If autumn had a flavor, it would taste just like these Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies. Warm, cozy, and sweet with a whisper of spice, these cookies check all the boxes of what we crave when the air turns crisp and the leaves turn golden. Imagine chewy pumpkin cookies swirled with nutty brown butter, kissed with real maple syrup, and rolled in cinnamon sugar before baking. Yes, they taste as dreamy as they sound.

Why You’ll Love These Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

These cookies are basically fall wrapped in a sugar-dusted bite. The brown butter brings deep, toasty notes, while the pumpkin purée keeps everything incredibly soft and chewy. And let’s not forget the maple syrup—a true autumnal hero. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just need a cozy treat with your coffee, these maple butter cookies are a no-fail crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Pumpkin Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter (220 g)
1½ cups dark brown sugar, packed (280 g)
1 large egg yolk
3 tbsp pure maple syrup (45 ml)
1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml)
⅓ cup pumpkin purée (80 g)
2¼ cups all-purpose flour (280 g)
1 tsp baking soda (5 g)
½ tsp baking powder (2.5 g)
½ tsp salt (2.5 g)
1½ tsp pumpkin pie spice (3 g)
½ tsp cinnamon (1 g)

Coating:

2 tbsp brown sugar (25 g)
2 tbsp granulated sugar (25 g)
1 tsp cinnamon (2 g)

How to Make Them

Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan, cook butter over medium heat, stirring constantly until it foams, turns amber, and smells nutty. Pour into a measuring cup, scraping in all the brown bits. Chill for 20 minutes until firm but not solid.
Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon.
Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix cooled brown butter and brown sugar until it looks like damp sand. Whisk in egg yolk, maple syrup, vanilla, and pumpkin purée until smooth.
Combine: Fold in the dry ingredients with a spatula. If the dough feels too soft to shape, chill it for 15–20 minutes.
Make the Coating: Mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Form the Cookies: Scoop 1/4 cup portions (about 2 oz each), roll in cinnamon sugar, and place on the baking sheet about 3 inches apart.
Bake: For 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and centers are puffy. Let them rest a few minutes before moving to a wire rack.

Tips for Perfect Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

Be patient with the brown butter—it adds rich flavor that makes these cookies stand out.
Use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling.
Chilling the dough helps control spreading and boosts chewiness.
For even softer centers, underbake by a minute or two and let them finish setting on the tray.

The Backstory: A Maple Moment

These cookies were born one rainy October afternoon when I needed something sweet but soul-soothing. I had pumpkin in the fridge, butter on the stove, and maple syrup calling my name. The result? A batch of maple butter cookies so good, they didn’t even make it to the cookie jar. My family devoured them still warm, and they’ve since become a must-bake tradition every fall.

What to Serve With These Cookies

Hot apple cider or chai tea
A scoop of vanilla bean or pumpkin ice cream
Crushed and layered into a fall parfait
As a sweet sidekick to a brunch spread

How to Store Leftovers

Once cooled, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Want to make ahead? The dough freezes beautifully. Scoop and roll into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, just adding 1–2 extra minutes.

FAQs

Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark?

Yes, but dark brown sugar adds more moisture and molasses richness.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely—just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I add mix-ins?

Go for it! Chopped pecans or white chocolate chips are delicious here.

A Sweet Finish to Any Fall Day

These Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are a fall cookie recipe that brings warmth to your kitchen and smiles to everyone around. They’re chewy, spiced just right, and brimming with seasonal flavor. Whether you’re baking for yourself or to share, these treats make autumn feel a little more magical—one bite at a time.

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