors that evoke warm memories of the season.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into baking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your process and ensure success.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cookie scoop
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: A good set of mixing bowls allows you to combine ingredients efficiently without mess.
- Cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
- Baking sheets: Sturdy baking sheets help distribute heat evenly, resulting in perfectly baked cookies.
Ingredients
To create 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 Coating
- 1/2 c (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin or chai spice blend
How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies
Step 1: Prepare Brown Butter
To start off, make your brown butter about an hour before you plan to bake:
1. Melt the butter in a clear heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat.
2. Once it starts foaming, whisk continuously until brown bits form at the bottom.
3. Pour it into a clean bowl and let it cool for 30 minutes until it reaches room temperature.
Step 2: Blot Pumpkin Puree
While your butter is cooling:
1. Lay 2-3 paper towels across a wide shallow bowl.
2. Scoop a generous 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree onto the paper towels.
3. Allow the excess moisture to absorb into the towels before squeezing out any remaining liquid.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, chosen spice blend, baking soda, and salt until combined.
2. Set this mixture aside for later use.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In your mixing bowl:
1. Stir together the cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until well mixed.
2. Add in the egg yolk and mix until combined.
3. Incorporate the blotted pumpkin along with vanilla and optional maple extract.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, add your dry mixture:
1. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Step 6: Chill Dough
Cover your dough with plastic wrap:
– Chill in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight for best results.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
When you’re ready to bake:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
2. Line one or two large cookie sheets with parchment paper.
3. Let dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before scooping.
Step 8: Coat Cookies in Sugar Mixture
Prepare your coating:
– Mix granulated sugar with remaining spice blend until well combined.
Using a cookie scoop:
– Roll each ball of dough in the spiced sugar mixture before placing them on prepared baking sheets.
Step 9: Bake Cookies
Place in preheated oven:
– Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
Step 10: Cool Cookies
After baking:
– Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them to cooling racks to cool completely.
Enjoy these delicious chewy maple pumpkin cookies! Each bite captures warm autumn flavors that everyone will love!
How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies
These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.
With a Cup of Tea
- Pair these cookies with your favorite herbal or spiced tea for a comforting afternoon treat.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Create delicious ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies.
Festive Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter alongside other seasonal treats, like candied nuts and caramel popcorn, for a festive dessert spread.
Drizzled with Maple Glaze
- Enhance their flavor by drizzling a homemade maple glaze over the top for an extra touch of sweetness.
With Fresh Fruit
- Serve alongside slices of fresh apples or pears to complement the rich pumpkin flavor.
Dipped in Coffee
- Enjoy these cookies dipped in your morning coffee or latte for a delightful breakfast option.
How to Perfect chewy maple pumpkin cookies
Achieving the perfect chewy texture and flavor in your chewy maple pumpkin cookies is simple with these helpful tips.
Cool the Butter Properly: Allowing the browned butter to cool adequately ensures your cookies won’t spread too much during baking.
Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the cookie dough overnight helps develop deeper flavors and improves the texture.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Letting your egg yolk and other ingredients come to room temperature promotes better mixing and consistency.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; removing them when they look slightly underdone will result in a chewier texture.
Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to customize the spice blend based on your preferences for more warmth or sweetness.
Best Side Dishes for chewy maple pumpkin cookies
If you’re looking to complement your chewy maple pumpkin cookies with some tasty side dishes, consider these options that pair beautifully together.
Spiced Chai Latte: A warm chai latte complements the spices in the cookie, offering a cozy beverage option.
Caramel Pudding: Creamy caramel pudding adds a rich contrast to the soft texture of the cookies, making each bite indulgent.
Apple Crisp: This warm dessert features baked apples topped with a crumbly oat mixture, providing a sweet and fruity balance.
Pumpkin Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup can enhance the autumnal flavors present in the cookies while being savory and satisfying.
Maple Glazed Nuts: Crunchy nuts glazed with maple syrup create an irresistible sweet-and-salty snack alongside your cookies.
Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses balances out sweetness, providing variety and richness when enjoyed with cookies.
Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries offer a savory counterpart that complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
Cinnamon Applesauce: Homemade cinnamon applesauce is refreshing and pairs well with the rich flavors of chewy maple pumpkin cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking chewy maple pumpkin cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the brown butter: Brown butter brings a rich, nutty flavor. Take the time to make it right, as it enhances the cookie’s taste.
- Not chilling the dough: Chilling helps the flavors meld and prevents excessive spreading. Allow the dough to chill for at least 8 hours or overnight for best results.
- Using too much pumpkin: Excess moisture from pumpkin can lead to soggy cookies. Make sure to blot your canned pumpkin well before adding it to the mix.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can create tough cookies. Mix until just combined to maintain that chewy texture.
- Not measuring accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially with flour. This ensures consistent results every time.
- Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They can go from perfect to overdone quickly, so check them around 9-10 minutes.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store chewy maple pumpkin cookies in an airtight container.
- They will keep well in the fridge for up to one week.
Freezing chewy maple pumpkin cookies
- Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating chewy maple pumpkin cookies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and warm for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie for 10-15 seconds until warm but not hot.
- Stovetop: Place a pan over low heat and warm each cookie for a few minutes until soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about chewy maple pumpkin cookies.
How do I achieve soft and chewy maple pumpkin cookies?
To ensure your cookies remain soft and chewy, avoid overbaking them and use brown butter, which adds moisture and flavor.
Can I customize my chewy maple pumpkin cookies?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to enhance flavor and texture according to your preference.
What is the best way to store chewy maple pumpkin cookies?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage.
What spices can I use in these chewy maple pumpkin cookies?
You can use either a pumpkin spice blend or chai spice blend, depending on your flavor preference.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes! Substitute the egg yolk with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use plant-based butter instead of regular butter.
Final Thoughts
These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Their rich flavor makes them perfect for fall celebrations or as a comforting snack anytime. Feel free to customize them with your favorite add-ins or spices!
Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies
Indulge in the delightful flavors of autumn with these chewy maple pumpkin cookies. Each bite bursts with the warm essence of maple and pumpkin, creating a comforting treat perfect for any gathering or cozy evening at home. These cookies are not only simple to make, but they also offer a wonderfully chewy texture that cookie lovers will appreciate. With just the right amount of sweetness and spice, they’re sure to impress friends and family alike.
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin or chai spice blend
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (browned)
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (blotted)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the brown butter by melting it in a saucepan over medium heat until browned. Let cool.
- Blot the canned pumpkin on paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, spice blend, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In another bowl, mix cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until combined. Add egg yolk, blotted pumpkin, and vanilla extract; stir well.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
- Chill the dough for at least 8 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll chilled dough into balls, coat in a mixture of granulated sugar and spice blend, then place on prepared sheets.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (25g)
- Calories: 104
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: For extra flavor variations, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts to the dough. Ensure your egg yolk is at room temperature for better mixing.
