Maple Pumpkin Cookies are one of my favorite fall treats, and they instantly bring warmth and nostalgia to any kitchen. Hi! I’m Riley Thompson, a self-taught cook from just outside Asheville, New York. My love for baking started in my mom’s kitchen, where Saturday mornings meant messy hands and sweet smells of banana bread. These days, I recreate that same cozy feeling with every recipe I try. Sweet maple and spiced pumpkin combine perfectly in these cookies—soft, tender, and full of flavor—making them ideal for holiday gatherings, chilly mornings, or a simple homemade snack.
Table of Contents
Maple Pumpkin Cookies with Rich Flavor and Simple Ingredients
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Maple Pumpkin Cookies are soft, tender, and packed with warm fall spices and sweet maple flavor. Perfect for cozy mornings, holiday gatherings, or a simple homemade treat, they’re easy to bake and customizable with nuts, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of maple glaze. This recipe delivers a comforting, seasonal dessert that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground ginger
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup maple syrup
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
½ cup pure pumpkin puree
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
In a large bowl, beat butter, maple syrup, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and creamy.
Mix in the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Stir in optional nuts or chocolate chips.
Scoop 2-tablespoon portions onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
Bake 12–15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers are set.
Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
Notes
Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.,
Chill dough 20–30 minutes if too sticky.,
Cookies stay soft up to 5 days in an airtight container.,
Freeze baked cookies up to 3 months.,
Optional: Drizzle with maple glaze or sandwich with cream cheese frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Maple Pumpkin Cookies ,Pumpkin cookie recipe ,Soft pumpkin cookies ,Maple dessert recipes ,Fall baking recipes ,Easy pumpkin cookies
The Story & Intro
A Cozy Fall Classic
Baking Maple Pumpkin Cookies is like capturing the essence of autumn in a bite. The earthy sweetness of pumpkin paired with rich maple creates a comforting flavor profile that’s hard to resist. Growing up, my kitchen was never fancy, but it was full of flavor experiments. Making these cookies always reminds me of Saturday mornings spent with my mom—flour-dusted counters, laughter, and the smell of warm dough filling the air.
Why These Cookies Work
What makes Maple Pumpkin Cookies special is their balance of texture and flavor. Pumpkin keeps them soft and moist, while maple syrup adds natural sweetness and a hint of caramel depth. Many home bakers make common mistakes when baking pumpkin cookies, like overmixing or overbaking, which can lead to dry, dense results. Using a simple, step-by-step approach ensures tender, flavorful cookies every time.
A Holiday Favorite
Pumpkin cookies are a seasonal favorite, cherished for their warm, comforting flavors and often enjoyed alongside traditional Christmas cookies. By adding maple, these cookies gain a unique twist, making them perfect for holiday platters or casual family snacks. They’re more than just cookies—they’re a comforting experience, combining nostalgia, seasonal flavors, and a touch of homemade magic.
Ingredients & Preparation
Ingredients for Maple Pumpkin Cookies
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp |
| Baking powder | ½ tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Ground nutmeg | ½ tsp |
| Ground ginger | ¼ tsp |
| Unsalted butter, softened | ½ cup (1 stick) |
| Maple syrup | ½ cup |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup |
| Brown sugar, packed | ¼ cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Pure pumpkin puree | ½ cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Optional: Chopped walnuts or chocolate chips | ½ cup |
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Beat the butter, maple syrup, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light and creamy.
- Mix in the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract, blending until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Combine: Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully incorporated. Add optional walnuts or chocolate chips.
- Shape cookies: Scoop 2-tablespoon portions onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake: 12–15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers are set.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
Cooking Notes & Nutritional Info
Cooking Notes for Maple Pumpkin Cookies
The beauty of Maple Pumpkin Cookies lies in their soft, cake-like texture. To achieve that perfect bite, avoid overmixing the dough—this can make the cookies tough instead of tender. For even baking, keep your cookie scoops uniform in size, spacing them evenly on the tray. Always let the cookies cool for at least five minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a rack; this helps them set without breaking apart.
If you want a stronger maple flavor, use dark amber maple syrup. For extra spice, increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of cloves. Love texture? You can fold in extras like walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries for added texture and flavor. Chocolate chips also pair beautifully with pumpkin and maple, giving the cookies a touch of indulgence.
Storage & Freezing
Stored in an airtight container, these cookies keep their soft texture for about five days. To freeze, place baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, based on 24 cookies)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 130 |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Sugars | 11g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 90mg |
Tips & Serving Suggestions
Tips for Perfect Maple Pumpkin Cookies
The secret to soft, flavorful Maple Pumpkin Cookies starts with balance. Since pumpkin adds a lot of moisture, make sure to measure it accurately—too much can make the dough heavy. Always reach for pure pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling, which comes pre-sweetened and spiced. If your batter feels sticky, place it in the fridge for 20–30 minutes before baking; this helps the cookies hold their shape. Want crisp edges? Extend the bake time by a minute or two, but keep a close eye so they don’t overbake.
Using a cookie scoop is another helpful trick—it gives you evenly sized cookies that bake at the same pace. And when baking multiple trays, swap and rotate them halfway through for an even finish. Small adjustments like these can take homemade cookies from good to great.
Serving Suggestions
Maple Pumpkin Cookies are perfect on their own, but you can easily dress them up. Pair them with a hot drink like spiced chai or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. For the holidays, arrange them with classics such as snickerdoodles or molasses cookies to create a festive cookie platter. Want a bakery-style look? Add a light drizzle of maple glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar once they’ve cooled.
They also make wonderful homemade gifts. Stack a few in a clear bag, tie with twine or ribbon, and you’ve got a thoughtful seasonal treat. For a decadent twist, spread cream cheese frosting between two cookies to make sandwich cookies—rich, sweet, and crowd-pleasing.
FAQ Section
1. What is the most popular Christmas cookie of all time?
Sugar cookies, decorated with icing and sprinkles, remain the all-time holiday favorite. Their versatility, simple sweetness, and tradition of decorating make them a centerpiece of Christmas baking. Still, recipes like Maple Pumpkin Cookies are gaining popularity as seasonal alternatives because they bring cozy autumn flavors into the holiday mix.
2. What are the common mistakes when baking pumpkin cookies?
The most common mistake is adding too much pumpkin puree, which can make the dough overly wet and lead to dense cookies. Overmixing the batter is another problem, as it can develop too much gluten and affect the texture. Finally, many bakers overbake pumpkin cookies, expecting them to firm up like traditional cookies. The trick is to pull them out when the edges are just set and let them finish cooking on the tray.
3. What are the 2 ingredient pumpkin spice cookies?
The simplest pumpkin spice cookies are made with just canned pumpkin puree and a boxed spice cake mix. Mix the two, scoop onto a tray, and bake. While they’re incredibly easy, they lack the depth and richness of homemade recipes. Adding ingredients like maple syrup, warm spices, or chocolate chips can turn them into a more flavorful cookie.
4. What can I make with maple pumpkin butter?
Maple pumpkin butter is versatile and delicious. You can spread it on toast, swirl it into yogurt or oatmeal, or use it as a filling for pastries. It also makes a flavorful base for quick breads and muffins. For a seasonal twist, you could even sandwich it between two Maple Pumpkin Cookies for a sweet, spiced treat.
Conclusion
Maple Pumpkin Cookies are more than just a seasonal dessert—they’re a little piece of comfort you can bake at home. With their tender texture, warm spices, and sweet maple flavor, they bring together everything people love about fall and the holidays. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, putting together a holiday cookie platter, or simply craving a cozy snack, these cookies deliver every time.
One of the best things about this recipe is how forgiving it is, making it easy for bakers of any skill level. Even if you’re new to baking, the steps are simple, and the results are consistently soft and flavorful. Add-ins like nuts, cranberries, or chocolate chips make them customizable, while a drizzle of maple glaze or cream cheese frosting takes them over the top.
At the heart of it, baking should feel approachable and joyful, not intimidating. These cookies embody that philosophy—they’re easy, adaptable, and guaranteed to fill your kitchen with the kind of aroma that makes everyone gather around. So grab a can of pumpkin, some maple syrup, and a mixing bowl, and enjoy the process. Chances are, you’ll find yourself making them again long before the next holiday season.
For more recipes follow me in Pinterest & Facebook
Recipes of The Same Type