Pumpkin Cookies with Maple Glaze | Simple & Delicious

I still remember the first time my kitchen smelled like cinnamon and butter on a chilly October afternoon. The windows fogged, my sweater sleeves pushed up, and these pumpkin cookies—soft, spiced, and warm—became an instant ritual. They’re simple. They’re sweet. And they taste like fall in every bite.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Cookies

These pumpkin cookies with maple glaze are soft, chewy, and filled with fall flavor. You don’t need anything fancy—just pantry staples and about an hour of time. They’re perfect for baking with kids or making ahead for gatherings. And the glaze? It’s rich, maple-like, and melts right into the cookie’s tender top.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pumpkin Cookies

• Unsalted butter (1 cup): Adds richness and softness
• Light brown sugar (½ cup): Brings moisture and deep flavor
• Granulated sugar (½ cup): Balances the sweetness
• Pumpkin puree (1 cup): Keeps the cookies moist and tender
• Egg (1): Helps hold everything together
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and depth
• All-purpose flour (2 cups + 2 tbsp): Structure without making them dense
• Baking soda and baking powder (1 tsp each): Give the cookies their soft lift
• Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances the flavor
• Pumpkin pie spice (2 tsp): Fall’s best flavor in one spoon

For the Maple-Style Glaze

• Butter (3 tbsp): Creates a rich base
• Dark brown sugar (½ cup): Gives that maple-like depth
• Milk (¼ cup): Thins the glaze just right
• Powdered sugar (1½ cups): Makes the glaze smooth and sweet

Note: No actual maple syrup—dark brown sugar creates the maple flavor here!

How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Maple Glaze

Step 1 – Make the Cookie Dough

First, cream the butter with both sugars. It should look fluffy and a little pale. That step helps the cookies bake up tender, not tough. Next, mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla. The batter might look a bit loose—totally normal.

On low speed, add the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Don’t overmix. Just stir until the dough comes together.

Step 2 – Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop the dough into 1.5-inch balls, leaving space—at least 2 inches—between them. These spread just a bit.

Bake for about 12 minutes. The edges will look golden, but the centers stay soft. Let them cool on the pan for a few minutes, then move to a rack. Wait at least 30 minutes before glazing.

Step 3 – Make the Glaze

In a saucepan, melt the butter and dark brown sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until it starts bubbling—this is where the maple-like magic happens. Let it bubble for about a minute, then stir in the milk.

Take it off the heat and whisk in the powdered sugar. You want it smooth and just pourable. If it thickens too fast, a splash of milk helps loosen it.

Step 4 – Glaze the Cookies

While the glaze is warm, spoon it over each cookie. Work quickly—it thickens fast. If needed, warm it gently again. The glaze sets into a shiny, sweet finish.

Tips for Perfect Results

• Glaze the cookies while they’re just slightly warm. The glaze spreads better that way.
• Use a room-temperature egg for better mixing.
• Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft for days.

Pumpkin Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe

Print

More Such Recipes

If you love these, try these cozy fall treats too:

• These chewy maple pumpkin cookies that melt in your mouth are a must if you like soft cookies with a hint of spice.
• Need something a little heartier? Try these soft pumpkin oatmeal cookies for cozy fall snacking.
• Or make dessert even creamier with this guide on how to make pumpkin magic custard cake with a creamy center.
• For a real twist, bake up some pumpkin cheesecake snickerdoodles for a twist on fall cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin cookies with maple glaze bring cozy vibes to any kitchen. They’re easy, crowd-pleasing, and full of that sweet fall feeling. If you bake them, I’d love to see! Leave a comment or tag me on Pinterest or Facebook.