Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies: The Ultimate Fall Treat (Irresistibly Soft and Deliciously Spiced Pumpkin Cookies)

As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies wafting through your kitchen. Picture this: warm, buttery cookies infused with the sweet essence of pure maple syrup and the cozy warmth of pumpkin spice. Each bite is like a warm hug on a chilly autumn day, making these cookies the perfect treat for Thanksgiving gatherings, cozy nights in, or simply to indulge your sweet tooth. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that combines nostalgia and sweetness in every chewy morsel!

Main dish photo — *The finished dish — looks amazing, right?*

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Who wouldn’t want cookies that evoke the essence of fall? Here’s why these Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies will win your heart (and your taste buds):
– Big, Bold Flavors: The combination of brown butter, maple syrup, and pumpkin creates a flavor explosion that captures the spirit of the season.
– Perfectly Chewy: These cookies have that irresistible chewy texture that keeps you coming back for more.
– Fun to Make: The whole process from browning butter to rolling in spiced sugar is as enjoyable as savoring the final cookie!
– Festive Vibes: They’re not just cookies; they’re a celebration of fall, perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients is half the fun! Get ready for a lineup that celebrates the flavors of fall. The star players here are the rich European-style butter and the fragrant pumpkin spice. Here’s what you need:
– 2 1/4 cups (270g) all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons pumpkin or chai spice blend
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (226g) European-style unsalted butter, browned and cooled but still liquid
– 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar
– 1/3 cup (79ml) pure maple syrup
– 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
– 1/2 cup (125g) canned pumpkin, blotted
– 2 teaspoons (10ml) vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) maple extract, optional
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin or chai spice blend

Another beautiful angle of the dish — *Just as gorgeous from this angle too!*

*Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.*

Variations

The beauty of Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies is their versatility! Here are a few fun twists to make them your own:
– Go Gluten-Free: Swap in a gluten-free flour blend for a tasty alternative.
– Add Extra Protein: Fold in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips for an unexpected crunch and flavor boost.
– Make it Spicier: Increase the spice blend to kick up the warmth!
– Swap the Dressing: Experiment with different flavored extracts (like almond) to create unique flavor profiles.
– Cheese it Up: A sprinkle of cream cheese frosting on top makes for an indulgent treat.

How to Make Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies

Let’s get baking! Follow these steps to create your very own batch of Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies:

1. Step 1: Brown the Butter
About an hour before you start baking, make the brown butter! Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisking continuously as it foams. Keep going until you see golden brown bits forming at the bottom. Pour it into a clean bowl and let it cool for about 30 minutes.

2. Step 2: Prep the Pumpkin
Grab a shallow bowl and lay down a few paper towels. Scoop 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree onto them to soak up excess water. After a few minutes, squeeze out any remaining liquid for the best texture.

3. Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, spice blend, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this dry mix aside for later.

4. Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another large bowl, stir together the cooled brown butter with the brown sugar and maple syrup until everything is nicely incorporated.

5. Step 5: Add the Egg Yolk
Stir in the egg yolk until it’s well mixed in with the buttery mixture.

6. Step 6: Incorporate Pumpkin and Extracts
Add the blotted pumpkin, vanilla, and maple extracts, stirring until everything is smooth and combined.

7. Step 7: Combine Dry and Wet
Gradually stir in the dry ingredients with the wet mix until just combined. Don’t overmix!

8. Step 8: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight. This step is crucial for that perfect chewy texture!

9. Step 9: Preheat the Oven
When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

10. Step 10: Prepare the Spiced Sugar
Mix the remaining sugar with the spice blend in a shallow bowl. Taste and tweak the flavors to your liking!

11. Step 11: Scoop & Roll
Using a 2-inch cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each ball in the spiced sugar mixture until fully coated.

12. Step 12: Bake
Place the dough balls on the baking sheet, ensuring they’re about 2-3 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes. At around 9-10 minutes, check the cookies; if they’re puffing up too much, gently bang the baking sheet against the oven rack to help them spread.

13. Step 13: Cool Down
Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips for Making Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies

– Browning Butter: Keep a close eye on your butter while browning; you want those lovely brown bits, but not burnt! Use a light-colored pan to easily monitor the color.
– Chill Time: Don’t skip the chilling step! It enhances the flavor and improves the texture of your cookies.
– Scoop Evenly: Using a cookie scoop ensures that all your cookies are uniform in size, which helps them bake evenly.
– Storage: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container to keep them chewy and fresh.

How to Serve Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies

Garnishes

Try drizzling a bit of caramel sauce or cream cheese frosting on top for a decadent touch. A sprinkle of crushed nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar can add a delightful crunch!

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a steaming cup of spiced chai or a pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall experience. They also make a fantastic addition to a dessert table at gatherings!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve them on a rustic wooden board with some autumn leaves for a charming presentation. For a fun touch, arrange them in individual treat bags tied with twine for gift-giving or party favors!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll remain soft and delicious!

Freezing

Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the bake time!

Reheating

If you find yourself with leftover cookies (or just want to enjoy them warm again), pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. They’ll be warm and gooey, just like fresh out of the oven!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute with gluten-free flour, but the texture may vary slightly.

Is this recipe spicy?
Not overly! The pumpkin spice adds warmth, but you can adjust the amount to your taste.

How do I make this gluten-free?
Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that measures 1:1!

Can I prepare this in advance?
Absolutely! Make the dough ahead of time and chill it in the fridge overnight for even better flavor.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! These Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies are not just a treat; they are a celebration of fall flavors wrapped in a delightful, chewy texture. Perfect for sharing with your loved ones or simply enjoying with a warm beverage, they’re bound to become a cherished recipe in your collection. So roll up your sleeves, embrace the cozy vibes, and get baking! You won’t regret it!