Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that captures the essence of fall, then these Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are just what you need! They bring together the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter with the sweet warmth of maple syrup and pumpkin. Each bite is like a cozy hug on a chilly day, making them perfect for everything from busy weeknights to family gatherings. You might just find that these cookies become your new favorite seasonal treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps, even beginner bakers can whip up these delicious cookies without any fuss.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the delightful flavor and chewy texture of these cookies.
• Perfect for sharing: Whether at holiday parties or as gifts, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family.
• Make-ahead option: Bake in advance and store them for a cozy snack whenever you need a little pick-me-up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create the perfect autumn cookie. Gather the following items for your Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies:

For the Cookies

• 1 cup (220g) unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups (280g) dark brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg yolk
• 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup (80g) pumpkin puree
• 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

For Topping

• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to play around with different flavors and ingredients to make it your own.

• Add chocolate chips: Stir in some chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Nuts for crunch: Consider folding in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture.
• Spice it up: Swap in different spices such as ginger or nutmeg for a unique twist on the classic flavors.
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

How to Make Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by browning your butter over medium heat until it reaches a rich amber color. This process adds depth and nuttiness to your cookies. Once browned, chill it in the fridge for about 20 minutes. Cooling is crucial as it helps achieve that chewy texture we love!

Step 2: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup later on.

Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. This step is important because it evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices throughout your dough.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooled brown butter with dark brown sugar until it looks clumpy. Then mix in the egg yolk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree until smooth. The combination of these wet ingredients creates a rich base full of flavor!

Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing; this helps keep your cookies soft and chewy. If you feel the dough is too sticky, chilling it briefly can help.

Step 6: Shape Dough Balls

Roll your dough into balls and roll them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture before placing them on your prepared baking sheet. This not only adds sweetness but also creates an enticing outer crust.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies for about 12–15 minutes until their edges are golden while keeping their centers slightly underdone—this creates that delightful chewy texture!

Step 8: Cool Down

Let them cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This step allows them to set perfectly while staying soft inside.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies! Each bite will remind you of cozy autumn days filled with warmth and joy.

Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

Baking is all about joy and precision, so here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your egg yolk and pumpkin puree to room temperature helps them mix better with the butter and sugar, leading to a smoother batter and fluffier cookies.

• Don’t skip chilling the dough: Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes (if needed) allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in a thicker, chewier texture.

• Check your measurements: Using a kitchen scale for dry ingredients ensures accuracy, which is key in baking. A little too much flour can make your cookies cakey instead of chewy!

• Experiment with add-ins: If you want to give your cookies an extra twist, consider adding dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts. They add texture and enhance the overall flavor profile of the cookies.

• Store properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight bag—this keeps them fresh and delicious for when those cookie cravings hit!

How to Serve Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

These delightful cookies are perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or enjoying a cozy night in with family, presenting them beautifully adds an extra touch.

Garnishes

• Dust with powdered sugar: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar gives these cookies a lovely finishing touch that enhances their visual appeal.

• Drizzle with maple syrup: A small drizzle of pure maple syrup over each cookie elevates their sweetness while adding a beautiful glossy finish.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider: The spiced notes of warm apple cider are a comforting complement to the flavors of pumpkin and spices in these cookies.

• Vanilla bean ice cream: Pairing these cookies with creamy vanilla bean ice cream creates a delightful contrast in textures—warm cookies against cold ice cream is simply divine.

• Spiced chai tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea harmonize beautifully with the flavors of pumpkin and spice in the cookies, making it a perfect beverage pairing.

• Roasted butternut squash soup: For something more savory, enjoy these cookies as a sweet finish after a comforting bowl of roasted butternut squash soup; it’s an autumnal treat that both warms the heart and satisfies sweet cravings!

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be ready to share your Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies with family and friends while enjoying every delicious bite yourself!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch in advance, ensuring you always have a sweet treat on hand.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
• For optimal texture, place parchment paper between layers of cookies.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delicious cookies.

Can I use other sweeteners instead of brown sugar in Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies?

Yes! While dark brown sugar gives these cookies their rich flavor, you can substitute with light brown sugar or even coconut sugar for a different twist. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the taste and texture.

How do I know when my Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are done?

You want the edges to be golden brown while the center remains slightly underdone. They will continue to cook as they cool. Trust your instincts—if they look perfect, take them out!

What makes these Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies chewy?

The combination of brown butter and pumpkin puree creates a moist texture that results in chewy cookies. Additionally, chilling the dough helps maintain that soft chewiness after baking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies as much as I do! They capture the essence of fall with their cozy flavors and delightful textures. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring them solo with a warm cup of tea, I’m sure they’ll bring warmth to your home. Happy baking!