Fall baking doesn’t get any better than this! These Maple Pumpkin Cookies combine the best flavors of the season warm, spiced pumpkin and sweet, golden maple syrup into soft, chewy delights that practically melt in your mouth. Whether you’re whipping them up for a cozy night in, a holiday gathering, or just because… trust me, no one will judge! They’re the ultimate treat for any fall occasion.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Cookies
- Unbeatable Flavor: Pumpkin and maple are a match made in fall heaven, creating a taste that’s pure autumn bliss in every bite.
- Soft & Chewy: The perfect texture tender, soft, with just enough chewiness to make you reach for seconds.
- So Easy to Make: No complicated steps just simple ingredients and easy-to-follow directions.
- Maple Glaze Magic: The maple glaze is the cherry on top, adding an extra burst of sweetness that elevates these cookies to a whole new level.
The Sweet Comfort of Maple Pumpkin Cookies
Imagine this: a warm, spiced cookie with the smooth richness of pumpkin and the deep sweetness of maple syrup. The cozy combo of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger brings those unmistakable autumn vibes. Then, the maple glaze sweet, silky, and perfectly paired with the pumpkin takes these cookies from delicious to heavenly.
Why You’ll Want to Bake These Now
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Perfect for Fall: Whether for Thanksgiving or a weekend treat, these cookies are tailor-made for the season.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the dough in advance and bake when you’re ready for a fresh batch.
- Crowd Favorite: Pumpkin lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike will go wild for these!
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 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
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Electric or hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone mats
- Cooling rack
Ingredient Tweaks
- Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Chocolate Twist: Toss in some chocolate chips for a pumpkin-chocolate flavor combo.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap the butter for coconut oil.
- Maple Substitution: No maple syrup? Use honey for both the dough and glaze.
How to Make Maple Pumpkin Cookies Step by Step
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla until smooth, then stir in the pumpkin puree and maple syrup.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Scoop & Bake: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop dough by tablespoonfuls onto the baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are set and tops are slightly puffed.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Make the Maple Glaze
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk (or cream), and vanilla until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. Add more milk if needed.
- Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies are cool, drizzle or spread the glaze over the tops. Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes.
What to Pair with Maple Pumpkin Cookies
These cookies are perfect on their own, but here are a few fall-inspired drinks that will make them even better:
- Hot Apple Cider: The warm spices are perfect with the sweet cider.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: Double the pumpkin goodness!
- Chai Tea: The bold chai spices complement these cookies perfectly.
Tips for the Best Maple Pumpkin Cookies
- Go for Pure Maple Syrup: For the most authentic flavor, use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup.
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Don’t Overbake: These cookies should be soft and moist, so remove them when the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Cool Before Glazing: Wait until the cookies are completely cool before glazing to keep the glaze from melting.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Keep these cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- In the Fridge: Store the cookies (glazed or not) for up to 5 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving.
- In the Freezer: Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze when ready to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can chill the dough for up to 2 days before baking, or freeze dough balls and bake them straight from the freezer (just add a minute or two to the baking time).
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?
No—pumpkin pie filling contains spices and sweeteners that will throw off the flavor and texture of the cookies. Stick with pure pumpkin puree.
Do I have to glaze the cookies?
You don’t have to! The cookies are just as delicious without the glaze, but it adds a little extra sweetness and maple flavor that takes them to the next level.
Conclusion
These Maple Pumpkin Cookies are fall in every bite—soft, chewy, and bursting with autumn flavor. The maple glaze? Total game-changer. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet fall treat, these cookies will disappear in no time!
Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Drop a review below and share your pics on Pinterest so others can enjoy the magic of these cookies too! 🍁🎃
Nutritional Info (per cookie)
Calories: 160
Fat: 7g
Carbs: 22g
Protein: 2g
Sugar: 13g