Maple Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

These Maple Pumpkin Cookies are a perfect fall treat—soft, flavorful, and bursting with pumpkin goodness. Topped with a sweet maple glaze, they are an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for cozy gatherings or enjoying with a cup of coffee. The blend of warm spices and the rich maple flavor makes these cookies a true delight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with pumpkin flavor, enhanced by the aromatic spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. The maple glaze adds the perfect sweet touch and extra layer of flavor. Whether you’re craving a fall treat or looking for something to bake for a special occasion, these cookies hit the spot. They are simple to make and are sure to impress family and friends.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 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

For the Maple Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1-2 tbsp milk or cream
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Necessary Tools:

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cooling rack

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

• Add Nuts: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Try Chocolate Chips: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a pumpkin-chocolate combo.
• Use Coconut Oil: Replace the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
• Substitute Honey: If you don’t have maple syrup, you can use honey in both the cookie dough and glaze.

How to Make Maple Pumpkin Cookies

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:

• In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add the Wet Ingredients:

• Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
• Then, mix in the pumpkin puree and maple syrup until smooth.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Scoop and Bake:

• Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly puffed.

7. Cool the Cookies:

• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Making the Maple Glaze:

1. Prepare the Glaze:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable—add more milk if needed.

2. Glaze the Cookies:

• Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread the maple glaze over the tops. Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before serving.

Serve and Enjoy:

• These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they also make great leftovers, especially after the glaze has set.

What to Serve with Maple Pumpkin Cookies

These cookies are delicious on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a few fall-inspired beverages:

• Hot Apple Cider: The sweet and tangy flavors of apple cider complement the spices in the cookies.
• Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy treat.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes about 24 cookies.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add Nuts: For a crunchier texture, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or your favorite nuts to the cookie dough.
• Chocolate Chips: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a sweet pumpkin-chocolate combination.
• Substitute Coconut Oil: Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free alternative, giving the cookies a light coconut flavor.
• Maple Syrup and Honey: If you don’t have maple syrup, honey can be used in both the cookie dough and the glaze.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy them at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Yes, canned pumpkin works great! Just make sure you’re using pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling).

Can I use a sugar substitute in the cookies?

Yes, you can use a sugar substitute, such as stevia or erythritol, in place of the granulated sugar. Just be sure to follow the conversion instructions for the specific substitute you’re using.

Do I have to make the glaze?

No, the glaze is optional. The cookies are delicious on their own, but the maple glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time. Roll it into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a storage bag and bake them as needed. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if you’re baking from frozen.

Conclusion

These Maple Pumpkin Cookies are a perfect fall treat that combines the flavors of pumpkin, spices, and maple syrup into one delightful cookie. The soft, chewy texture and the sweet maple glaze make them a standout dessert or snack for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a fall celebration or just craving a cozy treat, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth! Enjoy every bite!

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