chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With their rich flavors and chewy texture, these cookies capture the essence of fall in every bite. The combination of maple syrup and pumpkin creates a uniquely sweet and buttery taste that will have everyone coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: These cookies feature a perfect blend of maple sweetness and warm spices, making them a standout dessert.
• Chewy Texture: The unique sugar cookie dough results in chewy cookies that are soft and satisfying.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these delicious cookies with ease.
• Versatile: Perfect as an afternoon snack, dessert at celebrations, or even a cozy treat with coffee.
• Fall Favorite: Embrace the season with these cookies that highlight quintessential autumn flavors.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will make your experience enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients effectively without spills.
• Whisk: Perfect for ensuring that your dry ingredients are well combined and your wet ingredients are smooth.
• Cookie sheets: Provide the right surface for baking cookies evenly without sticking.
• Cooling rack: Allows air circulation around the cookies so they cool properly without becoming soggy.

Ingredients

To create these delightful chewy maple pumpkin cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/4 c (270g) all purpose flour
• 2 tsp pumpkin or chai spice blend
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 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

Coating Sugar Mixture

• 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 takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 15-30 minutes to cool.
1. Melt butter in a clear heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat.
2. Once it foams, whisk continuously until brown bits appear.
3. Remove from heat and pour into a clean bowl; allow cooling for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Pumpkin Puree

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

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together flour, spice blend, baking soda, and salt until well mixed. Set aside.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another mixing bowl:
1. Combine the cooled brown butter with light brown sugar and maple syrup until fully blended.
2. Stir in the egg yolk until well incorporated.
3. Add in the prepared pumpkin puree along with vanilla and maple extracts.

Step 5: Combine Dry & Wet Mixtures

Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Chill Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap:
1. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

When ready to bake:
1. Preheat oven to 350 F (177 C).
2. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Step 8: Roll Cookies

Remove dough from fridge:
1. Let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
2. Mix sugar with remaining spice blend in a small bowl.
3. Scoop out dough using a cookie scoop; roll each ball in spiced sugar mixture.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

On lined cookie sheets:
1. Place dough balls about 2-3 inches apart.
2. Bake for 12-14 minutes; check at around 9-10 minutes.
3. If puffier than desired, gently bang the pan on the oven rack to flatten slightly before finishing baking.

Step 10: Cool Cookies

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

Enjoy your chewy maple pumpkin cookies! They’re perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself!

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 quiet evening at home, here are some delightful ways to serve them.

With a Cup of Coffee

• Pairing your cookies with a warm cup of coffee enhances their rich flavors. The bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.

As an After-Dinner Treat

• Serve these cookies as a sweet finish to dinner. Their chewy texture and maple flavor make them an excellent dessert option.

With Ice Cream

• Top a warm cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The combination of warm and cold creates a delightful contrast.

For Holiday Gatherings

• Present these cookies on festive platters during holiday celebrations. They add a seasonal touch that guests will appreciate.

With Milk

• A classic pairing, enjoy these cookies with a glass of cold milk. The creamy milk complements the sweet and buttery flavors beautifully.

How to Perfect chewy maple pumpkin cookies

To achieve the best chewy maple pumpkin cookies, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Brown Butter: Browning the butter adds depth and nutty 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 texture, resulting in chewier cookies.
• Check Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated correctly. An accurate temperature ensures even baking and perfect texture.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking. Removing them from the oven when they are slightly underbaked allows them to remain chewy.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify spices according to your taste preference. Adding more or less can create unique flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Complement your chewy maple pumpkin cookies with these side dishes that enhance their deliciousness.

1. Chai Tea – A warm cup of chai tea pairs perfectly, echoing the spices in the cookies and providing a cozy feeling.
2. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad offers freshness and balances out the richness of the cookies with vibrant flavors.
3. Cheese Platter – Include a selection of mild cheeses with crackers; their creaminess contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cookies.
4. Pumpkin Soup – A small bowl of pumpkin soup serves as a comforting starter, continuing with the seasonal theme.
5. Spiced Nuts – Roasted spiced nuts can provide crunch and enhance fall flavors, making them a great snack alongside your treats.
6. Apple Cider – Enjoying warm apple cider brings out autumnal flavors, creating an inviting atmosphere when served together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your chewy maple pumpkin cookies from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not chilling the dough – Failing to chill the dough can lead to flat cookies. Make sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 8 hours, or overnight for better flavor.
• Skipping the brown butter – Using regular melted butter instead of brown butter can affect the flavor. Take the time to brown your butter; it enhances the cookie’s taste.
• Using too much pumpkin – Adding excess pumpkin can make cookies too moist. Ensure you blot and measure your pumpkin accurately before using it in the batter.
• Overbaking – Baking cookies for too long results in a hard texture. Keep an eye on them, checking around 9-10 minutes and adjusting baking time as needed.
• Ignoring spices – Not adjusting your spice blend can lead to bland cookies. Taste your sugar mix before rolling the dough and add more spices if desired.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing chewy maple pumpkin cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once solid, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They will keep well for up to three months.

Reheating chewy maple pumpkin cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time on high for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop – Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making chewy maple pumpkin cookies:

How do I make chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

To make chewy maple pumpkin cookies, mix brown butter with sugars, then incorporate canned pumpkin and spices before chilling and baking the dough.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just ensure it’s cooked and well-drained similar to canned pumpkin for best results.

How should I store chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze them for longer storage.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can substitute brown sugar with an equal amount of white sugar mixed with a little molasses or honey for similar sweetness and moisture.

Final Thoughts

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for celebrating fall flavors. With their soft texture and delightful sweetness, they are ideal for gatherings or just enjoying at home. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips according to your preference!