Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that combines the warmth of fall with the indulgence of chocolate, then you’ve come to the right place! These Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just any cookies; they’re soft, gooey, and bursting with flavor. Imagine biting into a perfectly chewy cookie that melts in your mouth, filled with rich chocolate chunks and aromatic spices. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell like autumn and brings everyone running to the table.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or just want a sweet treat for yourself, these cookies never disappoint. Plus, they’re easy enough to whip up whenever the craving strikes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to make: With straightforward steps, you’ll have these delicious cookies ready in no time!
• Family favorite: Everyone loves the combination of pumpkin and chocolate—it’s a hit with kids and adults alike!
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh whenever you want.
• Perfectly chewy texture: No more cakey cookies! The brown butter and blotted pumpkin create that signature chewiness you’ll adore.
• Irresistible aroma: The smell of these cookies baking will make your home feel warm and inviting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this recipe. You likely have many of these in your pantry already!

For the Cookies

• 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 teaspoon 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

One of the best things about these cookies is how flexible they are! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have at home or your personal preferences.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious alternative.
• Spice it up: Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or nutmeg for a little kick.
• Swap the chocolate: Use white chocolate chips or even butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 F (180 C). Line two baking trays with parchment paper and set them aside. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick!

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a large stainless steel pan, brown the butter. Watch closely as it foams and crackles—this is perfectly normal! Stir it occasionally until it smells nutty and has golden bits at the bottom. This step adds depth of flavor to your cookies that you’ll love.

Step 3: Cool Down the Butter

Once browned, transfer the butter to a glass measuring bowl and chill it in the fridge until it reaches about 75°F. This cooling process is crucial! It ensures your cookies turn out chewy instead of cakey.

Step 4: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree

Spread your pumpkin puree on a plate and press paper towels into it to soak up excess moisture. This helps achieve that perfect chewy texture. Repeat this until it’s as dry as soft playdough.

Step 5: Mix Sugars into Butter

Whisk together cooled butter with both sugars until it resembles pale wet sand—about one minute should do it! This step helps incorporate air into your dough, making those cookies lighter while still being chewy.

Step 6: Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, whisk in egg yolks, vanilla extract, and your dried pumpkin puree until everything is nicely combined. This mixture will form the base of your cookie dough.

Step 7: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chips until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those lovely pockets of chocolate throughout!

Step 8: Shape Your Cookies

Using a cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons), roll each scoop between your hands before placing them on prepared trays spaced about 2-3 inches apart. If you want melty pools of chocolate on top, reserve some larger pieces of chocolate to press onto each cookie before baking.

Step 9: Bake

Bake one tray at a time for about 9-13 minutes until edges are golden but middles look slightly underbaked—this keeps them chewy! Use a large round cookie cutter right out of the oven to shape them into perfect circles if desired.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy!

Allow them to cool completely on wire racks before digging in! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days—or freeze individual cookie dough balls for later enjoyment!

Enjoy making these Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies; they are sure to become a beloved part of your fall traditions!

Pro Tips for Making Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking these cookies is easier than you might think, and with a few handy tips, you can ensure your chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies come out perfect every time!

• Use cold butter: Starting with cold butter for browning helps control the melting process and enhances the flavor, giving your cookies that rich, nutty taste without becoming greasy.

• Don’t skip drying the pumpkin: Removing excess moisture from the pumpkin puree prevents your cookies from becoming cakey. This step is essential for achieving that delightful chewy texture.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes before baking will help prevent spreading and promote a thicker cookie with a chewy center.

• Watch the baking time closely: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; pulling them out when they’re slightly underbaked ensures they stay soft and chewy.

• Experiment with chocolate types: Feel free to mix dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for a unique twist on flavor. Each type adds its own delicious character to the cookies!

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are not just a treat; they make for a lovely presentation whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or enjoying them at home. Here are some ideas on how to serve them up right!

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of sea salt: A light dusting of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie just before serving can enhance sweetness and balance flavors perfectly.
• Drizzle of melted chocolate: A simple drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled cookies can add an elegant touch and extra chocolatey goodness.

Side Dishes

• Spiced chai tea: The warm spices in chai complement the flavors in these cookies beautifully, making it a cozy pairing for an afternoon snack.
• Pumpkin spice latte: Enhance that autumn vibe with a creamy pumpkin spice latte. It’s like having dessert and coffee together in one delightful experience!
• Apple cider: A refreshing glass of apple cider brings out the fall flavors and provides a sweet contrast to the rich cookies.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serve these warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert that’s sure to impress everyone at the table!

With these tips and serving suggestions, your chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies will not only taste amazing but also look fabulous on any occasion! Enjoy making memories with every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment, ensuring you always have a sweet treat on hand.

Storing Leftovers

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
• If the cookies become soft, place a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture.

Freezing

• To freeze cookie dough balls, scoop them onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• When ready to enjoy your cookies, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for about 5 minutes until they are soft and gooey again.

FAQs

If you have questions about these delicious chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I make Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) for each egg yolk. This will keep your cookies chewy and delicious!

How do I achieve the best texture for my Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?

To get that perfect texture, be sure to brown your butter properly and dry out the pumpkin puree as instructed. This method helps create those chewy centers while keeping them rich in flavor!

What can I use instead of chocolate chips in my pumpkin cookies?

You can replace chocolate chips with chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even white chocolate chips if you prefer something sweeter!

How long do Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies last?

These cookies will stay fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days when stored correctly. For longer storage, consider freezing either the dough or baked cookies.

Can I add more spices to my Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your spice blend by adding nutmeg or ginger for an extra kick of autumn flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe becomes a cherished part of your fall baking tradition! These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures that everyone will adore. Enjoy making them as much as you’ll love eating them—happy baking!