Name: Brown Butter Maple Pumpkin Chewy Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
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

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 11 reviews

If you are on the hunt for a warm, cozy treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite, then the Brown Butter Maple Pumpkin Chewy Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These cookies combine the nutty richness of brown butter with the sweet depth of pure maple syrup and the comforting spice of pumpkin pie spice, creating chewy, tender cookies bursting with autumn flavor. Perfect for sharing or savoring with a cup of tea, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable seasonal delight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl contains thick, light brown dough with a slightly rough texture, showing small uneven bits within it. The dough is pressed into a curved shape inside the bowl with a white spatula partially visible at the bottom right, slightly embedded in the dough. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and a few small dough spots stick lightly to the inside sides of the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to bring out the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that irresistible chewy consistency. Each one plays a vital role in making the Brown Butter Maple Pumpkin Chewy Cookies Recipe a standout treat you’ll want to bake again and again.

Unsalted butter: Browning the butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that is the heart of these cookies.
Dark brown sugar: Provides moisture and enhances the rich caramel notes in the recipe.
Egg yolk: Adds richness and helps create a chewy texture.
Pure maple syrup: Infuses the cookies with natural sweetness and a touch of complexity.
Vanilla extract: Balances the spices and adds warmth to the flavor profile.
Pumpkin puree: Brings moistness and that unmistakable fall vibe, contributing to the cookie’s soft texture.
All-purpose flour: The base that provides structure while allowing chewiness.
Baking soda and baking powder: Help the cookies rise just right while keeping them tender.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet and spice flavors.
Pumpkin pie spice: A blend of warm spices that defines the pumpkin flavor.
Cinnamon: Adds aromatic depth and works with pumpkin spice to create a cozy, comforting taste.
Brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon coating: Gives the cookies a sweet and slightly crunchy outer layer packed with spice.

How to Make Brown Butter Maple Pumpkin Chewy Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Brown the butter to perfection

Start by gently melting the butter over medium heat, stirring continuously until it transforms into a golden amber liquid with nutty aromas. This browning process is crucial because it adds a rich depth that elevates the entire cookie. Pour the browned butter into a measuring cup, scrape the flavorful bits off the pan, and chill it for about 20 minutes so it thickens but doesn’t solidify.

Step 2: Prepare your dry ingredients

While the butter is cooling, whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. This spice blend will infuse your cookies with that perfect fall warmth, and combining it with the flours ensures even distribution in every bite.

Step 3: Mix the sugars and wet ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar with the cooled browned butter until the mixture looks like moist, clumpy sand. Then whisk in the egg yolk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree until smooth and glossy. This mixture forms the flavorful, moist foundation for your cookie dough.

Step 4: Bring it all together

Fold the dry ingredients gently into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula. The dough should be soft but able to hold its shape when scooped. If it feels too runny, popping it in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes will firm it up nicely before baking.

Step 5: Coat and scoop your cookies

Mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon for the coating in a small bowl. Using a large cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each scoop carefully in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This step creates the signature sugary crust that adds a delightfully sweet crunch to each chewy cookie.

Step 6: Bake the cookies

Arrange your dough balls spaced about three inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges are caramelized and the centers are just puffed and slightly underbaked. Let them rest on the pan a couple minutes before transferring to a cooling rack — this resting step ensures they finish setting with the perfect chewy texture.

How to Serve Brown Butter Maple Pumpkin Chewy Cookies Recipe

A large white plate holds two layers of round, golden-brown cookies with a slightly cracked texture on top, lightly sprinkled with white flakes. Around the plate, there are two cinnamon sticks placed on a white bowl filled with a mixture of cinnamon powder and sugar, and a small white bowl with cinnamon powder and a wooden spoon. Some loose cinnamon powder is scattered casually on a rustic wooden surface with a sprig of eucalyptus leaves nearby. The image has a cozy and warm feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of autumn charm, consider sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of powdered sugar on top right before serving. A small dollop of maple-infused whipped cream adds a lovely contrast and highlights the maple flavor’s magic.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine alongside a steaming mug of chai tea or hot apple cider, which complement their warm spice beautifully. For a more indulgent pairing, serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream — the contrast of warm cookie and cool cream is pure comfort food bliss.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these cookies into festive treats by sandwiching two together with pumpkin buttercream or maple cream cheese frosting. For gatherings, arrange them on a rustic wooden platter with autumn leaves or cinnamon sticks for a cozy seasonal display that invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Brown Butter Maple Pumpkin Chewy Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to 4 days — making them perfect for snacking throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Alternatively, freeze the dough scoops wrapped tightly; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. This way, you have fall flavors ready whenever a cookie craving strikes.

Reheating

Warm cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to refresh their just-baked softness. This reheating tip is a lifesaver when you want that fresh cookie vibe anytime.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for the pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin is perfect and convenient for this recipe. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains extra sugars and spices that can change the cookie’s balance.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

No worries! You can easily make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. This lets you customize the spice level exactly how you like it for your Brown Butter Maple Pumpkin Chewy Cookies Recipe.

Why does the dough sometimes feel too soft?

If your butter was too warm or not fully chilled after browning, the dough might become too loose. Simply refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to scoop and ensuring the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Can I make these cookies smaller?

Yes, you can use a smaller scoop for bite-sized cookies, just adjust the baking time to about 9-11 minutes to avoid overbaking. Mini versions are great for sharing or adding to dessert platters.

How should I store these cookies if I want them to stay soft?

Store your cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread or a small piece of apple included—it helps keep them moist and chewy by maintaining humidity inside the container.

Final Thoughts

Don’t wait to try this Brown Butter Maple Pumpkin Chewy Cookies Recipe because it’s hands down one of the best ways to bring fall flavors into your home with minimal fuss and maximum comfort. Once you taste that perfect chewy texture combined with the rich, buttery, maple-spiced flavor, these cookies will quickly become a treasured seasonal favorite for years to come. Happy baking!