Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall, these Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are just what you need! They’re soft, gooey, and bursting with warm spices and melty chocolate. It’s not just about the taste; it’s about creating memories with loved ones over a plate of freshly baked cookies. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these cookies will bring everyone together.

What makes this recipe truly special is the combination of brown butter and blotted pumpkin that gives these cookies their signature chewy texture. No one wants a cakey cookie when they can have a chewy masterpiece instead! Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely love this recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps, even novice bakers can whip up these delicious cookies in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the combination of pumpkin and chocolate—perfect for satisfying everyone’s sweet tooth!
• Make Ahead Convenience: The dough can be refrigerated or frozen, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever the craving hits.
• Delicious Flavor: The warming spices combined with rich chocolate create an irresistible flavor profile that screams comfort.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From holiday gatherings to quiet evenings at home, these cookies are sure to delight!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Gather them up, and let’s get baking!

• 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

One of the best things about these cookies is how flexible the recipe is! Feel free to get creative and adjust it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Different Chocolate: Try using white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks for a twist on the classic flavors.
• Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for an unexpected kick.
• Dried Fruit Delight: Incorporate some dried cranberries or raisins to enhance the autumnal vibe.

How to Make Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350 F (180 C). This ensures even baking. Line two baking trays with parchment paper so your cookies don’t stick!

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a large stainless steel pan, melt your cold butter over medium heat. As it cooks, keep an eye on it as it foams and crackles—this is part of the magic! Stir occasionally until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Then, remove from heat and pour it into a glass bowl. Cool it down in the fridge until it’s just under room temperature but still liquid.

Step 3: Prepare the Pumpkin

While your butter cools, spread the pumpkin puree onto a plate. Use paper towels to soak up excess moisture until it resembles soft playdough. This step helps achieve that desired chewy texture!

Step 4: Mix Sugars with Butter

Once your butter has cooled, whisk in both sugars for exactly one minute until it’s light and fluffy. This process creates air pockets that contribute to a lovely texture in your cookies.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, add in those egg yolks, vanilla extract, and your dried pumpkin puree. Whisk until everything is well combined—this will create a rich base for your cookies.

Step 6: Add Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in all-purpose flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chips until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; we want those lovely chewy bits!

Step 7: Scoop & Shape Dough

Using a cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons), roll each ball between your palms before placing them on prepared trays spaced apart. For extra pools of melted chocolate on top, press some larger pieces onto each dough ball.

Step 8: Bake Them Up!

Bake one tray at a time for about 9-13 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers remain slightly underbaked. When they come out of the oven, use a round cookie cutter to shape them perfectly while they’re still warm.

Step 9: Cool & Enjoy!

Let them cool completely on wire racks before indulging in those warm chewy delights! Store any extras in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days—or save some dough balls in the fridge or freezer for later enjoyment.

Now that you know how easy it is to make Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, grab those ingredients and start baking! They’ll fill your home with warmth and sweetness that everyone will love.

Pro Tips for Making Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and these tips will help you achieve the perfect chewy texture and rich flavor in your cookies.

• Use cold butter: Starting with cold unsalted butter is key to achieving that beautiful chewy texture. Cold butter helps create pockets of air as it melts, leading to softer cookies.
• Don’t skip browning the butter: Browned butter adds a nutty depth of flavor that elevates your cookies to a whole new level. The caramelized bits also contribute to the overall richness and aroma.
• Press out the moisture from pumpkin: Removing excess liquid from the pumpkin puree is crucial for avoiding cakey cookies. This ensures that your cookies stay chewy and packed with pumpkin flavor.
• Scoop and roll dough tightly: When you scoop and roll the dough into tight balls, they will bake evenly and hold their shape better. This results in thicker, chewier cookies!
• Bake one tray at a time: Baking one tray at a time ensures even baking. If you crowd the oven, it can create uneven heat distribution, leading to inconsistent textures.

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are delicious on their own but can be presented in a variety of delightful ways that enhance their appeal.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle with sea salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking adds a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
• Dust with powdered sugar: For an elegant touch, lightly dusting with powdered sugar gives your cookies a festive flair, perfect for gatherings or holidays.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with warm cookies, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Chai tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea complement the pumpkin spice in your cookies, making for a cozy pairing that celebrates fall flavors.
• Hot cocoa: Rich hot cocoa brings warmth and sweetness alongside your chewy cookies; add a dash of cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor!
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances the richness of the cookies while adding a burst of freshness. Think crisp apples or juicy pears!

By following these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll elevate your chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies into something truly special! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy their delightful flavors throughout the week! Here’s how to keep your cookies fresh and tasty.

Storing Leftovers

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
• For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them, which can extend their life by a few more days.
• Ensure the cookies are completely cooled before sealing them in the container to maintain their chewiness.

Freezing

• You can freeze both the cookie dough and baked cookies!
• For cookie dough: Scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• For baked cookies: Once cooled, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating

• To enjoy freshly warmed cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes, just until warmed through.
• If using frozen cookie dough, bake directly from the freezer; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies!

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree for chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just ensure it’s cooked and well-drained like in the recipe to achieve that perfect chewy texture.

How do I achieve the best texture for my chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies?

The key lies in browning the butter and ensuring that your pumpkin is well-blotted to remove excess moisture. These steps create that wonderful chewy consistency!

Are chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies gluten-free?

You can make these gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What if I don’t have brown butter?

If you don’t have brown butter on hand, you can simply use melted unsalted butter. While it won’t have the same nutty flavor, your cookies will still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies as much as I do! The combination of warm spices and rich chocolate creates a cozy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to share this recipe with friends and family—they’ll love it just as much as you will! Happy baking!