chewy maple pumpkin cookies

these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any fall occasion. With their rich flavors of maple and pumpkin, they bring warmth and comfort to your gatherings. Coated in a sweet and spicy sugar, these cookies offer a chewy texture that is sure to please both friends and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Fall Flavor: The combination of maple and pumpkin creates a warm, comforting taste that embodies the essence of autumn.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, preparing these cookies is a breeze for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for celebrations, holiday gatherings, or simply as a cozy snack with your favorite drink.
• Chewy Texture: The unique brown butter technique enhances the cookies’ chewiness, making each bite irresistible.
• Customizable Spices: You can adjust the spice blend to suit your taste preferences, ensuring every batch is uniquely yours.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into baking these chewy maple pumpkin cookies, gather your tools and prepare your workspace efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or mixing bowl: Essential for thoroughly combining ingredients without much effort.
• Cookie scoop: Helps maintain uniform size for even baking and presentation.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking, making cookie removal easy and cleanup quick.

Ingredients

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies require 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

To create the rich flavor that sets these chewy maple pumpkin cookies apart:
1. Melt the butter in a clear heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk continuously until it begins to foam and turn golden brown with small bits forming.
3. Remove from heat and transfer to a clean bowl; allow cooling to room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Pumpkin Puree

Ensure your pumpkin puree has minimal moisture:
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 water.
3. Squeeze out any remaining moisture before using it in the recipe.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Prepare the dry mixture:
1. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, chosen spice blend, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
2. Set aside for later use.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

Bring together the wet components:
1. In another bowl, stir together the cooled brown butter, light brown sugar, and pure maple syrup until smooth.
2. Add in the egg yolk; mix until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Add Pumpkin & Extracts

Incorporate more flavors:
1. Stir in the prepared pumpkin puree along with vanilla extract and optional maple extract until blended well.

Step 6: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Create your cookie dough:
1. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 7: Chill Dough

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

Step 8: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

Get ready to bake:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
2. Line one or two large cookie sheets with parchment paper while letting chilled dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Step 9: Prepare Coating Sugar

Mix up that sweet topping:
1. In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar with remaining spice blend until mixed evenly.

Step 10: Scoop & Roll Dough

Form those delicious cookie balls:
1. Using a cookie scoop, portion out dough balls approximately 2 inches in diameter.
2. Roll each ball in the spiced sugar mixture before placing them on prepared baking sheets about 2-3 inches apart.

Step 11: Bake Cookies

Time to enjoy the aroma:
1. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 12-14 minutes.
2. At around the halfway point (9-10 minutes), check their puffiness; if needed, tap down gently by lifting up the sheet pan and banging it against the oven rack.

Step 12: Cool Cookies

Let’s finish up:
1. Allow baked cookies to cool on their sheet for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your freshly baked chewy maple pumpkin cookies! Perfectly soft on the inside with delightful flavors that celebrate fall!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for sharing during fall gatherings or enjoying as a cozy treat at home. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Cup of Coffee

• Enjoy these cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee. The rich flavors of the maple and pumpkin pair beautifully with the bitterness of coffee.

As a Dessert Platter

• Serve these cookies on a dessert platter with other fall treats like apple cider donuts or pecan bars for a festive touch.

Warm with Ice Cream

• Heat the cookies slightly in the microwave and serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This combination creates a delicious melting effect that you won’t forget!

Drizzled with Maple Syrup

• Add an extra layer of flavor by drizzling pure maple syrup over the top just before serving. It adds sweetness and enhances the maple flavor.

Paired with Spiced Tea

• Enjoy these cookies with a cup of spiced tea or chai. The warm flavors complement each other perfectly, making for a comforting treat.

How to Perfect chewy maple pumpkin cookies

To achieve the best texture and flavor in your chewy maple pumpkin cookies, consider these helpful tips:

• Use browned butter: Browning the butter adds depth and nuttiness that elevates the overall flavor of the cookie.
• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 8 hours helps develop flavors and ensures chewier cookies.
• Measure flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for flour to avoid dense cookies. Too much flour can lead to dryness.
• Check baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of baking; removing them when they are slightly underbaked will maintain their chewiness.
• Adjust spice levels: Feel free to tweak the spice blend based on your personal preference for stronger or milder flavors.
• Don’t skip the sugar coating: Rolling the dough in spiced sugar before baking adds an irresistible crunchy texture.

Best Side Dishes for chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Pairing side dishes with your chewy maple pumpkin cookies can enhance your fall dessert experience. Here are some tasty options:

1. Apple Cider: A warm cup of apple cider complements the spices in the cookies perfectly, creating a classic autumn pairing.
2. Cheese Board: Assemble a cheese board with creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese, which balances out sweetness from the cookies.
3. Pumpkin Spice Latte: This popular drink is an excellent match, as it shares similar flavors found in your chewy maple pumpkin cookies.
4. Caramel Dip: Serve caramel sauce alongside for dipping, adding richness that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin flavors.
5. Chai Tea: A steaming cup of chai brings out the spices in your cookie, making every bite more enjoyable.
6. Roasted Nuts: Offer a variety of roasted nuts as a crunchy contrast to the soft texture of these chewy treats.
7. Vanilla Yogurt: A dollop of vanilla yogurt provides creaminess that goes well with sweet desserts, enhancing their taste without overpowering them.
8. Hot Chocolate: A mug of rich hot chocolate makes for a delightful pairing, especially on chilly fall evenings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are easy to make, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are key mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Using unchilled dough: If you skip chilling the dough, your cookies may not spread properly. Always chill the dough for at least 8 hours.
• Overbaking the cookies: Baking too long can lead to dry cookies rather than chewy ones. Keep an eye on them and check around the 10-minute mark.
• Ignoring spice balance: Not adjusting the spice mixture can result in bland cookies. Taste your spiced sugar before rolling and adjust as needed.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect cookie texture. Ensure your egg yolk is at room temperature and use cooled brown butter.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can pack it down, leading to dry cookies. Measure flour by spooning it into a cup and leveling it off.
• Skipping the paper towel method for pumpkin: Failing to remove excess moisture from canned pumpkin can make your dough too wet. Use paper towels to absorb the excess water.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store chewy maple pumpkin cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing chewy maple pumpkin cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight when ready to eat.

Reheating chewy maple pumpkin cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as they can become tough.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat for about 1 minute, just until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about chewy maple pumpkin cookies.

How do I know when my chewy maple pumpkin cookies are done?

The edges should be lightly golden, while the centers might look slightly undercooked. They will set as they cool.

Can I use other spices instead of pumpkin spice?

Yes! You can substitute with cinnamon, nutmeg, or even ginger for varied flavor profiles.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can substitute with granulated sugar; however, the flavor may be less rich. Consider adding a bit of molasses for depth.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

Are these chewy maple pumpkin cookies suitable for gluten-free diets?

You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour, but results may vary.

Final Thoughts

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for fall celebrations or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. Their sweet and spicy flavor makes them versatile enough for any occasion. Customize them with different spices or mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips to suit your taste!