Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

These Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall! With their rich flavors from brown butter, warm spices, and pure pumpkin, these cookies are perfect for family gatherings, cozy evenings at home, or any occasion that calls for a sweet touch. The chewy texture combined with the hint of maple syrup makes them a standout choice that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of brown butter and pumpkin creates a rich, nutty sweetness that is hard to resist.
• Cozy Texture: These cookies are soft and chewy, making them the ideal comfort food for chilly days.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Great for holiday parties, potlucks, or just an afternoon snack with coffee.
• Seasonal Delight: Infused with classic autumn spices, these cookies embody the spirit of fall baking.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these delicious cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without spills.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for folding in dry ingredients and scraping the bowl clean to ensure nothing goes to waste.

Ingredients

These chewy pumpkin cookies are bursting with flavor! Baked with loads of brown butter, warm spices, and pure pumpkin, these are the ultimate warm and cozy cookies that are perfect for the Fall baking season.

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 Coating

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

How to Make Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

Step 1: Brown the Butter

First, brown the butter. Melt 1 cup of butter over medium heat while stirring continuously until it reaches a rich amber color. Click here for more details on how to brown butter.

Step 2: Chill the Butter

Pour the browned butter into a measuring glass to ensure you have the right amount. Scrape the bottom of the pot to collect all the delicious brown bits. Chill this mixture in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes until it’s cool but not solidified.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices. Set this mixture aside.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dark brown sugar and cooled brown butter until it resembles clumpy wet sand. Then add in the egg yolk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree until everything is smooth.

Step 6: Combine Dry & Wet Mixtures

Fold in all of your dry ingredients using a rubber spatula until just combined. If your dough feels too thin (it should hold its shape when scooped), chill it again for about 15-20 minutes until thickened.

Step 7: Prepare Coating

In a small dish off to the side, mix together your coating ingredients.

Step 8: Scoop Dough

Use a large cookie scoop (2oz) or a 1/4 measuring cup to scoop out portions of dough. Drop each ball into the cinnamon-sugar mixture and toss gently to coat.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Place cookie dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet spaced about 3 inches apart. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until edges are darkened and centers look puffed but slightly underdone.

Step 10: Cool & Enjoy

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy your delicious Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies once they have cooled down!

How to Serve Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

These chewy pumpkin cookies are a delight to enjoy on their own or paired with various accompaniments. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that can’t be beaten! The creaminess of milk complements the warm spices in the cookies perfectly.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a festive platter alongside other treats, such as brownies or seasonal fruit, for a beautiful presentation at gatherings.

With Whipped Cream

• Top each cookie with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. This works especially well if you’re serving them warm.

Alongside Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The rich flavors of brown butter and maple enhance the warmth of your beverage.

As Ice Cream Sandwiches

• For an exciting twist, sandwich your favorite ice cream between two cookies. This makes for a delightful dessert, especially during warm days.

How to Perfect Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

To ensure your cookies are always perfect, follow these helpful tips. They will help you achieve that chewy texture and rich flavor every time.

• Brown the Butter Carefully: Keep stirring as the butter melts to prevent burning. Look for a rich amber color and nutty aroma for the best flavor.
• Chill Your Dough: If your dough is too soft, chilling it for 15-20 minutes will help it hold its shape when baked.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use kitchen scales for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar, to ensure consistent results.
• Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies when they look slightly underdone in the center. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet once removed from the oven.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the pumpkin pie spice levels or add new spices like nutmeg to customize your cookie flavor.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their chewiness.

Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

These pumpkin cookies pair wonderfully with several side dishes that can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Pumpkin Spice Latte: A cozy drink that enhances the pumpkin flavor while providing warmth on chilly days.
2. Apple Cider Donuts: These donuts have similar flavors and textures, making them an excellent companion treat.
3. Cream Cheese Frosting Dip: A sweet dip made with cream cheese that complements the spices in your cookies perfectly.
4. Spiced Hot Chocolate: Rich hot chocolate infused with spices can create a comforting combination when enjoyed alongside these cookies.
5. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cookies or serve it as a dipping option for an indulgent twist.
6. Pecan Pie Bars: These bars bring additional sweetness and crunch, making them an ideal contrast to chewy pumpkin cookies.
7. Roasted Chestnuts: Enjoy roasted chestnuts as a seasonal snack that adds a nutty flavor profile to your dessert table.
8. Chai Tea: A fragrant chai tea brings out the warm spices in your cookie, forming a perfect pairing for relaxation moments.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Boldly measure your ingredients: Not measuring accurately can lead to dough that’s too dry or too wet. Always use the right measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients.

• Chill the butter properly: Failing to chill the browned butter may result in cookies that spread too much. After browning, let it cool until it’s slightly thickened but not solid.

• Avoid overmixing: Overmixing the dough can make cookies tough instead of chewy. Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients.

• Use fresh spices: Old spices can dull the flavor of your cookies. Always check the freshness of your pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon for maximum taste.

• Don’t skip the chilling step: If your dough feels thin, chill it before baking. This helps maintain shape and achieve that chewy texture.

• Watch your baking time: Overbaking can lead to hard cookies. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes; they should look slightly underdone in the center.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first.
• Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be stored this way for up to 3 months.

Reheating Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for 10-15 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, covered, for a couple of minutes until soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I get my cookies chewy?

To ensure your Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are chewy, avoid overbaking them. They should look slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven.

Can I use different types of flour?

Yes, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends in this recipe. Just note that the texture might vary slightly from traditional all-purpose flour.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, combine cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice as a substitute for a similar flavor profile.

How should I store leftover cookie dough?

You can wrap leftover cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for later use.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies by mixing in chocolate chips or nuts as desired.

Final Thoughts

These Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily adjust spices or add mix-ins based on your preferences. Perfect for cozy fall days, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike—so give this recipe a try!