Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

There is nothing quite like the cozy, heartwarming taste of Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies to brighten up your baking routine. These cookies bring together the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter, the earthy sweetness of pure maple syrup, and the moist, tender character of pumpkin puree — all wrapped in a spiced, chewy cookie that’s perfect for fall and beyond. Each bite melts with soft chewiness and just the right hint of spice, making these a truly irresistible treat that’s both nostalgic and surprisingly sophisticated. Once you try these, you’ll find yourself reaching for these gems as a go-to whenever you want to bring some joy to your kitchen and your taste buds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies rely on a simple lineup of ingredients, each playing a starring role. From the all-purpose flour forming the chewy base to the brown butter lending a deep, caramelized flavor, every element is essential. The perfect balance of spices, pumpkin, and maple creates that warm, inviting profile you’ll adore.

• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups, 270g): The foundation of the cookies that gives structure but keeps them tender and chewy.
• Pumpkin or chai spice blend (2 tsp): Infuses the cookies with autumnal warmth and wonderful aroma.
• Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Helps the cookies rise just enough to be light and chewy.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor complexity.
• European style unsalted butter (1 cup, 226g): Browned for a nutty richness, cooled but still liquid for easy mixing.
• Light brown sugar (1 cup, 200g): Adds moisture and deep caramel notes for chewiness.
• Pure maple syrup (1/3 cup, 79ml): Gives a signature maple sweetness that elevates the pumpkin flavor.
• Large egg yolk (1, room temperature): Adds richness and helps bind ingredients tightly.
• Canned pumpkin (1/2 cup, 125g), blotted: Makes the cookies tender and adds that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
• Vanilla extract (2 tsp, 10ml): Enhances overall flavor and sweet undertones.
• Maple extract (1/2 tsp, optional): Boosts the maple flavor for extra depth, but totally optional.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup, 100g): To roll the dough in, giving a delightful sweet crunch outside.
• Pumpkin or chai spice blend (1/2 tsp): Mixed with granulated sugar for coating, adding extra flavor on the outside.

How to Make Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by creating that deep, nutty flavor by browning the butter. Melt it slowly in a heavy-bottom saucepan, whisking continuously as it foams and bubbles. You’ll see beautiful brown bits forming, and the aroma will instantly lift your spirits. Once browned, pour the butter into a bowl and let it cool for about 30 minutes to reach room temperature but stay liquid—this step is key to building the cookie’s intense buttery flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

Lay several layers of paper towels in a shallow bowl and spoon in the canned pumpkin puree. Gently blot and squeeze the pumpkin to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial because watery pumpkin can affect cookie texture, making them too soft or cakey rather than chewy. You want just the right pumpkin moisture level to keep the texture perfect.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin or chai spice blend, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the spices and rising agents are evenly distributed, setting the stage for uniform flavor and texture in every cookie.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir together the cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and pure maple syrup until smooth and glossy. Add the egg yolk and beat until it’s fully incorporated, then mix in the blotted pumpkin, vanilla extract, and optional maple extract. This combination brings together richness, sweetness, and aromatic depth that makes these cookies unforgettable.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this helps maintain the cookie’s chewy tenderness and lets the flour work its magic without toughening the dough.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 8 hours, or overnight. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld beautifully and will also help the cookies hold their shape and develop that perfect chewy texture when baked.

Step 7: Prepare to Bake

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line your cookie sheets with parchment paper. Remove the dough from the fridge and allow it to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This brief warming helps the dough spread evenly while baking, resulting in perfect cookie shape and texture.

Step 8: Scoop and Coat

Mix the pumpkin or chai spice blend with granulated sugar in a small bowl, tasting and adjusting the balance if needed. Using a 2-inch cookie scoop, portion the dough, then roll each ball in the spiced sugar for a crisp, flavorful coating.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Place the coated dough balls 2 to 3 inches apart on the baking sheets and bake for 12-14 minutes. At about 9-10 minutes, check the cookies: if they look puffier than desired, lift the cookie sheet slightly and bang it firmly on the oven rack a few times to help them settle. Return to the oven for the final minutes, then remove and let cool briefly on the baking sheet before transferring to a rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies

Garnishes

These Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies are lovely on their own, but if you want to take them up a notch, try drizzling warm caramel sauce or a simple cream cheese glaze on top. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking also adds an enchanting contrast that highlights the sweetness and deep maple notes beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair your cookies with a steaming mug of chai tea or a creamy latte to complement the spicy pumpkin flavors. A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the cookie makes for a decadent dessert perfect for chilly evenings or special gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties or gift-giving, stack these cookies with layers of parchment and tie with rustic twine or ribbon. You can also sandwich a dollop of maple-infused buttercream or pumpkin spice frosting between two cookies for a delicious twist that doubles as an irresistible treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To maintain their soft, chewy texture, place a slice of bread in the container — it works wonders by keeping the cookies moist and tender.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough or the baked cookies themselves. For dough, portion and roll in the spiced sugar, then freeze on a tray before transferring to a sealed bag for up to 3 months. To freeze baked cookies, layer them separated by parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature for best results.

Reheating

To refresh chilled or frozen cookies, simply warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. This melts the sugars slightly and revives that fresh-from-the-oven chewiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make them too soft or dense.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can substitute fresh pumpkin puree, but be sure to cook and puree it until smooth and then blot it well to remove excess moisture so your cookies stay chewy and don’t become too wet.

What’s the purpose of browning the butter?

Brown butter adds a nutty, caramelized richness that deepens the flavor of these Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies tremendously, making them taste so much more layered than plain melted butter would.

Can I skip chilling the dough?

While you technically can bake without chilling, resting the dough for at least 8 hours really improves flavor development and texture, giving you those perfect chewy cookies with better spread control.

Is maple extract necessary?

Maple extract is optional but highly recommended if you want to enhance the maple flavor without adding more liquid. It amplifies the maple notes subtly and beautifully.

How long will these cookies stay chewy?

Stored properly at room temperature with a slice of bread, these cookies will stay wonderfully chewy for about 4 days. After that, they might start to harden but can be refreshed by reheating gently.

Final Thoughts

If you ever want to bring the comforting spirit of fall into your home, these Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies are your new best friend. With their perfect balance of spices, maple sweetness, and pumpkin warmth, they’re an absolute joy to bake, eat, and share. I can promise you, once you make these, they’ll become a cherished staple that everyone asks for year after year. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to fill your kitchen with that amazing aroma — your taste buds are in for a treat!

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