chewy maple pumpkin cookies

these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With their sweet, buttery flavor and a warm, spiced sugar coating, these cookies capture the essence of fall in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging with a cup of tea, these cookies will impress your friends and family with their chewy texture and rich taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Chewy: These cookies boast a wonderfully chewy texture that makes them irresistible.
• Fall Flavor: Infused with pumpkin and maple, they are perfect for celebrating the autumn season.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can succeed.
• Versatile Treat: Great for parties, lunchboxes, or as a sweet snack at home.
• Spice-coated Goodness: The spiced sugar coating adds an extra layer of flavor that enhances each cookie.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making these delicious chewy maple pumpkin cookies, gather your tools and prepare your space. Having everything ready will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure perfect results.
• Whisk: Ideal for blending ingredients smoothly, especially the brown butter mixture.
• Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly, preventing them from becoming soggy.

Ingredients

The following ingredients will help you create these chewy maple pumpkin cookies:

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 Ingredients

• 1/2 c (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin or chai spice blend

How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Step 1: Make the Brown Butter

To start, you’ll need to prepare the brown butter:
1. Melt the butter in a clear heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat.
2. Once it starts to foam, whisk continuously until it turns golden brown with small bits forming at the bottom.
3. Remove from heat and pour into a clean bowl. Allow it to cool for about 30 minutes until it reaches room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare Pumpkin Puree

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

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together flour, spice blend of choice, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In your mixing bowl:
1. Stir together the cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until thoroughly mixed.
2. Add in the egg yolk and stir until combined.
3. Blend in the prepared pumpkin along with vanilla and optional maple extracts.

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures

Now combine both mixtures:
1. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 6: Chill Dough

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

Step 7: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

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

Step 8: Prepare Sugar Coating

In a small bowl:
– Mix granulated sugar with additional 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.
2. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2-3 inches apart.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Bake your cookies for:
– About 12-14 minutes; check around 9-10 minutes. If puffier than desired, gently bang the pan on the oven rack to flatten slightly before continuing to bake for another few minutes.

Step 11: Cool Cookies

After baking:
– Let cookies cool on baking sheet for about 3-5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your freshly baked chewy maple pumpkin cookies!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for any occasion, especially during the fall season. Their sweet and spicy flavor pairs well with a variety of accompaniments that enhance their deliciousness.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee – The rich flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of the cookies.
• Tea – A warm cup of chai or spice tea can enhance the comforting spices in the cookies.

As a Dessert Platter

• Mini Cheesecakes – Offer a variety of mini cheesecakes alongside the cookies for a delightful dessert spread.
• Pumpkin Pie Bites – These bite-sized treats echo the pumpkin flavor, creating a themed dessert experience.

For Snacks on-the-go

• Fruit Slices – Pair with fresh apple or pear slices for a refreshing contrast to the rich cookies.
• Nut Mix – A mix of walnuts and almonds can add crunch and balance the sweetness of the cookies.

How to Perfect chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Perfecting your chewy maple pumpkin cookies ensures they turn out delicious every time. Follow these tips for optimal results.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure butter, egg yolks, and pumpkin are at room temperature for better mixing.
• Chill the Dough – Allowing the dough to chill helps prevent spreading too much while baking, resulting in chewier cookies.
• Don’t Overbake – Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be soft when you pull them from the oven for that chewy texture.
• Adjust Spice Levels – Feel free to tweak the spice blend according to your taste preference for a customized flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies make a delightful addition to any meal or gathering. Here are some side dishes that pair wonderfully with them.

1. Spiced Apple Cider – Warm spiced apple cider enhances the fall flavors present in the cookies.
2. Caramel Dip – A creamy caramel dip offers a sweet contrast and extra indulgence when enjoyed with the cookies.
3. Cheese Platter – A selection of sharp cheeses balances out the sweetness of the cookies while adding savory elements.
4. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds – Crunchy roasted seeds provide texture and continue the pumpkin theme.
5. Chocolate Fondue – Perfect for dipping cookie pieces, chocolate fondue adds an extra layer of sweetness.
6. Pecan Pie Bars – Rich and nutty, these bars complement the chewy texture of the cookies superbly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking chewy maple pumpkin cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Using too much flour: This can lead to dry cookies. Always measure flour using the spoon and level method for accuracy.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps prevent overly puffy cookies. Don’t rush this step; aim for at least 8 hours.
• Not browning the butter properly: If the butter isn’t browned enough, you may miss out on rich flavors. Make sure to watch it closely until it turns golden with nutty aromas.
• Overbaking: Cookies continue to cook on the baking sheet after removal from the oven. Take them out when they’re slightly underbaked for that perfect chewy texture.
• Ignoring room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can lead to uneven mixing. Let your ingredients warm up before using them in the dough.

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

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating chewy maple pumpkin cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Use a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes, allowing steam to soften the cookies gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about chewy maple pumpkin cookies, here are some common questions answered.

Can I use other sweeteners instead of brown sugar?

You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or even maple sugar if you prefer. Just keep in mind this may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

How do I make my chewy maple pumpkin cookies more flavorful?

Consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the dough. Dried fruits like cranberries also pair well with these cookies.

What is the best way to store chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

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

Can I freeze these chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Yes! They freeze beautifully, so feel free to make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them later.

Is there a way to make these cookies vegan?

You can replace the egg yolk with flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg substitute and use plant-based butter for a vegan version.

Final Thoughts

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are not just delicious but also versatile! Perfect as a snack or dessert, they capture all the flavors of fall. Feel free to customize with spices or mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy each delightful bite!