Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall, then these chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are just what you need! They’re soft, gooey, and bursting with warm spices and melty chocolate. This recipe has become a favorite in my home, especially during cozy movie nights or family gatherings. The best part? They are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want to indulge in something sweet.

These cookies bring together the rich flavor of pumpkin with the sweetness of chocolate, creating a deliciously comforting dessert. Trust me; once you try them, they’ll become your go-to cookie for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll have fresh cookies in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies; they’re great for sharing!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual snack or a special dessert, these cookies fit right in.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake whenever you’re ready for a treat!
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of pumpkin and chocolate is simply irresistible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. Let’s gather everything you need:

• 1 cup cold unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup Libby’s Pumpkin Puree (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 2 large egg yolks (room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 2/3 cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (See notes below for measuring)
• 2 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin spice
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 cup finely chopped chocolate bar or chocolate chips

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it to suit your tastes or pantry staples. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an added crunch.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor.
• Switch Up the Chocolate: Try white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks for a different twist.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute the butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs instead of egg yolks.

How to Make Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two baking trays with parchment paper and set them aside. This helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up a breeze!

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a large stainless steel pan, brown your cold butter. As it cooks, it will foam up and make delightful crackling sounds—stay close by! Stir occasionally until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. This step adds depth of flavor to your cookies. Once done, pour it into a glass measuring bowl and chill it in the fridge until it cools but remains liquid.

Step 3: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree

Spread out your pumpkin puree on a plate. Using paper towels, press down to soak up excess moisture until it’s dry like soft playdough. This helps achieve that perfect chewy texture we all crave!

Step 4: Mix Sugars with Butter

Once your butter has cooled, whisk in both sugars for about one minute until it resembles pale wet sand. This process helps dissolve the sugars properly into the batter.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Pumpkin

Now it’s time to whisk in those egg yolks along with vanilla extract and your dried pumpkin puree until everything is combined nicely.

Step 6: Fold In Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in the flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, salt, and chopped chocolate until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep your cookies nice and chewy!

Step 7: Scoop Out Cookie Dough

Using a large cookie scoop (about three tablespoons), roll each ball between your palms before placing them on your prepared trays about two to three inches apart. For an extra touch of melted chocolate goodness, reserve some larger pieces of chocolate to press on top before baking.

Step 8: Bake Your Cookies

Bake one tray at a time for about nine to thirteen minutes. Look for golden brown edges while keeping the centers slightly underbaked; this is key! Once baked, use a round cookie cutter to reshape them while still warm.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!

Let them cool completely on wire racks before diving in! These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for two to three days.

Now grab a glass of milk or hot cocoa and savor every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking is all about the little details! Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly chewy and delicious every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter and egg yolks to room temperature allows them to incorporate better into the dough, leading to a smoother texture and more even baking.

• Don’t skip the browning step: Browning the butter adds a nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cookies. It’s worth the extra time for that rich, complex flavor!

• Measure flour correctly: For accurate measurements, spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents overly dense cookies.

• Chill the dough: If you have time, chill your cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps develop deeper flavors and keeps the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

• Watch the baking closely: Ovens can vary in temperature; keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of baking. You want them slightly underbaked in the center for that perfect chewy texture!

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are delightful on their own, but with a little creativity, you can elevate their presentation and flavor!

Garnishes

• Dusting of powdered sugar: A light sprinkle adds a touch of sweetness and looks beautiful against the warm orange of the pumpkin.
• Chopped nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking for an added crunch and nutty flavor that complements the chocolate.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with warm cookies, creating a comforting dessert experience.
• Spiced chai latte: The warm spices in chai complement the pumpkin flavors perfectly, making for a cozy pairing ideal for fall evenings.
• Hot cocoa: Rich hot cocoa with marshmallows serves as a delightful accompaniment, adding warmth and sweetness to your cookie enjoyment.
• Fruit salad: A fresh fruit salad offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookies, balancing out flavors and textures while providing a burst of freshness.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’ll not only master these chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies but also impress everyone at your table! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make the dough ahead of time or store the baked cookies to enjoy later. Here’s how to keep your treats fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
• If you prefer them chilled, you can refrigerate the cookies, but let them come to room temperature before serving for optimal texture.

Freezing

• To freeze cookie dough, scoop it into balls and place them on a baking sheet in a single layer until firm.
• Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe container or bag, sealing tightly. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
• For baked cookies, let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They will also last up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen cookie dough, simply bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
• For leftover baked cookies, pop them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until just warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, make sure to cook and puree it. Just remember to blot out excess moisture as you would with canned pumpkin.

What makes these Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies so special?

The combination of brown butter and blotted pumpkin gives these cookies their signature chewy texture. Plus, the warm spices perfectly complement the chocolate!

How do I ensure my cookies are chewy?

To achieve that chewy texture, be sure not to overbake the cookies. The edges should be golden brown while the center remains slightly undercooked when you take them out of the oven.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Feel free to add walnuts or pecans for added crunch. Just remember to adjust the amount of chocolate chips accordingly if desired.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies! They truly capture the essence of fall with their warm spices and gooey chocolate goodness. Whether you’re sharing with friends or enjoying them solo with a warm cup of tea, I’m sure they’ll bring a smile to your face. Happy baking!