Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies

These Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies are the perfect treat to welcome the fall season. With their soft texture and delightful flavor, they’re great for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations. The rich combination of maple syrup and pumpkin puree creates a cookie that’s not just delicious but also comforting. You’ll love how easy they are to make and how quickly they disappear!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible flavor: The blend of maple and pumpkin spices creates a warm, inviting taste that screams autumn.
• Chewy texture: Each bite delivers a soft, chewy cookie experience that is both satisfying and delightful.
• Versatile for occasions: Perfect as a tasty snack, dessert at gatherings, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples, these cookies are easy to whip up anytime you crave something sweet.
• Make ahead option: The dough can be chilled overnight, making it convenient for busy schedules.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your cookie-making experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Parchment paper
• Cookie sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or mixing bowls: Ensures thorough mixing of ingredients for a consistent dough.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking, allowing for easy removal after baking.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down sides of bowls and ensuring all ingredients are well combined.

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!

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 Mix

• 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 chewy maple pumpkin cookies, you’ll need to prepare brown butter about an hour before baking:
1. Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat.
2. Once it starts foaming, whisk continuously until you see brown bits forming.
3. Remove from heat and pour into a clean bowl. Let it cool for 30 minutes at room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare Pumpkin Puree

While the butter cools:
1. Lay 2-3 paper towels across a shallow bowl.
2. Scoop 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin puree onto the towels.
3. Allow excess water to absorb into the towels. Before using in your recipe, squeeze out any remaining moisture.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together all-purpose flour, spice blend, baking soda, and salt until well mixed.
2. Set aside for later use.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In your stand mixer or mixing bowl:
1. Stir together cooled brown butter, light brown sugar, and maple syrup until fully combined.
2. Add in the egg yolk; mix well until smooth.
3. Stir in the prepared pumpkin puree along with vanilla and optional maple extract.

Continue with this process until all steps have been completed for the best chewy maple pumpkin cookies!

How to Serve Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies

Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in. Here are some delightful ways to serve these delicious cookies.

With a Warm Beverage

• Coffee: The rich flavor of coffee pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the cookies.
• Hot Chocolate: A classic choice that complements the fall spices in the cookies.
• Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai enhance the flavors of your chewy pumpkin treats.

As a Dessert Platter

• Mini Cheesecakes: Serve alongside mini cheesecakes for a delightful dessert spread.
• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
• Ice Cream: Pair with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist.

At Holiday Gatherings

• Thanksgiving Table: These cookies make a great addition to any Thanksgiving dessert table.
• Halloween Party Favors: Wrap them in cellophane and tie with ribbon for fun party favors.

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How to Perfect Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies

To achieve the best chewy texture and flavor, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your pumpkin puree and spices are fresh for maximum flavor.
• Brown Your Butter: Browning butter adds a nutty depth that enhances the cookie’s taste.
• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps develop flavors and improves texture.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be soft when you remove them from the oven.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Taste your sugar mixture and adjust spices to suit your personal preference.
• Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain their chewiness.

Best Side Dishes for Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies

Serving Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies can be enhanced by pairing them with complementary side dishes. Here’s a list of fantastic options that will elevate your cookie experience.

1. Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce balances the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
2. Spiced Nuts: A mix of spiced nuts provides crunch and savory notes that contrast nicely with the chewy texture.
3. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup creates a cozy, fall-inspired meal alongside your cookies.
4. Caramel Dip: Serve with caramel dip for an extra sweet touch that everyone will love.
5. Cheese Board: Include some sharp cheeses to provide a savory counterpoint to your sweet treats.
6. Apple Slices with Peanut Butter: Fresh apple slices dipped in peanut butter create a wholesome snack that pairs well with cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies can be a delight, but certain mistakes can hinder your baking experience. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

• Not browning the butter properly – Failing to achieve the right color and aroma can result in a less flavorful cookie. Make sure to watch the butter closely as it melts and whisk continuously until you see brown bits form.
• Skipping the chilling step – If you don’t chill the dough, your cookies may spread too much during baking. Always cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours to ensure they hold their shape.
• Using too much pumpkin puree – Excess moisture can lead to soggy cookies. Be sure to blot the pumpkin puree well before measuring it out for this recipe.
• Overmixing the dough – Mixing too long can make the cookies tough. Stir until just combined for that perfect chewy texture.
• Ignoring oven temperatures – Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Adjust baking times if you’re using a different type of oven, like convection or conventional.
• Not testing for doneness – Baking time may vary, so check your cookies around the 9-minute mark. If they look puffier than desired, give them a gentle bang on the oven rack to flatten them slightly before finishing baking.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store baked chewy maple pumpkin cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.
• For best results, layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies

• Place fully cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.
• Label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds for softness.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat; warm for around 2-3 minutes until just heated through without burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these chewy maple pumpkin cookies special?

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are special due to their rich flavor from browned butter and pure maple syrup, creating a delightful fall treat.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just ensure it’s well-blotted of excess moisture for optimal results in your chewy maple pumpkin cookies.

How do I enhance the spice flavor?

To enhance the spice flavor, consider adding extra spices like nutmeg or cinnamon based on your preference when mixing into the batter.

How do I store leftover chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them!

Are these chewy maple pumpkin cookies suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! These cookies freeze well and maintain their chewy texture when thawed. Just make sure they are completely cooled before freezing.

Final Thoughts

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are not only delicious but also versatile! You can easily customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips. Perfect for any occasion, these treats bring cozy flavors that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try and enjoy every bite!