Pumpkin Maple Cookie Recipe – A Soft, Cozy Fall Treat

Pumpkin Maple Cookie Recipe lovers, you’re in for something special today. These soft, warmly spiced cookies are everything I adore about fall baking comforting, tender, and made with simple ingredients that bring out the best of the season. I still remember the first chilly morning I baked these cookies; the sweet maple aroma filled my kitchen and instantly felt like wrapping myself in a warm blanket. Whether you enjoy baking with pumpkin year-round or just during the holidays, this recipe brings that cozy magic to life. With their soft texture and rich autumn flavor, these soft maple pumpkin cookies quickly became a family favorite in my home.

At Recipes Charming, where delicious meals meet simplicity, I love creating treats that feel nostalgic yet easy enough for any level of baker. Pumpkin Maple Cookie Recipe is the kind of dessert that makes the whole house smell incredible and invites everyone into the kitchen for “just one more.”

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Soft and pillowy texture thanks to pumpkin purée and maple syrup.
• Warm fall flavors that feel comforting and festive.
• Simple ingredients that come together effortlessly.
• Perfect for gatherings, lunchbox treats, or cozy nights in.
• Naturally sweetened with maple for a deeper, richer flavor.

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Pumpkin Maple Cookie Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add the egg, pumpkin purée, vanilla, and maple syrup. Mix until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
5. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully incorporated.
6. Using a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly puffed.
8. Let cool on the sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

How to Serve Pumpkin Maple Cookies

• Serve warm with a cup of tea, chai latte, or fresh coffee.
• Drizzle with extra maple syrup for more sweetness.
• Add a dusting of cinnamon sugar for a festive touch.
• Pair with vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist.

How to Store Pumpkin Maple Cookies

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for 2–3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm 10 seconds in the microwave.

Tips to Make the Best Pumpkin Maple Cookie Recipe

• Use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Do not overmix the dough this keeps the cookies soft.
• Chill the dough for 15–20 minutes if you want thicker cookies.
• Use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup, for the best flavor.

Helpful Notes for This Recipe

• You can replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
• Add chocolate chips, pecans, or raisins for more texture.
• For a maple glaze, whisk powdered sugar with maple syrup and drizzle on top.

Variation Ideas

• Pumpkin Maple Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add 1 cup semi-sweet chips.
• Maple Cream Sandwich Cookies: Fill with maple buttercream.
• Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder to the dough.

FAQs

1. Can I use pancake syrup instead of pure maple syrup?

You can use pancake syrup if that’s what you have on hand, but the flavor will be noticeably different. Pancake syrup is mostly sugar and artificial flavoring, while pure maple syrup comes straight from the maple tree and has a rich, complex sweetness that really enhances the warm fall spices in these cookies. If you want that deep, cozy maple flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin, pure maple syrup is absolutely worth it. The cookies will still turn out soft either way, but the taste is much more special with real maple syrup.

2. What makes these pumpkin maple cookies so incredibly soft?

These cookies stay ultra soft thanks to the natural moisture from the pumpkin purée combined with the smooth sweetness of maple syrup. Pumpkin acts almost like an oil it keeps the cookies tender without drying out. Maple syrup also contributes to a delightful cakey texture that makes each bite feel warm and pillowy. Another important factor is mixing: once you add the dry ingredients, stir gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies dense instead of light and soft. Follow these steps and you’ll get beautifully tender cookies every time.

3. Can I freeze the cookie dough instead of baking it right away?

Yes, freezing the dough works wonderfully and is perfect for busy days or last-minute cravings. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze the scoops until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep for up to 3 months without losing flavor. When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls directly on a baking sheet no thawing needed. Simply add an extra minute or two of baking time. This method gives you fresh, warm cookies whenever you want with almost zero effort.

4. Why do my cookies spread too much or not enough?

Cookie spread can vary based on ingredient temperature and dough consistency.

• If your cookies spread too much: The butter was probably too soft, or the dough was too warm. Try refrigerating the dough for 15–25 minutes before baking to help it firm up.
• If your cookies don’t spread enough: The dough might be slightly dry or too cold. You can add 1–2 teaspoons of pumpkin purée or let the dough rest at room temperature for a few minutes.
  Small adjustments like these can make a big difference, helping you get perfectly rounded, soft pumpkin maple cookies with just the right amount of spread.

Conclusion

These cozy, warm, and irresistibly soft maple pumpkin cookies capture everything beautiful about fall baking. Pumpkin Maple Cookie Recipe brings sweetness, spice, and softness in every bite a treat you’ll want to bake again and again. Try them, share with loved ones, and bring a little seasonal magic into your kitchen.