Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
These Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are an irresistible treat that captures the essence of fall! With their rich brown butter flavor, warm spices, and the comforting taste of pure pumpkin, these cookies are perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet indulgence any day. They offer a chewy texture that delights in every bite, making them a favorite among cookie lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of brown butter and maple syrup creates a nutty sweetness that enhances every bite.
- Perfectly Chewy: The unique baking method results in soft, chewy cookies that stay fresh longer.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
- Seasonal Treat: Ideal for fall, these cookies bring the flavors of the season right into your kitchen.
- Versatile Uses: Great for holiday gatherings, gifting to friends, or enjoying with a cup of coffee.
Tools and Preparation
To make these tasty cookies effortlessly, gather your essential tools before you start. Having everything on hand will streamline your baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: A variety of sizes helps in preparing different mixtures without cluttering your workspace.
- Rubber spatula: Perfect for folding dough without deflating it, ensuring your cookies come out perfectly chewy.


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.
Ingredients:
– 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
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.
Step 2: Measure and Chill the Butter
Pour the browned butter into a measuring glass to ensure you have exactly one cup. Scrape the bottom of the pot to capture all the flavorful brown bits. Place it in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to cool—be careful not to let it solidify.
Step 3: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices. Set aside for later use.
Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dark brown sugar and cooled brown butter until it resembles clumpy wet sand.
Step 6: Incorporate Remaining Ingredients
Whisk in the egg yolk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree until smooth.
Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Add in all dry ingredients from step four using a rubber spatula to fold everything into the dough. If your dough feels too thin (it should hold its shape when scooped), chill it for another 15–20 minutes until thickened.
Step 8: Prepare Coating
In a small dish off to the side, mix together your coating ingredients (brown sugar and cinnamon).
Step 9: Scoop Dough
Using a large cookie scoop (or a ¼ measuring cup), scoop out portions of dough. Drop them into the cinnamon-sugar mixture and toss to coat evenly.
Step 10: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place scooped dough onto the prepared baking sheet spaced about three inches apart. You should be able to fit about four or five cookies at once; leave remaining dough at room temperature.
Step 11: Bake Cookies
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until edges are darkened while centers appear puffed and slightly underdone.
Step 12: Cool Before Serving
Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Continue making batches with remaining dough.
Step 13: Enjoy!
Once cooled down properly, it’s time to enjoy these delightful Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies!
How to Serve Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
These chewy pumpkin cookies are delightful on their own, but they can be enhanced with a few creative serving suggestions that elevate their flavor. Here are some ideas to make your cookie experience even more enjoyable.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic pairing, the creaminess of milk complements the rich flavors of the cookies beautifully.
Accompanied by Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these cookies with your favorite brew. The warmth of coffee or tea pairs well with the spices in the cookies.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for a decadent treat. This adds a light and airy texture that balances the chewy cookies.
Served Warm with Ice Cream
- For an indulgent dessert, serve warm cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or pumpkin ice cream. This combination is perfect for fall!
With a Drizzle of Maple Syrup
- Enhance the maple flavor by drizzling pure maple syrup over the cookies just before serving. It adds an extra touch of sweetness.
How to Perfect Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
Getting these chewy pumpkin cookies just right can make all the difference. Here are some tips to help you achieve cookie perfection.
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Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices will enhance the flavor profile significantly compared to pre-ground ones.
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Properly Brown Your Butter: Watch for that rich amber color and nutty aroma when browning butter; it makes all the difference in taste.
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Chill Your Dough: If your dough feels too warm, chilling it helps maintain shape during baking and prevents overly flat cookies.
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Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies from the oven while they still look slightly underdone in the center; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
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Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality dark brown sugar and pure maple syrup to enhance overall flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
If you’re looking to create a full spread around your chewy pumpkin cookies, consider adding some delightful side dishes. Here are some great options:
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Spiced Apple Cider: Warm up spiced apple cider as a beverage pairing; its sweet and spicy notes complement the flavors of pumpkin well.
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Pumpkin Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup offers a savory contrast, making it an excellent starter before indulging in sweet treats.
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Caramelized Pears: Sweet caramelized pears bring out fruity flavors that pair beautifully with your pumpkin cookies.
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Cinnamon Candied Nuts: Crunchy nuts coated in cinnamon make for an addictive snack alongside your sweet treats.
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Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese on a platter; their creamy texture contrasts nicely with the chewy cookie.
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Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: A salad featuring roasted butternut squash provides balance with its earthy flavors, making it a hearty side dish choice.
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Chocolate Dipped Fruit: Fresh fruits dipped in chocolate offer a sweet finish that pairs well with pumpkin flavors.
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Maple Pecan Granola: Serve granola as a crunchy topping on yogurt; it’s delicious alongside your cookies at breakfast or brunch!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking cookies can be tricky, especially when you want the perfect texture and flavor. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies:
- Using warm butter: Starting with warm butter can lead to overly soft dough. Always let the brown butter cool slightly before mixing it in.
- Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements are key to great cookies. Use a kitchen scale for dry ingredients or ensure you use the correct measuring cups.
- Skipping chilling time: Chilling the dough helps maintain shape during baking. If your dough feels too thin, always chill it for 15-20 minutes.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should look slightly underdone in the center after baking. This will help achieve that chewy texture.
- Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Cold ingredients can affect how well they incorporate into your dough. Make sure everything is at room temperature unless specified otherwise.


Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Keep them between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer before transferring them to an airtight freezer bag.
- They can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F; heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for 10-15 seconds for a soft treat.
- Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat for a minute or two, watching closely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to common questions about Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies.
Can I use another type of sugar?
You can substitute light brown sugar if you prefer, but dark brown sugar enhances the flavor and color of the cookies.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
What can I substitute for pumpkin puree?
If you don’t have pumpkin puree, mashed sweet potatoes or butternut squash can work as great alternatives.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for optimal freshness.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor. Adjust the amount based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
These Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. They bring warmth and coziness, perfect for any fall gathering or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. Don’t hesitate to customize them with your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts!
Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
Indulge in the warm, inviting flavors of Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies. These delightful treats combine the nuttiness of brown butter with the sweet richness of maple syrup and the comforting essence of pumpkin and spices, making them perfect for cozy fall gatherings or a simple afternoon snack. Their chewy texture ensures that each bite is satisfying, while their easy preparation makes them accessible for bakers of all levels. Enjoy these cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for an irresistible treat that captures the essence of autumn.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 1/4 cups 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
Instructions
- Brown the unsalted butter over medium heat until it turns a rich amber color. Cool slightly.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices. Set aside.
- In another bowl, mix cooled brown butter with dark brown sugar until clumpy.
- Add egg yolk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree to the sugar mixture; mix until smooth.
- Combine both mixtures until just combined; chill if necessary for thicker dough.
- Scoop dough into balls and roll in a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon before placing on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are darkened but centers are slightly puffed.
- Cool on a rack before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
