Maple Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

If you’re searching for a sweet treat that wraps up all the cozy, aromatic magic of autumn, these Maple Pumpkin Cookies are your new best friend! They’re soft, pillowy cookies bursting with real pumpkin, a lovely blend of warming spices, and a pure maple glaze that’s absolutely irresistible. Elevate your cookie plate, holiday party, or even just an ordinary afternoon snack with this seasonal favorite—it’s comfort food at its finest.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Maple Pumpkin Cookies have a surprisingly straightforward ingredient list, but every item pulls its weight! These kitchen staples join forces to create cookies that are moist, fragrant, and perfectly sweet with just a hint of maple.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone for structure, giving these cookies their soft, cakey crumb.
• Baking powder & baking soda: They ensure your cookies get that beautiful, tender lift.
• Ground cinnamon: Essential for classic pumpkin spice flavor—warm and inviting.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds subtle depth and earthiness to the spice mix.
• Ground ginger: Invigorates the cookies with a gentle zing.
• Ground cloves: Just a touch provides rich, almost peppery notes.
• Salt: Balances and enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Creams up for a plush, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps with the cookies’ tender crumb.
• Brown sugar: Adds extra moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
• Large egg: Binds everything together with richness.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a comforting aroma.
• Pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling): The star! Makes these cookies soft, moist, and packed with autumn flavor.
• Pure maple syrup: Infuses the dough with classic, woodsy sweetness that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
• Powdered sugar: The silky base for a glossy, sweet maple glaze.
• Milk or cream: Helps thin out the glaze to just the right consistency.

How to Make Maple Pumpkin Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures you have perfectly set cookies with soft centers. Don’t forget to line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats—easy cleanup and no sticking!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. This not only distributes the spices evenly but also guarantees every Maple Pumpkin Cookie will be packed with autumnal flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a separate, large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer. Aim for a light, fluffy mixture—this creates that irresistible texture you’ll love. Set your timer; two to three minutes really does make a difference!

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Add your egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, beating until it’s all perfectly combined. Next up, fold in the pumpkin puree and pure maple syrup. The dough will smell heavenly and start to take on its signature golden-orange hue.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

It’s time to bring everything together. Gradually add your bowl of dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing at a low speed just until everything is incorporated. Resist the urge to overmix here—gentle handling is the key to that soft, cake-like texture in your Maple Pumpkin Cookies.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for 12–15 minutes, watching for set edges and lightly puffed tops. The aroma will invite anyone within sniffing distance straight to your kitchen!

Step 7: Cool the Cookies

Let those beauties sit on the baking sheet for five minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. Be patient: letting them cool completely ensures your maple glaze won’t run off but will settle into a lovely, glossy top.

Step 8: Prepare the Maple Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk or cream, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. You’re looking for a thick but pourable texture—add an extra splash of milk if needed. The aromatic glaze is what takes Maple Pumpkin Cookies straight over the top!

Step 9: Glaze the Cookies

Once the cookies are cool, drizzle or spread the maple glaze over each one. Give them about ten minutes to set. Admire your handywork—then grab a cookie (or three) and dig in!

How to Serve Maple Pumpkin Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra-special finish, sprinkle the freshly glazed Maple Pumpkin Cookies with a pinch of cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar. You can also add finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch. Even a tiny drizzle of extra maple syrup or a few pumpkin seeds gives these cookies bakery-level elegance.

Side Dishes

These cookies love a co-star! Serve them with a piping-hot mug of chai, pumpkin spice latte, or a simple cup of good coffee. If you’re going for an afternoon treat, pair your Maple Pumpkin Cookies with cold milk or spiced hot chocolate for a cozy, welcoming snack plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the cookie jar! Stack these cookies on a rustic cake stand for a farmer’s market vibe, or arrange them in a circle with little bowls of glaze or spiced whipped cream for dipping. They’re also gorgeous tucked into a festive cookie gift box for sharing sweet autumn joy with friends and neighbors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Maple Pumpkin Cookies are cooled and glazed, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Their soft texture actually improves on day two, as the flavors have more time to meld together.

Freezing

Want to get ahead? Bake and cool your cookies, then skip the glaze and freeze them layered with parchment in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and add the maple glaze fresh for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

If your cookies are feeling a little firm from storage, pop them in the microwave for about eight seconds. This gently revives their softness. For frozen cookies, allow them to sit at room temperature until fully thawed before glazing.

FAQs

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to stick with plain pumpkin puree for these cookies. Pumpkin pie filling has added sugar and spices that can throw off the flavor and texture of your Maple Pumpkin Cookies.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The edges should look set and firm, while the tops will be slightly puffed and soft. Don’t overbake—these cookies are supposed to be moist and cake-like!

Can I make Maple Pumpkin Cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free 1:1 baking blend. Check all labels to ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Is it okay to double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully, making it perfect for gifting or large gatherings. Just be sure to mix gently and bake in batches for the very best results.

What’s the best way to apply the glaze?

You can drizzle it over the tops with a spoon for a rustic look, or use a piping bag for more precision. If you prefer a thicker layer, gently spread the glaze with the back of a spoon or a small spatula.

Final Thoughts

If you crave soft, spiced cookies with a delightfully sweet glaze, these Maple Pumpkin Cookies are about to become a new tradition! Cozy, easy, and packed with autumn flavor, they’re the perfect treat to share with loved ones—or to keep all to yourself. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear!

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