Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies

These Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies are a delightful treat filled with the flavors of fall. Perfect for gatherings, cozy evenings, or just as a sweet indulgence, these cookies stand out with their chewy texture and rich maple flavor. The addition of spices adds warmth and depth, making them a must-try for any cookie lover.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Chewiness: These cookies are designed to be chewy, ensuring every bite is soft and satisfying.
• Seasonal Flavor: Enjoy the perfect blend of pumpkin and maple flavors that capture the essence of autumn.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up a batch in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for celebrations, snacks, or dessert; these cookies suit any occasion.
• Customizable Spices: Adjust the spice blend to your taste—whether you prefer pumpkin spice or chai, you can make it your own.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your chewy maple pumpkin cookies, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie scoop
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheets

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or mixing bowl: Essential for blending ingredients evenly, ensuring that your cookie dough has the right texture.
• Cookie scoop: Helps achieve uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

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!

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: Make Brown Butter

To begin making these delicious cookies, prepare brown butter about an hour before you start.
1. Melt butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk continuously until it starts to foam.
3. Keep whisking until brown bits form at the bottom.
4. Remove from heat and pour into a clean bowl to cool for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Pumpkin Puree

While your butter cools:
1. Lay 2-3 paper towels across a wide shallow bowl.
2. Scoop 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin onto the paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
3. Squeeze out any remaining water from the pumpkin puree before using it in the recipe.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another mixing bowl:
1. Stir together the cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until smooth.
2. Add in the egg yolk and mix well until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Add Pumpkin and Extracts

Next:
1. Stir in the blotted pumpkin puree along with vanilla extract and optional maple extract until combined.

Step 6: Combine Dry Mixture with Wet Ingredients

Gradually:
1. Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
2. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 7: Chill Dough

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

Step 8: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

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

Step 9: Prepare Sugar Coating

In a small bowl:
1. Mix granulated sugar with remaining spice blend until well combined.

Step 10: Scoop Cookie Dough

Using a cookie scoop:
1. Scoop dough balls onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets about 2-3 inches apart.
2. Roll each ball in the spiced sugar mixture before placing on trays.

Step 11: Bake Cookies

Bake:
1. Place trays in preheated oven for 12-14 minutes.
2. Check at around 9-10 minutes; if puffier than desired, bang pan on oven rack gently to flatten slightly.
3. Continue baking for another few minutes if needed.

Step 12: Cool Cookies

Once baked:
1. Let cookies cool on baking sheet for about 3-5 minutes.
2. Transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before enjoying!

How to Serve Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for fall gatherings, cozy evenings, or as a delightful dessert any time of the year. Here are some creative ways to serve them that will impress your friends and family.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Hot Chocolate: The sweetness of hot chocolate complements the flavors of the pumpkin perfectly.
• Chai Tea: A spiced chai tea enhances the cookie’s spices and adds warmth.

As a Dessert Platter

• Cookie Assortment: Serve alongside other seasonal cookies like gingerbread and sugar cookies for a festive touch.
• With Ice Cream: Top each cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for an extra layer of sweetness.

For Special Occasions

• Fall Parties: Use these cookies as part of your dessert table at fall-themed events like Halloween or Thanksgiving.
• Gift Bags: Package them in festive bags as homemade gifts for friends and family during the holidays.

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How to Perfect Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies

To achieve the best chewy maple pumpkin cookies, follow these essential tips that can elevate your baking game.

• Use European Style Butter: This butter has a higher fat content, resulting in richer flavor and better texture.
• Brown the Butter Well: Take your time browning the butter to develop deep, nutty flavors that enhance the overall taste.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling allows the flavors to meld and helps create a chewier texture. Aim for at least 8 hours in the fridge.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies in the oven; they should be lightly golden but still soft when you take them out.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the spice blend according to your taste preferences for a customized flavor profile.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their chewiness.

Best Side Dishes for Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies

Chewy maple pumpkin cookies can be complemented beautifully with various side dishes that enhance their flavor. Here’s a list of great options.

1. Caramel Apple Slices: These sweet slices add a crunchy texture that pairs well with chewy cookies.
2. Pecan Pie Bites: Miniature pecan pies provide a rich, nutty contrast to the soft pumpkin flavors.
3. Spiced Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote brings brightness and acidity that balances sweetness.
4. Pumpkin Spice Latte: This seasonal beverage enhances all things pumpkin while complementing cookie flavors perfectly.
5. Cranberry Sauce: Tart cranberry sauce provides a refreshing zing that contrasts nicely with sweet cookies.
6. Cream Cheese Frosting Dip: A creamy dip made from cream cheese adds richness and pairs beautifully with pumpkin flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To achieve the perfect chewy maple pumpkin cookies, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect texture and flavor.

• Butter Usage: Using cold butter instead of browned butter can lead to a less flavorful cookie. Always brown your butter for a rich taste.
• Incorrect Pumpkin Preparation: Not blotting the canned pumpkin can result in excess moisture. Make sure to squeeze out the water for the best texture.
• Skipping Chilling Time: Neglecting to chill the dough can cause cookies to spread too much during baking. Allow at least 8 hours of chilling time for optimal results.
• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can create a tough cookie instead of a chewy one. Mix until just combined for a softer texture.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature can lead to unevenly baked cookies. Always preheat your oven and verify its accuracy with an oven thermometer.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies

• Place cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen 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 individually for about 10-15 seconds for a soft treat.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, covered, for a few minutes to warm through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s what you might want to know about making chewy maple pumpkin cookies.

How do I get my chewy maple pumpkin cookies fluffy?

To achieve fluffiness, ensure that you don’t overmix once you combine wet and dry ingredients. This helps maintain air pockets in the dough.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes! If using fresh pumpkin, make sure it’s well cooked and strained to remove excess moisture before measuring.

What spices can I use in addition to pumpkin spice?

You can try cinnamon, nutmeg, or even ginger for added warmth and flavor. Customize based on your taste preferences!

How long do these chewy maple pumpkin cookies last?

When stored properly, they will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts can enhance flavor and texture, making them even more delightful.

Final Thoughts

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are not only delicious but also versatile! With their comforting flavors of fall, they are perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. Enjoy baking these delightful treats!