Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat to warm your heart and home this Fall, these Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are just what you need! The moment the rich aroma of brown butter fills your kitchen, you’ll know you’re in for something special. With their soft, chewy texture and delightful pumpkin flavor, these cookies are perfect for everything from family gatherings to cozy nights in with a cup of tea. Trust me, once you take your first bite, you’ll fall in love!

What makes these cookies even more wonderful is how simple they are to whip up. They blend classic autumn spices with the warmth of maple syrup, making them irresistible. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious cookies ready in no time!
• Chewy Goodness: The combination of brown butter and pumpkin creates a soft, chewy texture that keeps you coming back for more.
• Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are great for sharing at potlucks or family gatherings—everyone will be asking for the recipe!
• Fall Flavor: Enjoy the warm spices that make these cookies an absolute delight during the chilly season.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh whenever you’re ready.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these scrumptious cookies, all you need are some simple and wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to customize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some fun ideas to switch it up!

• Add Chocolate Chips: For a little extra sweetness, fold in some dark chocolate chips or chunks into the dough.
• Nutty Crunch: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
• Spice It Up: If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to give your cookies a spicy kick.
• Zest It Up: Incorporate the zest of an orange or lemon for a bright twist that complements the pumpkin beautifully.

How to Make Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

Step 1: Brown the Butter

First things first—browning the butter is key! Melt your unsalted butter over medium heat while stirring continuously. Keep an eye on it as it transforms from yellow to a gorgeous amber color with nutty aromas filling the air. This step adds depth and richness to your cookies.

Step 2: Chill the Butter

After browning, pour your butter into a measuring glass but make sure to scrape those tasty brown bits from the bottom! Let it chill in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. This cooling period is essential to ensure your butter is just right when mixing in other ingredients.

Step 3: Prepare Your Oven

Now it’s time to preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C) while lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easier and helps prevent sticking!

Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and warm spices like cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. This step ensures even distribution of flavors throughout your cookie dough.

Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate large mixing bowl, combine your cooled brown butter with dark brown sugar until it resembles clumpy wet sand. Then whisk in that lovely egg yolk alongside maple syrup, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree until smooth. Each ingredient adds moisture and flavor that makes these cookies irresistibly chewy.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gently fold in those dry ingredients using a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookies tender! If your dough feels too soft (it should hold its shape), pop it in the fridge for another quick chill.

Step 7: Prepare Coating Mixture

While waiting on the dough, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon in a small dish off to the side. This coating adds an extra layer of flavor when we roll our cookie dough!

Step 8: Scoop Dough

Using a large cookie scoop (about 2oz) or a measuring cup, scoop out portions of dough and drop them into the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Toss gently until coated—this adds sweetness and enhances that fabulous fall flavor!

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Place those deliciously coated cookie balls onto your prepared baking sheet spaced about three inches apart. Bake them for about 12–15 minutes until their edges look darkened but their centers remain slightly puffed.

Step 10: Cool & Enjoy!

After pulling them out of the oven, let those beauties rest on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack. Once cooled slightly—dive right into one! Enjoy each chewy bite filled with warmth from pumpkin spice goodness.

And there you have it—your new favorite sweet treat!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

Baking is all about enjoying the journey, so here are some handy tips to help you master the art of these delightful cookies!

• Brown the butter properly: Take your time to brown the butter until it reaches a rich amber color. This step enhances the nutty flavor that makes these cookies stand out.
• Chill your dough if necessary: If your dough seems too soft to scoop, don’t hesitate to chill it for 15-20 minutes. This helps achieve the perfect chewy texture and prevents spreading during baking.
• Use quality ingredients: Opt for pure maple syrup and freshly ground spices for a more intense flavor. High-quality ingredients can make a significant difference in taste.
• Don’t skip the cooling period: Allowing the cookies to rest on the baking sheet before transferring them to a cooling rack helps maintain their shape and texture. It also ensures they’re perfectly chewy!
• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to mix in chocolate chips or nuts if you’re looking for extra flavor and texture. Just remember that this recipe is all about pumpkin goodness!

How to Serve Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

These cookies are not only delicious but also look inviting, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family during cozy gatherings. Here are some great ideas on how to present them!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a sweet touch and an elegant finish.
• Cinnamon stick: Place a cinnamon stick alongside each cookie on a serving platter for a charming presentation that hints at the warm spices within.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: The sweetness of apple cider complements the pumpkin beautifully, creating a warm beverage pairing that’s perfect for fall.
• Vanilla bean ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream served alongside these cookies creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
• Caramel sauce: Drizzling some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over your cookies elevates them into an indulgent dessert experience.
• Fall fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and pomegranates balances out the richness of the cookies while adding vibrant colors to your table.

With these tips and serving suggestions in mind, your Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies will be sure to impress! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy these delicious cookies whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them. They can last up to 10 days in the fridge.
• To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. The moisture will keep them chewy!

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour until firm.
• Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat cookies from the freezer, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies!

Can I substitute regular butter for brown butter in this recipe?

While you could use regular butter, the unique flavor of brown butter adds depth that enhances these Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies. I highly recommend sticking to brown butter if possible!

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

Look for slightly puffed centers and darkened edges—these signs indicate that your Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are perfectly baked yet still chewy. Trust your instincts and keep an eye on them towards the end of baking time.

Can I add chocolate chips to these pumpkin cookies?

Absolutely! If you’re a fan of chocolate, feel free to fold in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the dough before baking. It adds another layer of deliciousness!

How should I store my pumpkin cookies?

Store your Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Can I use canned pumpkin puree?

Yes! Canned pumpkin puree works great for this recipe and is super convenient. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin without any added spices or sugars.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies as much as I do! They’re not just a treat; they invoke warm memories of chilly autumn days filled with cozy scents. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations!