Autumn is here, and there's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies to warm your home. These Maple Glazed Pumpkin Cookies blend the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with a rich maple glaze, making them a delightful treat for the season.
All-purpose flour provides the structure for these cookies, giving them their soft yet sturdy form. Baking powder and baking soda work together to give a nice rise, while salt enhances all the flavors. The blend of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger adds a warm spice that complements the pumpkin beautifully. Butter brings richness and helps with the tender crumb, while a mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture. The star of the show, pumpkin puree, infuses the cookies with a subtle earthy sweetness. Egg binds everything together, and vanilla extract adds depth to the flavor profile. For the glaze, maple syrup and confectioners' sugar create a sweet topping that hardens to a lovely finish.
These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of chai tea or a spiced latte, enhancing the warm, autumn flavors. For a cozy afternoon treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The batter will look a bit curdled, but that’s totally normal.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough. Use a spoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They’ll spread slightly as they bake.
Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. For the glaze, stir together the maple syrup and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Drizzle it over the cooled cookies and allow it to set before serving.