As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, I find myself craving the warm, cozy flavors of fall. That’s where these delightful Maple Pumpkin Cookies come in! They’re not just any cookies; they’re soft, sweet, and infused with the essence of autumn. Perfect for busy days, these treats are a quick solution to satisfy your sweet tooth or impress your loved ones. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just to enjoy with a cup of tea, these cookies will wrap you in a comforting hug of flavor. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
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Maple Pumpkin Cookies: Discover the Perfect Fall Treat!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and soft cookies infused with pumpkin and maple flavors, perfect for fall.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree and maple syrup until well incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a thicker glaze, use less milk or cream.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Maple Pumpkin Cookies, Fall Treats, Pumpkin Recipes
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Maple Pumpkin Cookies
These Maple Pumpkin Cookies are a dream come true for busy moms and professionals alike. They come together in just 30 minutes, making them a perfect last-minute treat. The combination of pumpkin and maple creates a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and delightful. Plus, they’re soft and chewy, making them irresistible to both kids and adults. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Maple Pumpkin Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Maple Pumpkin Cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: This forms the base of your cookies, giving them structure and a soft texture.
- Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise, making them light and fluffy.
- Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to ensure the cookies don’t become dense.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor that screams fall.
- Ground nutmeg: This spice brings a nutty sweetness that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
- Ground ginger: A hint of zing that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Ground cloves: Just a pinch adds depth and warmth to the cookies.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness and moisture, making the cookies tender.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps achieve that lovely golden color.
- Brown sugar: Adds a hint of caramel flavor and moisture, keeping the cookies soft.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor, making it more aromatic.
- Pumpkin puree: The star of the show! It gives the cookies their signature flavor and moisture.
- Pure maple syrup: Adds a natural sweetness and a touch of maple flavor that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
For those looking to customize, you can swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a healthier option. Remember, the exact measurements are at the bottom of the article, ready for you to print and use!
How to Make Maple Pumpkin Cookies
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your Maple Pumpkin Cookies. Each step is designed to be straightforward, so you can enjoy the process without any stress.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. This flavorful blend creates the perfect base for your cookies. Make sure there are no lumps; a smooth mixture is key to even baking.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to mix until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that soft, tender texture we all love in cookies.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, add in the large egg and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. The egg adds richness, while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor, making your cookies even more delightful.
Step 5: Combine Pumpkin and Maple
Now, stir in the pumpkin puree and pure maple syrup. This is where the magic happens! The pumpkin gives moisture and flavor, while the maple syrup adds a sweet, earthy note that perfectly complements the spices.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix. You want a smooth dough that holds together but isn’t tough. This is the secret to soft Maple Pumpkin Cookies!
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important; it allows the cookies to set and become even more delicious. Now, grab a cup of tea and enjoy your homemade Maple Pumpkin Cookies!
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- Don’t overmix the dough; it should be just combined.
- For extra flavor, add chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
- Keep an eye on the cookies while baking; ovens vary.
- Let the cookies cool completely for the best texture.
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet: A standard cookie sheet works well, but you can use any flat baking pan.
- Parchment paper: If you don’t have this, greasing the baking sheet is a good alternative.
- Mixing bowls: Use any size, but a large bowl is ideal for the wet ingredients.
- Whisk: A fork can work in a pinch for mixing dry ingredients.
- Cookie scoop or spoon: A tablespoon works just fine for portioning the dough.
Variations
- For a nutty twist, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough.
- Try using whole wheat flour for a heartier texture and added nutrition.
- Substitute the granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil instead of butter and a flax egg in place of the regular egg.
- Add a handful of dark chocolate chips for a sweet contrast to the pumpkin flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Maple Pumpkin Cookies with a warm cup of chai or spiced tea for a cozy treat.
- Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze.
- Present them on a rustic wooden platter for a charming autumn display.
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FAQs about Maple Pumpkin Cookies
As you embark on your baking adventure with these Maple Pumpkin Cookies, you might have a few questions. Here are some common queries that can help you along the way:
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
It’s best to stick with pure pumpkin puree for this recipe. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices, which can alter the flavor and texture of your cookies.
How should I store my Maple Pumpkin Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to three months!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 ratio for the best results.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. These additions can elevate your Maple Pumpkin Cookies to a whole new level!
Are these cookies suitable for kids?
Yes! These cookies are soft, sweet, and packed with flavor, making them a hit with kids. Plus, they’re a great way to introduce pumpkin into their diet!
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on these Maple Pumpkin Cookies, I can’t help but smile. They embody the essence of fall, bringing warmth and joy to every bite. Baking these cookies is not just about satisfying a sweet tooth; it’s about creating memories with loved ones. The aroma wafting through the kitchen, the laughter shared over a warm cookie, and the delight on my family’s faces make it all worthwhile. So, whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or sharing them at a gathering, these cookies are sure to bring a little extra joy to your day!