chewy maple pumpkin cookies

these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are a delightful treat for fall, filled with the rich flavors of pumpkin and maple syrup. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home, these cookies impress with their chewy texture and sweet, spicy coating. They’re not only tasty but also simple to make, allowing you to enjoy the warm essence of autumn in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Delicious Fall Flavor: Each bite bursts with the comforting tastes of pumpkin and maple.
• Chewy Texture: The unique dough ensures a soft and chewy cookie that’s hard to resist.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are great for parties, celebrations, or just a sweet snack at home.
• Customizable Spice Blend: Use your favorite spice blend for a personal touch in flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gathering your tools will streamline the baking process. Having everything ready makes it more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Heavy bottom saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Cookie scoop
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheets

Importance of Each Tool

• Heavy bottom saucepan: Provides even heat for browning butter without burning.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently, preventing spills.
• Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.

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!

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: Make the Brown Butter

Begin by preparing the brown butter about an hour before you bake. Melt butter in a heavy bottom saucepan over medium heat. Once it starts foaming:
1. Whisk continuously until it turns golden brown with small bits forming.
2. Remove from heat and transfer to a clean bowl.
3. Allow it to cool for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree

To reduce moisture in your pumpkin:
1. Lay 2-3 paper towels across a shallow bowl.
2. Scoop 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin onto the towels.
3. Allow excess water to absorb into the towels; then squeeze out any remaining liquid before using.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Stir together cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until fully mixed.
2. Add in the egg yolk and stir until combined.
3. Mix in canned pumpkin, vanilla extract, and optional maple extract.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture:
1. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

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

Step 7: Preheat Oven

When ready to bake:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
– Line one or two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 8: Prepare Sugar Coating

In a small bowl:
1. Mix granulated sugar with spice blend until combined.

Step 9: Form Cookies

After chilling:
1. Let dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
2. Using a cookie scoop, form balls of dough and roll them in the spiced sugar mixture.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Place cookie balls on prepared sheets:
– Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Step 11: Cool Cookies

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

Now you have delicious chewy maple pumpkin cookies ready to share! Enjoy these delightful treats during your fall festivities or any time you’re craving something sweet!

How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are perfect for any occasion. Their rich flavor and delightful texture make them an ideal treat to share with friends and family.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that enhances the flavors of the pumpkin and spices.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a festive dessert platter alongside other fall treats like apple cider donuts or pecan pie bars to create a seasonal spread.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies with your favorite cup of coffee or tea. The warm spices complement both beverages beautifully, making for a cozy experience.

Wrapped as Gifts

• Package the cookies in decorative bags or boxes to give as gifts during the holiday season. They make thoughtful presents for neighbors and friends.

At Celebratory Gatherings

• Serve these cookies at birthday parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. Their unique flavor is sure to be a hit among guests.

How to Perfect chewy maple pumpkin cookies

To achieve the best chewy maple pumpkin cookies, follow these simple tips to enhance your baking experience.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure that your egg yolk and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t skip the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps develop flavors and improves the cookie’s texture, resulting in perfect chewiness.
• Monitor baking time: Check your cookies at 9-10 minutes. Baking times can vary by oven, so keep an eye out to avoid overbaking.
• Adjust spice levels: Feel free to tweak the spice blend according to your taste preferences. More cinnamon? Go for it!
• Store properly: To maintain freshness, store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Best Side Dishes for chewy maple pumpkin cookies

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies can be complemented by a variety of delicious side dishes. Here are some great options:

1. Apple Cider: A warm mug of spiced apple cider brings out the autumn flavors in both drinks and desserts.
2. Caramel Dip: Serve with caramel dip for an extra sweet touch that pairs well with the spices in the cookies.
3. Pumpkin Spice Latte: Enjoy these cookies alongside a creamy pumpkin spice latte for a delightful fall treat.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses can balance out the sweetness of the cookies and add savory notes.
5. Candied Nuts: Sweet and crunchy candied nuts provide a lovely contrast in texture when served alongside these cookies.
6. Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds lightness and balances out the richness of the chewy maple pumpkin cookies.
7. Ice Cream Scoop: Serve with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience that’s hard to resist.
8. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and cookie pieces in a parfait glass for an interesting twist on breakfast or dessert!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making chewy maple pumpkin cookies, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls that can affect the final result. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using too much flour: This can lead to dry cookies. Make sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. Don’t skip this step, as it helps the cookies spread just right.
• Not measuring ingredients properly: Accurate measurements are key in baking. Use a kitchen scale for precision, particularly with sticky ingredients like brown sugar and pumpkin.
• Overbaking the cookies: Keep an eye on your cookies in the oven. They should be slightly underbaked when you take them out, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.
• Ignoring spice adjustments: Everyone’s taste varies, so be sure to taste your spiced sugar mixture and adjust accordingly before rolling your dough balls.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store chewy maple pumpkin cookies in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 1 week in the fridge.

Freezing chewy maple pumpkin cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container 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.
• Microwave: Heat a cookie for 10-15 seconds for a soft texture; avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover it with a lid, and warm for 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I make chewy maple pumpkin cookies softer?

To ensure your chewy maple pumpkin cookies stay soft, avoid overbaking them. Pull them out when they’re just set but still look slightly underdone.

Can I substitute other spices in my chewy maple pumpkin cookies?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg depending on your taste preference. Just remember that these spices will alter the flavor profile slightly.

What can I use instead of brown sugar?

If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar mixed with a little molasses or simply use all granulated sugar. This may change the flavor slightly but will still yield delicious results.

How long do chewy maple pumpkin cookies last?

Chewy maple pumpkin cookies can last about one week in an airtight container at room temperature or longer if refrigerated or frozen.

Final Thoughts

These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are not only delightful but also versatile enough to customize based on your preferences. Whether you want to add nuts or swap out spices, there’s no limit to how you can make this recipe uniquely yours! Give them a try this fall season; their sweet and spicy flavors are sure to impress!