Ultimate Fall Treat
If you’re a fan of warm, cozy flavors like brown butter, maple, and pumpkin, then these Chewy Brown Butter Maple Pumpkin Cookies are the perfect autumn treat. These cookies are soft and chewy, with rich caramel notes from the brown butter and a hint of spice from cinnamon and nutmeg.
Whether you’re looking for a delightful Thanksgiving dessert, a fall-inspired snack, or just something to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, these cookies hit the spot. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and will leave your kitchen smelling like the essence of autumn.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Chewy and Soft Texture – The combination of brown butter, pumpkin, and maple syrup creates an ultra-chewy and soft cookie.
- Easy to Make – No fancy ingredients or complicated steps required.
- Perfect for Fall – The warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown butter make these cookies ideal for the autumn season.
- Great for Sharing – Bring them to a potluck, a family gathering, or just share them with friends!
Ingredients List
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Butter
Melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Keep an eye on it as it foams and then turns golden brown, releasing a nutty aroma. Once browned, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled brown butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
3. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Make the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step enhances the flavors and makes the dough easier to handle.
5. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Shape and Coat the Dough
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar. Place them on the baking sheet and flatten slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
7. Bake
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
8. Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 10 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the cookie dough balls and bake them fresh whenever you crave one!
Variations & Substitutions
- Make it Vegan: Swap the butter for vegan butter and use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Add-Ins: Try mixing in chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor.
Perfect Food & Drink Pairings
- Coffee or Chai Tea: The warm spices in these cookies pair wonderfully with a cozy beverage.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Sandwich two cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent fall dessert.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: Go all out with a full autumn-inspired treat!
FAQ
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! Just be sure to cook and puree it until smooth. Avoid using pumpkin pie filling, as it has added sugars and spices.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling helps solidify the fats in the butter, resulting in a thicker, chewier cookie.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure you have enough baking sheets or bake in batches.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be set, but the centers may look slightly underdone. They will firm up as they cool.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
These Chewy Brown Butter Maple Pumpkin Cookies are the ultimate fall dessert—soft, chewy, and packed with autumn flavors. Whether you make them for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to be a hit.
If you love this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends and family and subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes. Happy baking!
