chewy maple pumpkin cookies
these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are the perfect treat to celebrate the cozy autumn season. With their rich flavors and delightful chewiness, these cookies bring together the sweetness of maple syrup and the warmth of pumpkin spice. Ideal for gatherings, festive occasions, or just a sweet snack, these cookies will surely impress family and friends with their delicious fall flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of maple syrup and pumpkin creates a unique, sweet taste that embodies the essence of fall.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up a batch of these cookies without hassle.
- Perfectly Chewy: The use of brown butter contributes to a wonderfully chewy texture, making each bite satisfying.
- Versatile Treat: These cookies are great for any occasion—whether it’s a holiday party or an afternoon snack.
- Spiced Sugar Coating: The sugary coating adds an extra layer of flavor, enhancing the overall experience.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience smoother, gather your essential tools before starting. Having everything ready will help streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing Bowls: They allow you to combine ingredients thoroughly without mess.
- Whisk: Perfect for breaking up egg yolks and integrating wet ingredients smoothly.
- Baking Sheets: Provide even heat distribution for perfectly baked cookies.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

Ingredients
For these chewy maple pumpkin cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 c (270g) all purpose flour
- 2 tsp pumpkin or chai spice blend
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 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
Coating Ingredients
- 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 bake. It will need 15 minutes to prepare and another 15–30 minutes to cool down enough for use.
* Melt butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat.
* Once foaming begins, whisk continuously until brown bits form at the bottom.
* Remove from heat and transfer to a clean bowl; let it cool for about 30 minutes.
Step 2: Blot Pumpkin Puree
Before using canned pumpkin:
* Lay 2–3 paper towels across a shallow bowl.
* Scoop 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree onto the towels.
* Allow excess moisture to absorb into the paper towels; squeeze out any remaining water.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl:
* Whisk together flour, spice blend, baking soda, and salt until combined.
Set aside.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl:
* Stir together cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until well combined.
Step 5: Add Egg Yolk
Stir in:
* The egg yolk until fully mixed.
Step 6: Incorporate Pumpkin and Extracts
Add:
* The blotted pumpkin puree along with vanilla extract and optional maple extract; stir until combined.
Step 7: Combine Dry with Wet Ingredients
Slowly mix in:
* The dry ingredients with the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Step 8: Chill Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap:
* Chill in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight for best results.
Step 9: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
When ready to bake:
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
* Line one or two large cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Step 10: Prepare Sugar Coating
Mix together:
* The remaining granulated sugar with the reserved spice blend until well combined. Adjust spices as preferred.
Step 11: Form Cookies
Using a cookie scoop:
* Scoop about 2 inches of dough and roll each ball in the spiced sugar mixture.
Step 12: Bake Cookies
Place cookie dough balls on prepared baking sheets about 2–3 inches apart.
Bake at 350°F (177°C):
1. For 12–14 minutes.
2. At around minute 9–10, check doneness; if puffier than desired, gently bang the pan against the oven rack before finishing baking for another few minutes.
Step 13: Cool Cookies
After baking:
* Cool on baking sheets for about 3–5 minutes before transferring them to cooling racks to cool completely.
How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies
These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, here are some creative serving suggestions.
With a Hot Beverage
- Pair with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Enjoy with hot chocolate for a cozy winter snack.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange on a platter with other fall-themed treats like caramel apples or pecan bars.
- Use decorative leaves or pumpkins for an autumn-inspired display.
With Ice Cream
- Serve warm cookies topped with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a delicious dessert.
- Drizzle with extra maple syrup for added sweetness.
As Party Favors
- Package cookies in clear bags tied with twine for an inviting gift.
- Include a small note about the recipe for a personal touch.
How to Perfect chewy maple pumpkin cookies
To ensure your chewy maple pumpkin cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Allow butter and egg yolks to come to room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough enhances flavor and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense cookies.
- Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies around the 10-minute mark to achieve that perfect chewy texture.
- Experiment with spices: Adjust the spice blend according to your taste preferences for unique flavors each time.
Best Side Dishes for chewy maple pumpkin cookies
Chewy maple pumpkin cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options:
- Pumpkin Soup: A warm and creamy soup that pairs perfectly with the spices in the cookies.
- Apple Crisp: A sweet and tart dessert that contrasts nicely with the rich flavors of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda alongside nuts and dried fruits for a balanced snack.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies such as butternut squash or Brussels sprouts bring out the fall essence.
- Chili: A hearty bowl of chili makes for a satisfying meal that complements sweet desserts like these cookies.
- Salad with Maple Dressing: A fresh salad drizzled with a light maple vinaigrette adds brightness to your meal alongside cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making chewy maple pumpkin cookies, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls for the best results.
- Using too much flour: This can lead to dry cookies. Always measure flour correctly by spooning it into a measuring cup and leveling it off.
- Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld and impacts the cookie’s texture. Don’t rush this step; refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
- Not browning the butter enough: Brown butter adds a rich flavor. Make sure to watch closely as it cooks until it turns golden brown with a nutty aroma.
- Overbaking cookies: This can result in hard cookies instead of chewy ones. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they are slightly underdone.
- Ignoring spice adjustments: Taste your sugar spice mix before rolling the cookies. Adjust according to your preference for sweetness and spice levels.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies 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 cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw at room temperature before enjoying or reheating.
Reheating chewy maple pumpkin cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for best freshness.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm. Be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat with a lid, warming for 1-2 minutes until soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about chewy maple pumpkin cookies.
Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh?
Yes, canned pumpkin works perfectly in chewy maple pumpkin cookies. Just make sure to drain excess moisture.
How can I make these chewy maple pumpkin cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup in recipes.
What is the best way to combine ingredients?
Mix wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them gently. This ensures even distribution without overmixing.
Can I add chocolate chips to these chewy maple pumpkin cookies?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips add another delicious layer of flavor. Fold them in during the final mixing stage.
Final Thoughts
These chewy maple pumpkin cookies are not only delightful but also flexible, allowing you to customize spices or add ingredients like nuts or chocolate chips. They capture the essence of fall and are perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the seasonal flavors!
Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies
Indulge in the delightful flavors of chewy maple pumpkin cookies, a perfect treat to celebrate the cozy autumn season. These cookies feature a harmonious blend of sweet maple syrup and warm pumpkin spice, creating a uniquely satisfying dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 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 for coating
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin or chai spice blend for coating
Instructions
- Prepare brown butter by melting it in a saucepan until golden brown. Allow it to cool.
- Blot excess moisture from canned pumpkin using paper towels.
- In one bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: flour, spice blend, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup.
- Stir in egg yolk until mixed well.
- Add blotted pumpkin puree and vanilla extract; stir until combined.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture until just blended; avoid overmixing.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare spiced sugar coating by mixing granulated sugar with spice blend.
- Form cookie dough balls, roll in spiced sugar mixture, and place on baking sheets.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes; let cool on sheets for several minutes before transferring to racks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg