Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

These Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion! With their rich flavors and chewy texture, they bring the essence of fall right to your kitchen. Enhanced by the nutty aroma of brown butter and the sweetness of maple syrup, these cookies are perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. Their standout qualities make them a must-bake recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor – The combination of brown butter and maple syrup creates a unique taste that delights every palate.
• Easy to Make – Simple steps mean you can whip up a batch in no time, even on busy days.
• Perfectly Chewy – These cookies achieve that ideal chewy texture, making them hard to resist at any time.
• Versatile Treat – Great for dessert or as a sweet snack throughout the day.
• Seasonal Delight – The warm spices evoke the cozy feelings of fall and winter.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies, gather your tools! Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Measuring cups
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet – Provides an even surface for cookies to bake uniformly.
• Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup after baking.
• Mixing bowls – Essential for combining ingredients without spills or messes.
• Cookie scoop – Helps create evenly sized cookies for consistent baking.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

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

Start by melting the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir continuously until it turns a rich amber color. This step adds depth to your cookies.

Step 2: Chill the Butter

Once browned, pour the butter into a measuring glass. Scrape up any brown bits from the bottom. Chill in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes until slightly cooled but not solidified.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. Set aside this mixture for later use.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

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

Step 6: Create Cookie Dough

Fold in the dry ingredients using a rubber spatula until combined. If your dough is too thin to hold its shape when scooped, chill it again for about 15–20 minutes.

Step 7: Prepare Coating Mixture

In a small dish, mix together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon for coating your cookies before baking.

Step 8: Scoop Dough

Using a large cookie scoop or measuring cup (about 2 oz), scoop out portions of dough. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat evenly.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Place cookie balls on your prepared baking sheet about three inches apart. Bake for 12–15 minutes until edges darken slightly but centers remain puffed.

Step 10: Cool & Enjoy

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring them to a cooling rack. Once fully cooled, enjoy these chewy pumpkin delights!

With these steps followed carefully, you’ll soon have irresistible Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies that everyone will love!

How to Serve Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

These Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. Here are some delightful ways to serve them that will impress your family and friends.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic treat. The creamy texture complements the chewy cookies perfectly.

As Dessert Sandwiches

• Create dessert sandwiches by adding a scoop of vanilla or pumpkin ice cream between two cookies. This makes for a delightful autumn dessert.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Serve warm cookies topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for an elegant touch.

On a Cozy Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a platter alongside seasonal fruits, nuts, and other baked goods for an inviting fall gathering.

With Hot Beverage Pairings

• Enjoy these cookies with your favorite hot beverage, like chai tea or spiced cider, to create a warm and comforting experience.

How to Perfect Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

To ensure your Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies turn out perfect every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and pumpkin puree are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Monitor Browning Butter Carefully: Keep an eye on the butter while browning it; it can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
• Chill Dough If Needed: If your dough is too soft, chilling it briefly will help maintain the cookie’s shape during baking.
• Check Doneness Early: Start checking the cookies at 12 minutes to avoid overbaking; they should be slightly underdone in the center.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their chewiness.

Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

These cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options.

1. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits like apples, pears, or cranberries adds freshness.
2. Cheese Board: A cheese board featuring creamy cheeses pairs well with the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup offers complementary flavors while providing a cozy meal option.
4. Caramelized Pecans: Sweet caramelized pecans add crunch and pair beautifully with the cookie’s textures.
5. Spiced Tea: A cup of spiced tea enhances the fall flavors in the cookies and provides warmth on chilly days.
6. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and roasted pumpkin seeds creates a wholesome side that balances sweetness.
7. Nut Brittle: Crunchy nut brittle serves as a sweet contrast to the soft texture of the chewy cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that can lead to disappointing results. Here are some mistakes to avoid when making Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies.

• Skipping the browning process: Not browning the butter can result in cookies that lack the deep, nutty flavor essential for this recipe. Take your time to brown the butter properly for maximum taste.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much after adding dry ingredients can lead to tough cookies. Gently fold the ingredients until just combined to keep your cookies chewy.
• Not chilling the dough: If you skip chilling the dough, it may spread too much while baking. Always chill for at least 20 minutes if your dough feels too soft.
• Ignoring baking times: Baking for too long can make your cookies dry instead of chewy. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven when they look slightly underdone.
• Wrong oven temperature: Using an incorrect oven temperature can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.
• Using stale spices: Fresh spices make all the difference in flavor. Ensure your pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon are fresh for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

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

Reheating Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, placing a cookie inside briefly to warm through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies.

Can I make Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking.

How do I store leftover cookies?

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

Can I use different types of sugar?

Absolutely! You could experiment with light brown sugar or even coconut sugar, though it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly, these cookies will last up to one week at room temperature or three months in the freezer.

Can I customize this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with mix-ins or adjust spices according to your taste. Try this delightful recipe today, perfect for fall gatherings or cozy evenings at home!