chewy maple pumpkin cookies

these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are the perfect treat for fall! With their sweet and spicy flavors, they bring a cozy vibe to any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a festive celebration, or simply a sweet snack at home. These cookies stand out with their chewy texture and the rich taste of maple and pumpkin, making them irresistible to everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of maple syrup and pumpkin creates a warm, comforting taste that’s perfect for autumn.
• Chewy Texture: These cookies are designed to be chewy, ensuring every bite is soft and satisfying.
• Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and clear steps, anyone can whip up these delightful cookies in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them warm with coffee or pack them for lunch; they’re great for any time of day.
• Perfect for Sharing: Yielding about 20 cookies, they are great for sharing with friends, family, or coworkers during the holiday season.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin baking these chewy maple pumpkin cookies, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients effectively without spills.
• Cookie scoop: Helps achieve uniform cookie sizes for even baking results.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier after baking.

Ingredients

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies require the following 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
• 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
• 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

To enhance the flavor of your chewy maple pumpkin cookies, start by making brown butter:
1. Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk continuously until it foams and turns golden brown with small bits forming.
3. Remove from heat and pour into a clean bowl to cool for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree

You’ll need to remove excess moisture from the canned pumpkin:
1. Lay paper towels across a shallow bowl.
2. Scoop out a generous amount of pumpkin puree onto the towels.
3. Squeeze out any excess water before using it in your recipe.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to mix your wet ingredients:
1. In another bowl, stir together cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until fully blended.
2. Add in the egg yolk and mix until incorporated.
3. Stir in pumpkin puree along with vanilla extract and optional maple extract.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently combine both mixtures:
1. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Refrigerate your dough:
1. Cover it with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight.

Step 7: Preheat Your Oven

Prepare to bake:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper while you let dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Step 8: Prepare Sugar Coating

Make your spiced sugar coating:
1. In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar with the remaining spice blend until well combined.

Step 9: Shape Cookies

Shape each cookie dough ball:
1. Using a cookie scoop, portion out dough balls.
2. Roll each ball in the spiced sugar mixture until coated evenly.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Bake them to perfection:
1. Place cookie dough balls on lined baking sheets about 2–3 inches apart.
2. Bake for about 12–14 minutes; check around halfway through for puffiness.

Step 11: Cool Cookies

Let them cool before enjoying:
1. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for about three to five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Enjoy your homemade chewy maple pumpkin cookies warm or store them for later!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Serving chewy maple pumpkin cookies can enhance their delightful flavors and make your gatherings even more special. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy these delicious treats.

With a Warm Beverage

• Coffee: Pair your cookies with a hot cup of coffee for a comforting experience.
• Spiced Tea: Enjoy them alongside a fragrant spiced tea to complement the pumpkin flavor.
• Hot Chocolate: The sweetness of hot chocolate pairs beautifully with the chewy texture of the cookies.

As a Dessert Platter

• Cheese Board: Include your cookies on a cheese board with assorted cheeses and nuts for an elegant touch.
• Fruit Medley: Serve with sliced apples or pears to balance the sweetness with some fresh fruit.

During Festive Occasions

• Thanksgiving Treats: These cookies make perfect additions to your Thanksgiving dessert table.
• Halloween Goodies: Offer them as treats during Halloween parties for a seasonal delight.

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How to Perfect chewy maple pumpkin cookies

To achieve the ideal chewy texture in your maple pumpkin cookies, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Temperature Control: Ensure you chill the dough adequately. This helps maintain shape and chewiness while baking.
• Bold Use of Brown Butter: Browned butter adds depth of flavor, making your cookies richer and more aromatic.
• Bold Spice Balance: Adjust spices according to your taste. A bit more cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance that fall flavor.
• Bold Cookie Scoop Size: Use a consistent cookie scoop size for even baking and uniformity in appearance.
• Bold Baking Time Monitoring: Keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of baking. Removing them when slightly underbaked ensures they stay chewy.

Best Side Dishes for chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Pairing side dishes with chewy maple pumpkin cookies can elevate your snack time or dessert experience. Here are some delightful options.

1. Cream Cheese Frosting: Spread a layer on top of each cookie for added creaminess and sweetness.
2. Maple Glaze: Drizzle warm maple glaze over the cookies for an extra sweet touch that highlights their flavor.
3. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast in temperature and texture.
4. Whipped Cream: Top each cookie with fresh whipped cream for a light, airy addition that balances the richness.
5. Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor enhancement.
6. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cookies for an indulgent treat that complements their taste perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking chewy maple pumpkin cookies, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch for.

• Using cold butter: Cold butter affects the texture of your cookies. Always use room temperature or browned, cooled butter for the best results.
• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can lead to cookies that spread too much. Chilling helps maintain their shape and enhances flavor.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make your cookies tough. Mix until just combined for a perfect chewy texture.
• Incorrect oven temperature: An oven that’s too hot or too cold can ruin your cookies. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if necessary.
• Skipping the spice adjustment: Not tasting your sugar coating can lead to unbalanced flavors. Adjust spices to match your taste before baking.

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, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating chewy maple pumpkin cookies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people have about making chewy maple pumpkin cookies.

Can I use regular butter instead of European style?

You can use regular butter, but European style has higher fat content which contributes to a richer flavor and chewier texture.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

Look for slightly golden edges and soft centers. They will continue to firm up after cooling.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, but make sure it is well-blotted and not watery. Fresh pumpkin requires proper preparation to achieve the right consistency.

What is the best way to customize these chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits for added flavor and texture variations.

Why did my cookies turn out flat?

Flat cookies could be due to warm dough or insufficient chilling time. Always chill the dough as recommended.

Final Thoughts

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights at home. Their delightful sweetness and buttery texture make them irresistible. Feel free to customize with nuts or chocolate chips for an extra treat! Give this recipe a try — you won’t be disappointed!