Name: Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup butter, softened; ¾ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup maple syrup; 1 egg yolk; ½ cup pumpkin purée; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp cinnamon; ¼ tsp nutmeg; ¼ tsp salt

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If you adore the cozy flavors of autumn, you are going to fall head over heels for this Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies Recipe. Imagine soft, tender pumpkin-infused dough perfectly sweetened with maple syrup and spiced delicately with cinnamon and nutmeg. These cookies bring the warmth of fall right to your kitchen in every blissful bite. They are easy to make, impossibly delicious, and perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a little treat with your coffee or tea. Let me walk you through everything you need to whip up these chewy delights that celebrate pumpkin and maple in the most scrumptious way possible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden table with baking ingredients arranged neatly on it. There is a large white bowl filled with white flour, a small clear glass bowl of orange pumpkin puree, three brown eggs resting directly on the table, a stick of butter partly wrapped in paper, two cinnamon sticks crossed in front, and a clear glass pitcher filled with dark maple syrup. A small orange pumpkin is visible in the background. The surface under everything is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients in this Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies Recipe are simple but absolutely essential to achieving that perfect texture and flavor that makes these cookies so memorable. From the richness of butter to the aromatic spices, each element plays a starring role in bringing the cozy fall vibe to your cookie jar.

½ cup butter, softened: This adds rich creaminess and helps create a tender, chewy texture.
¾ cup brown sugar: Packed with molasses, it lends deep sweetness and moisture for chewiness.
¼ cup maple syrup: The heart of this recipe, infusing subtle natural sweetness and that signature maple flavor.
1 egg yolk: Adds richness and binds the dough together beautifully.
½ cup pumpkin purée: The star ingredient, providing soft moisture and that unmistakable fall taste.
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The structure-builder that holds everything together perfectly.
½ tsp baking soda: This leavens slightly to keep the cookies tender without rising too much.
½ tsp cinnamon: Sprinkles of warm spice that enhance the pumpkin’s earthiness.
¼ tsp nutmeg: Adds an aromatic, cozy touch of depth to the flavor profile.
¼ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and heightens all the other flavors beautifully.

How to Make Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Maple Syrup

Start by beating the softened butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This step is crucial for creating a smooth base that gives your cookies that irresistible chewiness. The maple syrup not only sweetens but also adds a lovely depth of flavor here.

Step 2: Add Egg Yolk and Pumpkin Purée

Once your butter mixture is ready, mix in the egg yolk and pumpkin purée. The egg yolk enriches the dough, while the pumpkin adds moisture and those signature fall notes. Mix until everything is blended smoothly with no streaks of pumpkin separate from the batter.

Step 3: Whisk and Fold in Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures the spices and leavening agent are evenly distributed. Then gently fold these dry ingredients into your wet mixture, taking care not to overmix. The dough should come together easily but remain soft and slightly sticky.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dollops of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before baking. This step helps solidify the butter and gives the cookies their characteristic chew and shape during baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop your chilled cookies into a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are just set but the centers look soft. This short bake time keeps the cookies tender and moist, with a perfect chewy bite as they cool.

How to Serve Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

The image shows a white plate with six round cookies that have a cracked, golden-brown surface and a slightly grainy texture. The cookies look soft and thick, stacked in layers with three on the plate close to the camera and three more spaced out on a white marbled surface in the background. The overall scene is warm and cozy, with a focus on the cookies' rough, crumbly tops and crisp edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Although these cookies shine on their own, you can dress them up with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for a touch of elegance. Toasted chopped pecans or walnut bits sprinkled on top before baking add crunch and a nutty contrast that pairs wonderfully with the pumpkin and maple flavors.

Side Dishes

Enjoy these chewy pumpkin cookies alongside a warm cup of spiced chai tea or hot apple cider to evoke an unforgettable autumn afternoon. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert twist that’s sensational anytime of the year.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack these cookies in a rustic wooden board for a charming fall gathering display. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies around a cinnamon cream cheese frosting or marshmallow fluff to turn the classic cookie into a festive treat that guests will keep asking for.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their soft, chewy texture for up to 3 to 4 days, perfect for late-night snacking or sharing with friends over the weekend.

Freezing

If you want to make a bigger batch, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their chewy charm.

Reheating

To bring your frozen cookies back to life, thaw them at room temperature or warm briefly in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This quick heat softens them back to their chewy perfection and revives that luscious pumpkin-maple flavor you love.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin purée for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin purée works perfectly and is actually the most common choice for its convenient texture and flavor. Just make sure you use pure pumpkin purée and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

What can I add to the dough for extra texture?

White chocolate chips or chopped pecans mixed into the dough add delightful bursts of sweetness and crunch. These mix-ins complement the soft chewiness with a little contrast that’s very satisfying.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

As written, this recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking if you want a gluten-free version. Just be aware texture and taste might vary slightly.

Can I substitute the maple syrup with honey?

While honey can work as a substitute, maple syrup gives these cookies their unique signature flavor. If you use honey, expect a different sweetness profile but your cookies will still be soft and delicious.

What are the ideal storage conditions to keep cookies chewy?

Storing cookies in an airtight container at room temperature with a slice of bread can help maintain moisture and chewiness. The bread releases moisture that keeps cookies from drying out without making them soggy.

Final Thoughts

Making these Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies Recipe is like inviting a hug from fall itself into your kitchen. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you get a batch of irresistibly tender, warmly spiced treats that satisfy every pumpkin craving. I cannot wait for you to try this recipe—bake a batch soon and watch how quickly these cookies become a beloved part of your seasonal traditions!