Maple Pumpkin Cookies Recipe Soft & Chewy

Maple Pumpkin Cookies are the cozy, spiced treat your fall baking list has been missing. Soft, chewy, and bursting with the warm flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and pure maple syrup, these cookies come together in one bowl with just a handful of simple ingredients. I first made them on a crisp Saturday morning when I needed something sweet, comforting, and quick to satisfy my craving for all things autumn. One bite and I was hooked.

There is no fancy technique and no long list of hard to find items. Just real food that tastes like a hug from the inside. Whether you are baking for yourself, packing snacks for the kids, or bringing a homemade gift to a neighbor, these Maple Pumpkin Cookies deliver big flavor with little effort.

Why Make This Recipe

Life moves fast, but that does not mean we have to skip the good stuff. This recipe is made for real kitchens and real schedules. It takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, uses common pantry staples, and bakes up into perfectly tender cookies with a rich pumpkin flavor and a hint of maple sweetness.

They are also naturally lower in refined sugar and can easily be made gluten free or vegan. I love that they feel wholesome without sacrificing that indulgent cookie experience. Plus, who can resist the smell of cinnamon and pumpkin filling the house?

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How to Make Maple Pumpkin Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour (or gluten free 1 to 1 baking flour)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1/3 cup dairy free chocolate chips or raisins (optional)

Necessary Tools

• Mixing bowls (one medium, one small)
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon
• Cooling rack

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, maple syrup, melted coconut oil (or butter), egg, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
3. In a separate small bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in the chopped nuts and chocolate chips if using.
6. Scoop tablespoon sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set.
8. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Enjoy warm with a glass of almond milk or a cup of tea.

Benefits of This Recipe

Maple Pumpkin Cookies are more than just tasty. They are made with real pumpkin, which adds fiber and vitamin A. The maple syrup provides natural sweetness without the sharp spike of white sugar. These cookies are also easy to customize for dietary needs such as gluten free, nut free, or vegan without losing flavor or texture. And because they are soft and moist, they are perfect for kids, adults, and everyone in between.

How to Serve Maple Pumpkin Cookies

Serve these cookies just as they are for a simple, satisfying treat. They are especially lovely warm, with a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee, chai, or apple cider for a cozy moment. You can also crumble them over Greek yogurt or oatmeal to add a touch of fall flavor to your breakfast.

How to Store Maple Pumpkin Cookies

Keep cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. To freeze, arrange cookies in a single layer in a freezer safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven at 300°F for 5 to 7 minutes.

Tips to Make Maple Pumpkin Cookies

• Bake just until set. Overbaking can dry them out. They will firm up as they cool.
• Use real pumpkin puree. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and preservatives.
• If the dough feels too sticky, chill it for 15 to 20 minutes before scooping.
• Toast the nuts first for deeper flavor.
• For a vegan version, use a flax egg and dairy free chocolate chips.

Variation (if any)

• Vegan Maple Pumpkin Cookies: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use plant based chocolate chips.
• Extra Spiced: Add a pinch of ginger or cloves for a bolder flavor.
• Nut Free: Skip the nuts and add oats or extra chocolate chips.
• Protein Rich: Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of pumpkin seed protein or oat flour.

FAQs

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
A: Yes, but the flavor will be slightly different. Honey is sweeter, so consider using 3 tablespoons instead of 1/3 cup.

Why are my cookies too flat?
A: Make sure your pumpkin puree is not too watery. Drain excess liquid by placing it in a fine mesh strainer for 10 minutes. Chilling the dough before baking also helps prevent spreading.

Can I make these without eggs?
A: Yes. A flax egg works well here. Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water and let sit for 5 minutes before adding.

Conclusion

Maple Pumpkin Cookies are the perfect blend of easy, wholesome, and delicious. They bring the warmth of fall into your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Every bite is soft, spiced, and just sweet enough to feel like a treat without going overboard. I make these often, sometimes just because the house needs to smell like cinnamon and comfort.

I hope you love them as much as I do. Happy baking, and may your days be full of simple joys and even simpler recipes.

Nutritional Information (per cookie)

(Based on 18 cookies, without add ins)
Calories: 85 | Fat: 3.5g | Carbohydrates: 13g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Protein: 1.5g

More Pumpkin Recipes to Try

• Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
• One Bowl Pumpkin Banana Bread
• Creamy Pumpkin Smoothie with Almond Butter
• Easy Pumpkin Hummus
• Pumpkin Spice Granola Clusters

Let the season of pumpkin and spice begin. 🎃🍂