Name: Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies - Fall's Ultimate Cozy Treat
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 524 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (substitute with gluten-free flour if needed); 1 teaspoon baking soda (a vital leavening agent); 1 pinch salt (use kosher or sea salt for best flavor); 1 cup European style unsalted butter (must be browned for rich flavor); 1 cup light brown sugar (for sweetness and caramel hint); 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (essential for maple flavor profile); 1 large egg yolk (binds ingredients and adds richness); 1 cup canned pumpkin (drain if using fresh pumpkin); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds depth to cookies); optional maple extract (enhances maple flavor); granulated sugar for rolling (creates a delightful sugar coating); granulated sugar for rolling (gives a sweet, crunchy finish)

As the air turns crisp and leaves start to sway from vibrant greens to warm golds, it’s a signal to bring out the comforts of fall. There’s something enchanting about baking that fills the home with cozy warmth and sweet aromas. Today, I’m excited to share my beloved recipe for Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies—a delightful treat that captures the season’s essence in every bite. These cookies are not only effortless to whip up, but they also strike the perfect balance between chewy and slightly crisp, making them the ideal companion for brisk afternoon teas or festive gatherings. Plus, with a rich maple flavor and a touch of pumpkin bliss, they’re a delicious way to embrace the spirit of autumn. Ready to indulge in these delightful cookies? Let’s dive in!

Why are these cookies a fall favorite?

Irresistible Flavors: The combination of maple sweetness and pumpkin spice evokes the cozy vibes of autumn.
Perfectly Textured: Each cookie features a chewy interior and a slightly crisp outer layer, ensuring a delightful bite every time.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of any skill level, making them a fun project for the whole family.
Versatile Delight: Serve them as a snack, or pair with your favorite coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough in advance and let flavors meld overnight for an even more delicious cookie experience!

Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookies
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
• Pumpkin or Chai Spice Blend – Adds warm and inviting flavors; customize based on your taste.
• Baking Soda – A vital leavening agent for achieving that perfect rise.
• Salt – Balances sweetness; use kosher or sea salt for best flavor.
• European Style Unsalted Butter – Must be browned for a rich flavor; can replace with non-dairy butter for vegan options.
• Light Brown Sugar – For sweetness and a hint of caramel; coconut sugar is a great alternative for a lower glycemic index.
• Pure Maple Syrup – Essential for that sweet maple flavor profile; don’t skip this!
• Large Egg Yolk – Binds ingredients and adds richness; swap with a flax egg for a vegan version.
• Canned Pumpkin – Provides moisture and flavor; fresh, pureed pumpkin works well too if drained properly.
• Vanilla Extract – Infuses additional depth and warmth into the cookies.
• Optional Maple Extract – Enhances the maple flavor more, but it’s not necessary.
• Granulated Sugar – Utilized for rolling to create a delightful spiced sugar coating.

For the Topping
• Granulated Sugar – Used to roll the cookies before baking; gives a sweet, crunchy finish.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Brown Butter
Begin by melting 1 cup of European style unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk continuously until the butter turns a golden brown color and emits a nutty aroma, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the brown butter cool for 30 minutes; this step adds a rich depth to your Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree
While the butter cools, take 1 cup of canned pumpkin and place it on a stack of paper towels. Gently blot to remove excess moisture; this will help achieve that chewy texture in your cookies. Setting aside moisture ensures they won’t turn out cake-like, allowing the rich flavors to shine in every bite of these delightful Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. If using a spice blend, incorporate 1-2 teaspoons of pumpkin or chai spice. This mixture creates the base for your cookies and should be light and well-combined; set this bowl aside as you’ll gradually mix it with the wet ingredients later.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the cooled brown butter with 1 cup of light brown sugar and 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup. Stir until the ingredients are fully combined and smooth. Next, add 1 large egg yolk, the prepared pumpkin, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and optional maple extract. This creamy mixture will add richness and depth to your Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies.

Step 5: Form the Cookie Dough
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Once the dough comes together, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight. Chilling the dough allows flavors to meld and enhances the chewy texture of the cookies.

Step 6: Preheat the Oven
Before baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper. This preparation is essential for ensuring even baking and preventing the cookies from sticking. As the oven heats, your home will fill with the inviting aroma of warm spices, setting the perfect mood for baking Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies.

Step 7: Scoop and Roll the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the chilled dough and roll each scoop into a ball. Roll each ball in a mixture of granulated sugar with a sprinkle of spice for added flavor. Place the dough balls 2-3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to give them room to spread while baking, ensuring that your cookies maintain their chewy goodness.

Step 8: Bake
Bake the Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes. Around 9–10 minutes, start checking for doneness; the edges should look slightly crisp while the centers remain soft. A little puffiness is expected, but for extra chewiness, gently bang the cookie sheet against the oven rack before the final minutes of baking.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 3-5 minutes. This cooling period helps them firm up before transferring to a wire rack. As they cool, the cookies will develop a delightful chewy texture with a subtly crisp exterior, perfect for indulging in the essence of fall.

How to Store and Freeze Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies

Airtight Container: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their chewy texture and delightful flavor.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They will last for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy your frozen Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.

Dough Storage: You can also refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 48 hours or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Expert Tips for Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies

Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours intensifies the flavors and improves the texture of your Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies.
Moisture Matters: Always blot your pumpkin puree to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve that desired chewy consistency instead of a cake-like texture.
Brown the Butter: Don’t skip browning the butter—it enhances the richness of your cookies. Be attentive while melting it to prevent burning.
Consistent Size: Use a cookie scoop for uniformity; this ensures even baking and perfectly shaped cookies that everyone will love.
Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies when baking. They should be slightly crispy on the edges while remaining soft in the center for the ideal chewy bite.

Make Ahead Options

These Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies are ideal for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of fall with ease! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate to let the flavors meld and to maintain that perfect chewy texture. Additionally, you can roll the cookies in sugar up to 3 days in advance, storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. When you’re ready to bake, just preheat the oven and scoop the chilled, prepped dough onto baking sheets. This way, you’ll have fresh, delicious cookies ready in no time, making your busy weeknights sweeter!

What to Serve with Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies

The perfect treat deserves a full spread; elevate your fall dessert experience with these delightful pairings.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their velvety texture complements the chewy cookies, creating a comforting contrast during your autumn meals.
Warm Apple Cider: The spiced flavors of apple cider enhance the cookies’ maple notes, making this a seasonal match made in heaven.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: Enjoying the cookies alongside this classic beverage enhances the pumpkin goodness, warming your heart as the leaves fall.
Fall Salad: A refreshing blend of mixed greens, roasted butternut squash, and toasted pecans adds a fresh touch, balancing the rich sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzling melted dark chocolate over the cookies not only adds a touch of elegance but also amplifies their flavor profile.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream provides a cool contrast, making each bite of your Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies even more indulgent.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The nutty flavor and crispy texture of Brussels sprouts create an intriguing savory balance, enhancing your overall meal experience.
Chai Tea: This warm, fragrant drink harmonizes wonderfully with the spices in the cookies for a cozy afternoon treat.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over the cookies can elevate them from delightful to extraordinary, offering an extra layer of flavor that truly shines.

Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies! Let your taste buds guide you to delicious new twists.

Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary preferences while enjoying the chewy goodness.
Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for an inviting crunch that beautifully complements the soft cookie texture.
Chocolate Delight: Mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a delightful chocolate-pumpkin pairing that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Spicy Kick: Enhance the flavor profile by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of ground ginger for a subtle warm heat in each bite.
Dairy-Free: Use non-dairy butter and a flax egg for a vegan option, allowing everyone to indulge in these cozy cookies.
Maple Drizzle: For extra maple goodness, create a simple drizzle using powdered sugar and maple syrup, adding a finishing touch that looks as good as it tastes!
Seasonal Twist: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins for a festive touch, bringing a hint of sweetness and chewiness that rings in the holidays.
Citrus Infusion: A teaspoon of orange or lemon zest in the dough adds a refreshing brightness that contrasts beautifully with the warmth of pumpkin and spices.

For any of these delightful variations, learn how to make your own flax egg for the perfect vegan cookie. Or discover how to make your own pumpkin spice blend for an even more aromatic experience! Enjoy baking these chewy treats your way!

Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right pumpkin for my cookies?
Absolutely! When selecting pumpkin for your Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies, opt for sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins as they are sweeter and have a smoother texture than jack-o’-lantern pumpkins. Look for a pumpkin that feels firm and heavy, with a deep orange color—this indicates ripeness. Avoid any that have dark spots all over or feel soft.

How should I store my cookies after baking?
Absolutely! To keep your Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies fresh, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can enjoy them for up to 5 days this way. If you notice any condensation, try placing a paper towel on the bottom of the container to absorb excess moisture.

Can I freeze my cookies for later use?
Yes, indeed! To freeze your Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies, first, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, usually about 1-2 hours. After that, transfer the cookies into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes or warm them in the oven for a freshly-baked taste.

What if my cookies turn out too cake-like?
Very! If your Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies end up cake-like instead of chewy, it’s usually due to excess moisture in the pumpkin puree. Always blot the pumpkin on paper towels to remove extra moisture before incorporating it into your dough. Additionally, make sure to chill your dough thoroughly—this helps in achieving a chewy texture. If they still don’t have the right texture, consider reducing the amount of pumpkin used next time to allow the dough to firm up more.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin?
Absolutely! You can use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned for your Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies. If you choose this route, roast your pumpkin, then scoop the flesh and blend it into a smooth puree. However, it’s essential to drain any excess moisture by placing it in a fine-mesh strainer or using paper towels to ensure that your cookies remain chewy and don’t turn out too soft.

Are these cookies safe for pets?
Very! While the ingredients in Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies are safe for humans, be cautious with pets. Avoid offering them cookies containing chocolate or excessive sugar. Plain pumpkin is a healthy treat for pets in moderation; however, the other added ingredients might upset their stomachs. Always consult your vet before sharing human food with your furry friends.