These Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are a delightful treat that celebrates the essence of fall. With rich brown butter, warm spices, and pure pumpkin, these cookies offer a cozy flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a quiet evening, their chewy texture and sweet aroma make them an irresistible choice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of brown butter and maple syrup creates a unique taste that stands out.
- Perfect Texture: Each cookie is chewy and soft, making them incredibly satisfying to eat.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, anyone can whip up these cookies with ease.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them fresh from the oven or as a delightful addition to your dessert table.
- Fall Favorite: These cookies are ideal for the autumn season, bringing warmth and comfort with every bite.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies, gather your tools for a smooth process. Having the right equipment will make your baking experience enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients without spilling.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter by effectively blending ingredients together.
- Cookie scoop: Ensures consistent cookie size for even baking.

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.
For the Cookies
- 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
For the Coating
- 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: Chill the Butter
Pour the browned butter into a measuring glass to ensure you have the right amount. Scrape the bottom of the pot to capture all brown bits. Let it chill in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t 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: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
* All-purpose flour
* Baking soda
* Baking powder
* Salt
* Spices
Set this mixture aside.
Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together dark brown sugar and cooled brown butter until it resembles clumpy wet sand. Then, whisk in:
1. Egg yolk
2. Maple syrup
3. Vanilla extract
4. Pumpkin puree
Mix until smooth.
Step 6: Combine Mixtures
Add all dry ingredients from step four into your wet mixture. Use a rubber spatula to fold everything together gently. If your dough is too thin, chill it for another 15–20 minutes until thickened.
Step 7: Prepare Coating Mixture
In a small dish off to the side, mix together:
* Brown sugar
* Granulated sugar
* Cinnamon
Step 8: Scoop Dough
Using a large cookie scoop (2 oz) or a measuring cup (1/4 cup), scoop out portions of dough. Drop them into the cinnamon sugar mixture and toss to coat lightly.
Step 9: Bake Cookies
Place dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet about 3 inches apart. Bake for approximately 12–15 minutes or until edges darken while centers appear puffed but slightly underdone.
Step 10: Cool Down
Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Repeat this process until all dough is baked.
Once cooled, enjoy your delicious Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies!
How to Serve Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
These chewy pumpkin cookies are great on their own, but they can be even more delightful when served with the right accompaniments. Here are some creative ways to enjoy your Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic pairing that complements the sweetness of the cookies.
Warmed with Ice Cream
- Heat the cookies slightly and top them with your favorite ice cream for a delicious dessert treat.
Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
As a Dessert Platter
- Arrange cookies with other fall-themed treats like mini pies or spiced nuts for a festive dessert table.
Drizzled with Maple Glaze
- Add a simple maple glaze on top for an extra touch of sweetness and flavor.
How to Perfect Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
Perfecting your Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies is easy with a few helpful tips. Here’s how you can elevate your baking game.
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Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: Fresh pumpkin gives a richer flavor than canned varieties, enhancing the overall taste.
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Chill the Dough: If your dough seems too soft, chilling it for 15-20 minutes helps it hold its shape better during baking.
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Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; remove them when slightly underdone for that perfect chewy texture.
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Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the spices based on your personal preference. More cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the fall flavor.
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Store Properly: To keep them fresh longer, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
Enhance your dessert experience by pairing these delicious cookies with complementary side dishes. Here are some suggestions to consider:
- Creamy Pumpkin Soup: A velvety soup brings out the pumpkin flavors in your cookies.
- Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: The sweetness of roasted squash pairs nicely with cookie flavors.
- Spiced Apple Cider: This warm drink adds a cozy atmosphere while accentuating the spices in your cookies.
- Cheese Board: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese to balance out the sweetness.
- Candied Nuts: Sweet and crunchy nuts provide a delightful contrast to chewy cookies.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit medley can lighten up the dessert experience while adding freshness.
- Vanilla Yogurt Dip: A creamy dip can provide a nice balance to the rich flavors of the cookies.
- Chocolate Ganache Tart: For those who love chocolate, this decadent tart complements the warm spices perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, especially with cookies. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies.
- Using cold butter: Cold butter will not brown properly and can affect the texture of your cookies. Always start with room temperature butter for better results.
- Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the browned butter can lead to a too-soft dough. Allow it to cool before mixing with other ingredients to ensure the right consistency.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make cookies tough. Mix until just combined for chewy, tender cookies.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level method for accurate measurement.
- Ignoring baking times: Each oven is different. Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake to avoid over or undercooking them.
- Forgetting about cooling time: Allowing the cookies to rest on the baking sheet helps them firm up. Don’t skip this step for perfect chewy texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.
Freezing Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- For best results, freeze before baking or once cooled completely.
Reheating Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet on low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies that may help you.
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
You can, but it may alter the flavor and sweetness of your cookies since pumpkin pie filling is pre-sweetened and spiced.
How do I make my Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies softer?
To achieve softer cookies, be careful not to overbake them. Remove them from the oven when they look slightly underdone.
Can I substitute other sugars in this recipe?
Yes! You can use light brown sugar or coconut sugar as alternatives, but note that this may change the flavor slightly.
What spices work well besides pumpkin pie spice?
Cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger can enhance the flavor profile if you want to customize your spices.
How should I store leftover cookie dough?
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days before baking.
Final Thoughts
These Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall. With their rich flavors and chewy texture, they are perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. Feel free to customize with nuts or chocolate chips to make them your own!

Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the warm, cozy flavors of fall with these Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies. These delightful cookies feature a rich brown butter base, combined with sweet maple syrup and fragrant pumpkin puree, resulting in a soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth. Each bite is enhanced by the warmth of spices like cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, making them perfect for any autumn gathering or a quiet evening at home. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or paired with a cup of coffee, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite.
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
Instructions
- Brown the butter over medium heat until it turns a rich amber color. Let it cool slightly.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In one bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- In another bowl, mix the cooled brown butter with dark brown sugar until clumpy. Add egg yolk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree; mix until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients gently using a rubber spatula.
- Chill the dough for 15–20 minutes if too soft.
- Scoop portions of dough into a cinnamon-sugar mixture before placing them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are golden but centers are still puffy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For an added crunch, consider mixing in chopped nuts or chocolate chips. You can substitute light brown sugar if needed; however, it may alter the flavor slightly. Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.