Maple Pumpkin Cookies
Hola! I’m Emma, and if you’ve ever wondered what happens when a Florida girl falls head over heels for the bold, soul-warming flavors of Mexico, well… you’re about to find out. While fall in Orlando doesn’t bring crunchy leaves or chilly nights, I still find ways to welcome the season in my kitchen. These Maple Pumpkin Cookies are my go-to treat when I want that cozy autumn feeling. They bring together creamy pumpkin, warm spices, and real maple syrup in a soft, chewy cookie topped with a luscious glaze. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll want these on repeat all season long.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty | Cuisine | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mins | 15 mins | 25 mins | 24 | Easy | American | Fall |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor: Pumpkin and maple are the ultimate fall pairing—rich, spiced, and slightly sweet.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: The pumpkin puree keeps these cookies moist and tender, while the maple glaze adds a slight crisp contrast.
- Easy to Make: No fancy tools or techniques needed—just mix, scoop, and bake.
- Versatile Add-Ins: Toss in nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to customize your batch.
- Perfect for Gifting: Wrapped in parchment or a festive tin, these make a thoughtful homemade gift.
Maple Pumpkin Cookies with Maple Glaze – Soft, Spiced, & Perfect for Fall
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Soft, chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, topped with a luscious maple glaze—the perfect fall treat!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1–2 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
3. Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
4. Beat in egg and vanilla, then mix in pumpkin puree and maple syrup.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing just until combined.
6. Scoop dough onto sheets and bake 12–15 minutes until set.
7. Cool cookies for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
8. Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth and pourable.
9. Drizzle or spread glaze over cooled cookies and let set 10 minutes.
Notes
Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
Chill dough 30 minutes if you want puffier cookies.
Store unglazed cookies in freezer up to 2 months.
Double the glaze if you love extra sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 13g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1–2 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Ingredient Tips
| Ingredient | Tip |
| Pumpkin Puree | Use 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. |
| Maple Syrup | Use pure maple syrup for the richest flavor. |
| Butter | Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easier creaming. |
| Flour | Spoon and level to avoid dense cookies. |
| Spices | Fresh ground spices will make a noticeable difference. |
| Brown Sugar | Light or dark both work; dark gives a richer molasses flavor. |
| Milk/Cream | Start with 1 tbsp and add more to reach glaze consistency. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Add Egg and Flavorings: Beat in the egg and vanilla, followed by the pumpkin puree and maple syrup.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Add dry ingredients gradually, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix.
- Scoop and Bake: Drop dough by tablespoons onto sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake 12–15 minutes until set.
- Cool: Let cookies cool 5 minutes on the sheet, then transfer to wire rack to cool fully.
- Make the Glaze: Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth and pourable. Adjust with milk if needed.
- Glaze Cookies: Drizzle or spread glaze on cooled cookies. Let set for 10 minutes before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies.
- Cool Before Glazing: Hot cookies will melt the glaze—be patient!
- Use a Cookie Scoop: Keeps cookies uniform for even baking.
- Add a Sprinkle of Sea Salt: For a sweet-savory twist, sprinkle with flaky sea salt before baking.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Chill the Dough: For puffier cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Store Glazed Separately: If making ahead, keep cookies and glaze separate until serving.
- Test One Cookie First: Bake a single cookie first to test spread and timing.
- Double the Glaze: If you’re a glaze lover, doubling ensures every cookie gets plenty.
Recipe Variations
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip: Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for texture.
- Spiced Glaze: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for more warmth.
- Dairy-Free: Swap butter for coconut oil and use plant milk for the glaze.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
Fridge: Make the dough up to 2 days ahead. Store in a covered bowl and bring to room temp before scooping. Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough balls up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 2 extra minutes. Freeze baked cookies (unglazed) in an airtight container; thaw and glaze later.
Serving Suggestions
Plate these cookies on a rustic wood board or seasonal tray for fall vibes. Drizzle extra glaze just before serving for a glossy finish. Serve with warm drinks for the coziest treat table.
Pairing Ideas
- Hot Apple Cider: The perfect cozy drink match
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: All the autumn flavors in one sitting
- Chai Tea: Bold spices enhance the cinnamon and cloves in the cookies
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Sandwich a scoop between two cookies for a dreamy dessert
Storage and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days. Fridge: Best for glazed cookies—keeps them fresh for 5 days. Freezer: Freeze unglazed cookies or dough balls up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and glaze as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! Chill for up to 2 days or freeze the dough balls for longer storage.
Can I substitute maple syrup? Honey works in a pinch, but it will slightly change the flavor.
How do I keep them soft? Don’t overbake, and store them with a slice of bread in the container to retain moisture.
What if I don’t have all the spices? You can use 1 tbsp of pumpkin pie spice instead.
Do these cookies spread? Slightly—chilling the dough helps control the spread.
Can I skip the glaze? Yes, they’re delicious plain, though the glaze adds that extra wow factor.
Are these good for gifting? Absolutely! They hold their shape well and look beautiful wrapped up.
Nutrition Info (per cookie)
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
| 1 cookie | 160 | 2g | 22g | 7g | 1g | 13g |
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
These Maple Pumpkin Cookies are everything you love about fall in one sweet, spiced bite. Whether you’re baking them for friends, family, or just yourself on a cozy weekend afternoon, they’re guaranteed to warm your heart. So grab your apron, a can of pumpkin, and let’s make some autumn magic!
