chewy maple pumpkin cookies

these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly capture the essence of fall. With their soft, chewy texture and rich flavors of maple and pumpkin, these cookies are ideal for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations. The unique combination of spices adds warmth and depth, making them a beloved choice for those cooler days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: These cookies feature a rich blend of maple and pumpkin, delivering a taste that embodies the season.
• Chewy Texture: Thanks to the special dough preparation, every bite is soft and chewy, providing a satisfying experience.
• Versatile Occasions: Perfect for sharing at parties, enjoying with coffee, or serving as a sweet snack any time of day.
• Easy Preparation: The straightforward steps make it simple to whip up a batch, even for novice bakers.
• Customizable Spice Blend: Use your favorite spice mix to personalize the flavor profile according to your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To create these chewy maple pumpkin cookies seamlessly, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills.
• Whisk: Helps incorporate air into the batter for a lighter texture.
• Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.

Ingredients

To make these delicious chewy maple pumpkin cookies, gather 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 down.

1. Melt the butter in a clear heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat.
2. Once it starts foaming, whisk continuously until brown bits form at the bottom.
3. Remove from heat and pour into a clean bowl. Allow it to cool for about 30 minutes at room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare Pumpkin Puree

While your butter is cooling, prepare the pumpkin puree.

1. Lay 2-3 paper towels across a wide shallow bowl.
2. Scoop 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin onto the paper towels.
3. Let excess water absorb into the towels. Squeeze out any remaining moisture before using in the recipe.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine your dry ingredients.

1. Whisk together flour, spice blend, baking soda, and salt until well mixed.
2. Set aside for later use.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring together your wet ingredients.

1. In a large mixing bowl, stir together cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until fully combined.
2. Add in the egg yolk and mix until smooth.
3. Stir in the prepared pumpkin puree along with vanilla extract and optional maple extract until evenly incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gently mix your dry ingredients into your wet mixture.

1. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined—avoid overmixing as this can affect texture.

Step 6: Chill Dough

Cover your dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

When ready to bake:

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

Step 8: Prepare Sugar Coating

In a small bowl:

1. Mix together granulated sugar with remaining spice blend until well combined.

Step 9: Form Cookies

Using a cookie scoop:

1. Scoop out portions of dough and roll them in the spiced sugar mixture until coated evenly.
2. Place cookie dough balls on prepared baking sheets spaced about 2-3 inches apart.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven:

1. Bake for approximately 12-14 minutes—check at around 9-10 minutes.
2. If puffier than desired, gently bang the pan against the oven rack several times before finishing baking.

Step 11: Cool Cookies

Once baked:

1. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them onto cooling racks to cool completely.

Enjoy these delightful chewy maple pumpkin cookies as they fill your kitchen with warm autumn aromas!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for fall gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Pair with Hot Beverages

• Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of the cookies.
• Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of hot chocolate adds extra indulgence to your treat.
• Chai Tea: The spices in chai tea harmonize beautifully with the cookie’s flavor profile.

Dessert Platter

• Cheese Board: Add a selection of cheeses, nuts, and fruits for a balanced dessert spread.
• Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit adds a refreshing touch that balances the sweetness of the cookies.

Festive Occasions

• Thanksgiving Dessert Table: These cookies make a great addition to any festive dessert lineup.
• Holiday Gift Bags: Package them in decorative bags for thoughtful homemade gifts.

How to Perfect chewy maple pumpkin cookies

To make sure your chewy maple pumpkin cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these tips for success.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and spices are fresh for the best flavor and texture.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling helps prevent spreading too much during baking, keeping them chewy.
• Measure Precisely: Use a kitchen scale for accuracy, especially with flour and sugar.
• Check Oven Temperature: An oven thermometer can help ensure you bake at the right temperature for even cooking.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.

Best Side Dishes for chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their delicious flavors. Consider these options:

1. Apple Cider: A warm mug of spiced apple cider complements the pumpkin flavor perfectly.
2. Roasted Nuts: Salted or spiced roasted nuts provide a crunchy contrast to the soft cookie texture.
3. Pumpkin Soup: A small bowl of creamy pumpkin soup makes for a delightful appetizer before enjoying your cookies.
4. Cream Cheese Spread: A light cream cheese spread can balance the sweetness and add creaminess when served alongside.
5. Caramel Dip: For an indulgent treat, serve with caramel dip for extra sweetness and richness.
6. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a refreshing side that complements the cookie’s rich flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking chewy maple pumpkin cookies can be a delightful experience, but certain mistakes can hinder your results. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Using cold ingredients: It’s crucial to use room temperature ingredients like egg yolk and butter. Cold ingredients can result in a dough that doesn’t mix well, affecting texture.
• Skipping the chilling step: Don’t skip chilling the dough for at least 8 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and improves the cookie’s texture, making them chewier.
• Not measuring flour properly: Be sure to spoon flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping directly from the bag. Scooping can lead to too much flour, resulting in dry cookies.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Pull them out when they’re just set; they will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
• Ignoring the spice balance: Adjust spices according to your taste preference. A well-balanced flavor profile enhances the enjoyment of chewy maple pumpkin cookies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store chewy maple pumpkin cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing chewy maple pumpkin cookies

• You can freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container once frozen.

Reheating chewy maple pumpkin cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Heat cookies for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Microwave cookies for about 10-15 seconds. Keep an eye on them to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet on low heat for a few minutes, flipping gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making chewy maple pumpkin cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some frequently asked questions that might help.

Can I use other sweeteners besides brown sugar?

Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or another natural sweetener. However, this may alter the flavor slightly.

How do I store leftover chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Can I make these chewy maple pumpkin cookies vegan?

Yes! Substitute the egg yolk with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use vegan butter or coconut oil.

What can I add to customize my chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for extra flavor and texture!

Final Thoughts

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights at home. Their soft texture combined with rich flavors makes them irresistible. You can easily customize this recipe by adding different spices or mix-ins. Don’t hesitate—try making these delightful treats today!