Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are the perfect treat for fall! With their sweet and buttery flavor, they bring warmth and comfort to any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or enjoying a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies will delight everyone. Their unique blend of maple and pumpkin flavors makes them stand out, ensuring they’re a favorite among family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of maple syrup and pumpkin creates a rich, delicious taste that embodies the essence of fall.
• Chewy Texture: These cookies are chewy on the inside, making every bite satisfying and enjoyable.
• Easy to Make: With simple instructions, even novice bakers can whip up a batch with ease.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a sweet snack at home.
• Make Ahead Option: The dough can be chilled overnight, allowing you to prepare in advance.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or mixing bowls: Essential for thoroughly combining ingredients to achieve the perfect cookie dough.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures even baking, making clean-up easy.
• Cookie scoop: Helps portion the dough evenly for consistent cookie sizes.

Ingredients

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are made from a maple pumpkin sugar cookie dough. They’re coated in a sweet and spicy sugar. The result is a chewy, sweet, and buttery pumpkin cookie that’s full of delicious fall flavor!

• 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
• 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 preparing your brown butter well before you plan to bake.
1. Melt the unsalted 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 let cool for about 30 minutes until at room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare Pumpkin Puree

You need to remove excess moisture 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. Allow it to sit so that excess water absorbs into the towels. Before using it in your recipe, squeeze out any remaining water.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together your dry ingredients:
1. Whisk together the flour, spice blend of choice, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
2. Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time for the wet ingredients:
1. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, stir together the cooled brown butter, light brown sugar, and pure maple syrup until fully combined.
2. Add in the egg yolk next and mix until incorporated.
3. Stir in the blotted pumpkin puree along with vanilla extract (and maple extract if using).

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Blend your dry ingredients into the wet mixture:
1. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; do not over-mix.

Step 6: Chill Dough

Cover your cookie dough tightly with plastic wrap:
1. Chill in the refrigerator for at least eight hours or overnight for best results.

Step 7: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

When you’re ready to bake:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
2. Line one or two large cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Step 8: Prepare Sugar Coating

Create your spiced sugar coating while waiting:
1. In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar with an extra teaspoon of your chosen spice blend until well combined.

Step 9: Shape Cookies & Bake

Now you’ll shape and bake those chewy treats!
1. Using a cookie scoop (about two inches), portion out dough balls.
2. Roll each ball in the spiced sugar mixture before placing them two to three inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Bake your cookies at preheated temperature:
1. Bake for about 12–14 minutes; check around nine minutes.
2. If puffier than desired, gently bang the sheet against an oven rack to flatten slightly before finishing baking for another few minutes.

Step 11: Cool Cookies

Finally:
1. Let cookies cool on baking sheets on top of cooling racks for about three to five minutes before transferring them fully onto racks to cool completely.

Enjoy these chewy maple pumpkin cookies as they bring warmth and joy to any gathering!

How to Serve Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies

Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies are perfect for a cozy gathering or a sweet treat during the fall. Here are some delightful ways to serve them that will enhance their rich flavors.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee to balance the sweetness and spices.
• Tea: A spiced chai or herbal tea complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully.
• Hot Chocolate: For a decadent experience, enjoy these cookies with a rich hot chocolate.

As Dessert Bites

• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to sandwich your favorite ice cream flavor for a delicious twist.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for an extra layer of indulgence.
• Whipped Cream Topping: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for a creamy finish.

On a Festive Platter

• Cookie Platter: Arrange your chewy cookies with other seasonal treats for a stunning dessert table.
• Gift Boxes: Package them in decorative boxes as thoughtful gifts for friends and family.

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How to Perfect Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies

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

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh canned pumpkin and quality spices for the best taste.
• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough helps develop flavors and improves the cookie’s texture.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of baking; they should look soft but set.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Don’t hesitate to adjust the spice blend according to your taste preference for more warmth or sweetness.
• Store Properly: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their chewiness.
• Experiment with Add-ins: Try adding nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies

While chewy maple pumpkin cookies are delightful on their own, pairing them with certain side dishes can elevate your snacking experience. Here are some great options.

1. Cheese Board: A selection of sharp cheeses pairs well with the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Fall Salad: A mixed green salad topped with apples and pecans provides a refreshing contrast.
3. Fruit Compote: Serve alongside a warm fruit compote for a fruity complement to each bite.
4. Pumpkin Soup: Enjoy them as part of an autumn meal with creamy pumpkin soup for double pumpkin goodness.
5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and cookie crumbles for a tasty breakfast treat.
6. Spiced Nuts: Crunchy spiced nuts add texture and another layer of flavor that matches well with pumpkin.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making chewy maple pumpkin cookies, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final outcome. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Using too much flour: Adding more flour than needed can lead to dry cookies. Always measure accurately and spoon flour into your measuring cup without packing it down.
• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can cause the cookies to spread too much while baking. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 8 hours for the best texture.
• Overbaking: Chewy cookies require precise baking time. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven when they are just set but still soft in the center.
• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using ingredients that are not at room temperature can affect how well they combine. Allow eggs and butter to warm up before starting your recipe.
• Forgetting to blot pumpkin puree: Canned pumpkin can be watery, leading to soggy cookies. Always blot excess moisture from the puree before adding it to your dough.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covered, for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about chewy maple pumpkin cookies that might help you perfect your baking:

How do I make chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

To make chewy maple pumpkin cookies, follow the detailed recipe steps provided, ensuring you chill the dough and avoid overbaking.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just ensure it is well-blotted and has similar consistency as canned pumpkin.

What spices work best with these chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

You can use pumpkin spice or chai spice blends for a delightful flavor. Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.

How should I store leftover chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you prefer softer textures.

Can I freeze these chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Absolutely! You can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure they are properly stored in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Final Thoughts

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies offer a delightful burst of fall flavors that everyone will love. They’re perfect for celebrations or simply as a cozy treat at home. You can customize them with chocolate chips, nuts, or extra spices based on your preferences. Enjoy baking and sharing!