these chewy maple pumpkin cookies are the perfect treat for fall. With their rich maple flavor and soft, chewy texture, these cookies are ideal for gatherings, cozy evenings at home, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth. Each bite delivers a delightful blend of spices and pumpkin goodness, making them a seasonal favorite that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of maple syrup and pumpkin creates a warm, inviting taste that’s perfect for autumn.
- Chewy Texture: These cookies are designed to be soft and chewy, providing a satisfying mouthfeel with every bite.
- Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, these cookies are simple to whip up even for beginner bakers.
- Versatile Uses: Enjoy them as a dessert, snack, or during celebrations; they fit right in at any occasion.
- Make Ahead Option: The dough can be chilled overnight, allowing you to prepare ahead of time for busy days.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your chewy maple pumpkin cookies, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without spills.
- Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes, leading to even baking.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Ingredients
To make these chewy maple pumpkin cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
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 Coating the Cookies
- 1/2 c (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin or chai spice blend
How to Make chewy maple pumpkin cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Brown Butter
- Make brown butter about an hour before you plan to make the cookies.
- Melt butter in a clear heavy-bottom saucepan.
- Once it starts to foam, whisk continuously until brown bits form.
- Remove from heat and pour into a clean bowl to cool for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree
- Lay 2–3 paper towels across a wide shallow bowl.
- Scoop a generous 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree onto the towels to absorb excess water.
- Squeeze out any remaining moisture before using.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Whisk together flour, spice blend, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
- Stir cooled brown butter with brown sugar and maple syrup until combined.
- Add in the egg yolk and mix until well integrated.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree along with vanilla and optional maple extract.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
- Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Step 7: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Line one or two large cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Step 8: Roll Cookies in Sugar Mixture
- Mix granulated sugar with remaining spice blend until combined.
- Using a 2-inch cookie scoop, portion out dough balls.
- Roll each ball in the spiced sugar mixture.
Step 9: Bake Cookies
- Place dough balls about 2-3 inches apart on prepared sheets.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes; check at around 9–10 minutes.
- If puffier than desired, firmly bang the pan on the oven rack a few times before finishing baking.
Step 10: Cool Cookies
- Let cookies cool on baking sheets for about 3–5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your homemade chewy maple pumpkin cookies!
How to Serve chewy maple pumpkin cookies
Serving chewy maple pumpkin cookies is a delightful experience, perfect for gatherings or enjoying with your family. These cookies can be paired with various accompaniments to enhance their flavors and make them even more enjoyable.
With a Warm Beverage
- Hot Apple Cider: The sweetness of the cider complements the cookies’ flavor beautifully.
- Coffee: A robust cup of coffee balances the cookie’s sweetness, making it an ideal morning treat.
- Herbal Tea: Choose a spiced herbal tea for a soothing pairing that enhances the warm spices in the cookies.
As Dessert
- With Ice Cream: Top with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a comforting dessert experience.
- Drizzled with Maple Syrup: A light drizzle of maple syrup adds extra sweetness and richness.
- With Whipped Cream: Serve these cookies alongside whipped cream for a luscious touch.
At Celebrations
- Cookie Platters: Combine with other fall-themed treats on a festive platter for parties.
- Gift Wrapping: Package them in clear bags tied with ribbons for thoughtful homemade gifts during holidays.
How to Perfect chewy maple pumpkin cookies
Perfecting chewy maple pumpkin cookies is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips to achieve cookie perfection.
- Bold Butter Browning: Ensure your butter is browned properly; this adds depth and nuttiness to your cookies.
- Chill the Dough: Allow the dough to chill for at least 8 hours; this helps develop flavors and improves texture.
- Accurate Measurements: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour, to avoid overly dense cookies.
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time; remove them when they are just set but still soft for that chewy texture.
- Scoop Evenly: Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes, ensuring even baking across all cookies.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice blend to suit your taste preferences; it can elevate the flavor profile significantly.
Best Side Dishes for chewy maple pumpkin cookies
These chewy maple pumpkin cookies pair well with several delightful side dishes, enhancing your snack time or dessert spread. Here are some excellent options:
- Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses like brie or sharp cheddar can contrast nicely with the sweetness of the cookies.
- Fruit Salad: Fresh seasonal fruits add brightness and balance out the richness of the cookie.
- Nuts and Dried Fruits Mix: A mix of walnuts, pecans, and dried cranberries offers crunch and complements the autumn flavors well.
- Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of creamy pumpkin soup creates a comforting fall meal alongside these sweet treats.
- Caramel Sauce Dip: Provide warm caramel sauce for dipping, adding an indulgent touch that enhances every bite.
- Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit as a refreshing counterpart to the rich cookies.
- Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served alongside allows guests to dip pieces of cookie in for an extra sweet experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making chewy maple pumpkin cookies can be simple, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Using too much flour: Adding more flour than necessary can lead to dry cookies. Always measure the flour properly and avoid packing it into the cup.
- Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can result in cookies that spread too much during baking. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 8 hours for the best texture.
- Overbaking: Baking cookies for too long can make them hard instead of chewy. Keep an eye on them; they should look slightly underbaked when you take them out.
- Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using cold eggs or butter can affect how the dough comes together. Ensure your butter is browned and cooled, and eggs are at room temperature.
- Neglecting spice balance: Not adjusting spices to your taste can lead to bland cookies. Always taste your spice mixture before rolling the dough in it.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store chewy maple pumpkin cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Freezing chewy maple pumpkin cookies
- Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months, separated by parchment paper if stacking.
Reheating chewy maple pumpkin cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and heat for about 5 minutes until warm. This restores their chewiness.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat as it may dry them out.
- Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, flipping once. This method keeps them soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about chewy maple pumpkin cookies that may help you perfect this recipe.
How do I make chewy maple pumpkin cookies?
To make chewy maple pumpkin cookies, prepare a sugar cookie dough using brown butter, brown sugar, pure maple syrup, and canned pumpkin, then chill before baking.
Can I use other spices for these chewy maple pumpkin cookies?
Yes! You can experiment with different spice blends like gingerbread or apple pie spice to customize the flavor profile of your chewy maple pumpkin cookies.
What is the best way to store chewy maple pumpkin cookies?
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I add chocolate chips to my chewy maple pumpkin cookies?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips is a great way to enhance these chewy maple pumpkin cookies with extra sweetness and richness.
Why is my cookie dough too sticky?
If your cookie dough is sticky, it might need more flour or could benefit from additional chilling time. Make sure all ingredients are measured correctly.
Final Thoughts
Chewy maple pumpkin cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall flavors. Their soft and buttery texture makes them perfect for any celebration or as a cozy snack. Feel free to customize with different spices or mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips for added variety. Don’t hesitate—try making these delicious treats today!
Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies
Indulge in the warmth of fall with these chewy maple pumpkin cookies. This delightful treat combines the rich flavors of pure maple syrup and aromatic pumpkin, delivering a soft, chewy texture that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home, each cookie is spiced just right to evoke the essence of autumn. Easy to prepare and adaptable, these cookies can be enjoyed as a sweet snack or a festive dessert. With their inviting aroma and melt-in-your-mouth goodness, they are sure to become a seasonal favorite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice blend
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup European-style unsalted butter (browned)
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (drained)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare brown butter by melting it until golden brown; let cool.
- Drain excess moisture from pumpkin puree using paper towels.
- Whisk together flour, spice blend, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- In another bowl, combine cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup; mix in egg yolk and pumpkin puree.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until just combined.
- Chill dough for at least 8 hours in the refrigerator.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll chilled dough into balls, coat in sugar-spice mixture, and place on prepared sheets.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes or until set but still soft; cool on wire racks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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