Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

As autumn sweeps in with its golden leaves and crisp air, nothing signals the season quite like the sweet aroma of baking cookies. If you’re looking to indulge in a delicious treat that encapsulates the essence of fall, look no further! This unique recipe for Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies will surely become a seasonal favorite. With the rich flavor of brown butter, the earthy sweetness of pumpkin, and a hint of maple syrup, these cookies are perfect for cozy gatherings or as a delightful snack.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup maple syrup

For Optional Topping:

• Sea salt flakes
• Chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
• Chocolate chips (if you want to add a chocolatey twist)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Brown Butter

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Watch closely to avoid burning! Once browned, remove from heat and let the butter cool slightly.

Step 2: Mixing the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until well combined.
2. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract; mix until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

1. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until no flour streaks remain. Don’t overmix!

Step 4: Incorporate Maple Syrup

1. Gently fold in the maple syrup until evenly distributed. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

1. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors meld and leads to a better texture.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one to allow for spreading.
3. If desired, sprinkle a few sea salt flakes or chopped nuts on top of the cookies before baking.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

1. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Enjoy these pumpkin-flavored delights with a warm cup of cider or your favorite coffee!

Tips for the Perfect Cookie

• For an even richer flavor, consider browning extra butter and adding it to the dough.
• Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste – a pinch of ginger can add a nice kick!
• Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, although they may not last that long!

Conclusion

These Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of fall. Their chewy texture and irresistible taste make them a perfect treat for any occasion – be it a cozy evening at home or a festive gathering with friends. Bake up a batch, and let the warmth of these cookies fill your kitchen with the lovely spirit of the season!