chewy maple pumpkin cookies

these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are a delightful treat perfect for the fall season. Combining the warmth of spices with the rich flavor of pumpkin and maple syrup, these cookies are both chewy and sweet. They make an excellent addition to any dessert table, holiday gathering, or cozy evening at home. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee, and share them with loved ones to spread some joy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Fall Flavor – With pumpkin puree and maple syrup, each bite brings the essence of autumn to your palate.
• Chewy Texture – The unique dough results in cookies that are perfectly chewy, making them a satisfying treat.
• Easy to Make – The step-by-step instructions ensure that both novice and experienced bakers can whip these up effortlessly.
• Versatile Treat – These cookies are fantastic for celebrations, snacks, or just a cozy day at home.
• Customizable Spices – Feel free to adjust the spice blend according to your taste preferences for a personalized touch.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare these chewy maple pumpkin cookies, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing Bowls – Essential for combining ingredients evenly without mess.
• Cookie Scoop – Helps portion out cookie dough consistently for uniform baking.
• Parchment Paper – Prevents cookies from sticking to baking sheets, ensuring easy removal.
• Cooling Rack – Allows cookies to cool evenly and prevents sogginess.

Ingredients

To create 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

Make brown butter about an hour before you plan to make the cookies. It will need 15 minutes to make and another 15-30 minutes to cool enough for use in the recipe. To make brown butter:
1. Melt butter in a clear heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat.
2. Once it starts foaming, whisk continuously until brown bits form.
3. Remove from heat and pour into a clean bowl; let it cool for about 30 minutes at room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare Pumpkin Puree

Lay 2-3 paper towels across a wide shallow bowl.
1. Scoop a generous 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree onto the paper towels.
2. Allow excess water to absorb into the towels.
3. Before using in the recipe, squeeze out any remaining water from the pumpkin.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together flour, spice blend, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
2. Set aside.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another mixing bowl:
1. Stir cooled brown butter with brown sugar and maple syrup until smooth.
2. Add egg yolk; mix until well combined.
3. Stir in blotted pumpkin, vanilla extract, and optional maple extract until mixed thoroughly.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Add dry ingredients into wet ingredients:
1. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 6: Chill Dough

Cover dough with plastic wrap:
– Chill in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 7: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line one or two large cookie sheets with parchment paper:
– Remove dough from fridge; let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Step 8: Prepare Sugar Coating

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

Step 9: Shape Cookies

Using a cookie scoop:
1. Scoop out dough portions (about 2 inches).
2. Roll each scoop in spiced sugar mixture until well coated.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Place coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets about 2-3 inches apart:
– Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 12-14 minutes; check at around 9-10 minutes as needed based on desired puffiness.

Step 11: Cool Cookies

Once baked:
– Let cookies cool on the sheet for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your chewy maple pumpkin cookies as they bring warmth and sweetness into your home!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy autumn gathering or a simple afternoon snack, here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With Warm Beverages

• Coffee: Pair the cookies with a cup of rich coffee to balance the sweetness.
• Herbal Tea: Enjoy with spiced herbal teas like chai for a warm and comforting combination.
• Hot Chocolate: The richness of hot chocolate complements the flavors of the cookies beautifully.

As Dessert Platter

• Cookie Assortment: Arrange these cookies on a platter with other seasonal treats, such as ginger snaps and sugar cookies.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies with your favorite ice cream in between for an indulgent dessert.

During Celebrations

• Holiday Gatherings: Present them at holiday parties or family gatherings as an inviting sweet option.
• Gift Packages: Pack them in festive boxes as homemade gifts that friends and family will love.

How to Perfect chewy maple pumpkin cookies

To ensure your chewy maple pumpkin cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Bold Brown Butter: Make sure the butter is browned but not burned; this adds depth of flavor.
• Chill Dough Properly: Allowing the dough to chill helps achieve the desired texture and flavor development.
• Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on baking time; remove them when edges are set but centers are still soft for chewier cookies.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your spices and baking soda are fresh for optimal flavor and rise.

Best Side Dishes for chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Enjoying chewy maple pumpkin cookies can be enhanced with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Cream Cheese Frosting: A smooth and tangy spread that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Apple Slices: Fresh apple slices add crunch and a refreshing contrast to the soft, chewy texture.
3. Candied Nuts: Sweet, crunchy nuts provide an exciting texture contrast when enjoyed alongside these cookies.
4. Pumpkin Spice Latte: This seasonal drink enhances the fall flavors already present in the cookies.
5. Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses can create a savory balance against the sweetness of the cookies.
6. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with fruit and granola for a wholesome side that complements dessert beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies can seem simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Boldly skip the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can lead to flat cookies. Ensure you chill the dough in the fridge for at least 8 hours to achieve that perfect chewy texture.
• Boldly overlook ingredient temperatures: Using cold ingredients can affect how well your cookies rise. Make sure your butter is browned and cooled but still liquid, and that your egg yolk is at room temperature.
• Boldly ignore measuring techniques: Incorrect measurements can ruin the recipe. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy or spoon flour into a measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
• Boldly rush baking time: Underbaking can result in doughy cookies. Keep an eye on them in the oven, and use the recommended time as a guide but adjust as needed so they’re perfectly baked.
• Boldly forget about flavoring adjustments: Not tasting your spiced sugar mixture can lead to bland cookies. Always taste and adjust the spices to ensure a delicious finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing chewy maple pumpkin cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw before enjoying!

Reheating chewy maple pumpkin cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about chewy maple pumpkin cookies.

What makes chewy maple pumpkin cookies different?

Chewy maple pumpkin cookies are unique because they combine rich flavors of pumpkin and maple syrup, resulting in a delightful fall treat that has both sweetness and spice.

Can I substitute ingredients in chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Absolutely! You can replace European-style butter with regular unsalted butter or use different spices based on your preference. Just keep the main ratios similar.

How do I achieve the best texture for chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

To get that ideal chewiness, make sure you chill the dough properly before baking, as this affects how much they spread during baking.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes! You can use fresh pumpkin puree, but remember to blot it dry as instructed to avoid excess moisture affecting your cookie’s texture.

Final Thoughts

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are not just delicious; they also capture the essence of fall with every bite. They’re versatile enough for celebrations or casual snacking, and you can easily customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips if desired. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful flavors!