chewy maple pumpkin cookies

these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for any occasion, from fall festivities to cozy family gatherings. They combine the rich flavors of maple and pumpkin into a delightful treat that offers a chewy texture and a sweet, buttery finish. With their warm spices and inviting aroma, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of maple syrup and pumpkin creates a unique taste that is both sweet and slightly spicy.
• Chewy Texture: These cookies have the perfect chewy consistency, making them fun to eat and enjoyable for all ages.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can succeed with this recipe.
• Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch to share with friends or family; they make great gifts during the holiday season!
• Versatile Enjoyment: Suitable as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast treat with your morning coffee.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the delightful world of chewy maple pumpkin cookies, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. This ensures a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without spills.
• Cookie scoop: Helps create uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly without becoming soggy on the bottom.

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Ingredients

To whip up these delicious chewy maple pumpkin cookies, gather the following ingredients:

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 the Coating

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

How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies

Step 1: Prepare 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 to use in the recipe. To prepare:
1. Melt 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, pour into a clean bowl, and allow it to cool for about 30 minutes until it reaches room temperature.

Step 2: Prep the Pumpkin Puree

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

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another mixing bowl:
1. Stir together cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until well combined.
2. Add in egg yolk and stir until fully incorporated.
3. Mix in pumpkin puree along with vanilla extract (and maple extract if using).

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

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

Step 6: Chill the Dough

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

Step 7: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C):
1. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
2. Allow chilled dough to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

Step 8: Prepare Sugar Coating

Prepare your spiced sugar coating:
1. 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 cookie dough balls and roll them in the spiced sugar mixture.
2. Place them about 2-3 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Bake at 350°F (177°C):
1. For approximately 12-14 minutes; check around 9-10 minutes.
2. If puffier than desired, tap the pan gently on the oven rack to flatten them down slightly before finishing baking.

Step 11: Cool Cookies

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

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful chewy maple pumpkin cookies!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy fall gathering or a festive holiday celebration. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee – Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee for a delightful morning treat.
• Tea – Enjoy them alongside your favorite herbal or chai tea for a soothing afternoon snack.
• Hot Chocolate – The sweetness of hot chocolate complements the flavors of these cookies beautifully.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Mini Cheesecakes – Include small cheesecakes topped with caramel for an indulgent dessert spread.
• Fruit Tartlets – Add tartlets filled with fresh fruit and cream to balance the sweetness of the cookies.
• Brownies – Offer fudgy brownies alongside for a rich chocolate contrast.

For Gifting

• Cookie Jars – Pack these cookies in a decorative jar tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful gift.
• Bake Sale Treats – Perfect for bake sales, these cookies will surely attract attention and sales.

How to Perfect chewy maple pumpkin cookies

To achieve the best chewy texture and flavor in your chewy maple pumpkin cookies, keep these tips in mind.

• Chill the Dough – Allowing the dough to chill overnight enhances flavor and improves texture.
• Use Fresh Spices – Freshly ground spices elevate the taste and aroma of the cookies significantly.
• Check Baking Time – Keep an eye on your cookies; underbaking slightly can help maintain that chewy texture.
• Cool on Racks – Transfer cookies to cooling racks promptly after baking to prevent sogginess.

Best Side Dishes for chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies pair well with various side dishes, enhancing their delicious flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Autumn Salad – A fresh salad with apples, walnuts, and cranberries adds crunch and complements the cookie’s sweetness.
2. Pumpkin Soup – A warm bowl of creamy pumpkin soup makes for a comforting pairing, especially in cooler months.
3. Cheese Platter – Include mild cheeses such as brie or goat cheese for a savory contrast to the sweet cookies.
4. Apple Cider – A glass of spiced apple cider brings out the fall flavors in both the drink and the cookie.
5. Whipped Cream – Serve with lightly sweetened whipped cream as a dip or dollop atop each cookie.
6. Granola Parfait – Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit in cups for a delightful breakfast option that pairs well with these cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your chewy maple pumpkin cookies even better. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the brown butter – This step adds a rich flavor. Make sure to brown the butter properly before using it.
• Using too much pumpkin puree – Excess moisture can lead to cakey cookies. Blot your canned pumpkin well before adding it.
• Not chilling the dough – Chilling helps cookies maintain their shape. Don’t skip this step; refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
• Overbaking the cookies – Cookies can dry out if baked too long. Check them a couple of minutes before the time is up to ensure they stay chewy.
• Neglecting to test the spices – The spice mix is key for flavor. Taste and adjust as needed before rolling the dough in sugar.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store chewy maple pumpkin cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing chewy maple pumpkin cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer them to a freezer-safe container, where they can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating chewy maple pumpkin cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and warm for about 5 minutes for optimal texture.
• Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop – Place in a non-stick skillet over low heat, flipping after a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making chewy maple pumpkin cookies:

How do I make chewy maple pumpkin cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just ensure it is cooked and blotted dry to remove excess moisture.

What can I use instead of brown sugar?

You can replace brown sugar with coconut sugar or a similar sweetener, adjusting the amount as necessary.

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

Look for lightly browned edges and a soft center. They will firm up as they cool.

Final Thoughts

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights in. Their delightful combination of flavors and textures makes them versatile for any occasion. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or chocolate chips—get creative and enjoy!