Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for the perfect fall treat, these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are just what you need! They combine the warm, cozy flavors of pumpkin spice with rich chocolatey goodness. What makes this recipe even better is that it’s simple and quick—ideal for busy weeknights or those spontaneous family gatherings when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me; your loved ones will be asking for seconds!

These cookies are soft and chewy, never cakey, making them a delightful addition to any dessert table. Plus, they’re so easy to make that you might just find yourself whipping up a batch every week during the season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This no-chill, no-mixer recipe means you can have warm cookies in no time!
• Chewy Goodness: Enjoy soft and chewy cookies packed with pumpkin flavor and melted chocolate.
• Family Favorite: Perfect for kids and adults alike—everyone loves these treats!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can freeze the dough or store baked cookies for later enjoyment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that make these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies so special! You probably already have most of them in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll 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 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 great things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with different mix-ins or adjustments. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:

• Add Nuts: Mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with adding extra spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an even warmer flavor.
• Use Different Chocolate: Try white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks instead of semi-sweet for a twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make this recipe suitable for everyone.

How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures that when you pop those cookies in, they bake perfectly right away. Also, line two baking trays with parchment paper so your delicious cookies don’t stick!

Step 2: Brown the Butter

Now comes the fun part—browning the butter! In a large stainless steel pan, melt your cold butter over medium heat. Keep an eye on it as it bubbles and crackles; stir occasionally until it turns golden brown with a nutty aroma. This step adds incredible depth of flavor to your cookies.

Step 3: Cool Your Butter

Once browned, transfer the butter into a glass measuring bowl and let it cool down in the fridge until it reaches about 75°F. Stirring every now and then helps it cool evenly while keeping it liquid. It’s important not to skip this step as warm butter can affect how your cookies turn out!

Step 4: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree

To ensure your pumpkin puree isn’t too watery, spread it on a plate and press paper towels into it to absorb excess moisture. Repeat until it feels dry like soft playdough. This will help keep your cookies chewy rather than cakey.

Step 5: Mix Your Sugars

With your cooled butter ready, whisk in both sugars until well combined—it should look like pale wet sand after one minute of whisking! This step is essential as it creates that beautifully chewy texture we all love.

Step 6: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, add in those egg yolks, vanilla extract, and dried pumpkin puree. Whisk until everything is smoothly combined; this will create the deliciously spiced base for our cookie dough.

Step 7: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in the flour mixture along with pumpkin spice, baking soda, salt, and those rich chocolate chips. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookies tender and soft!

Step 8: Scoop & Shape Dough

Using a cookie scoop (about three tablespoons), roll each scoop between your palms before placing them on the prepared trays spaced about two inches apart. If you want pools of melted chocolate on top, press some extra chocolate pieces onto each mound before baking.

Step 9: Bake & Cool

Bake each tray for about 9-13 minutes until the edges are golden but the middle is still slightly underbaked. Right out of the oven, use a round cookie cutter to shape them perfectly while they’re hot! Let them cool completely on a wire rack before enjoying every last bite.

And there you have it—your very own Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies that are sure to become a seasonal favorite! Enjoy sharing these delightful treats with friends and family!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These delightful cookies are a breeze to make, but a few tricks can take them from good to absolutely irresistible!

• Use cold butter: Starting with cold butter helps create that perfect soft and chewy texture. It prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

• Don’t skip drying the pumpkin puree: Removing excess moisture from the pumpkin ensures your cookies are not overly cakey. A drier puree contributes to that chewy cookie consistency you crave.

• Chill your browned butter: Cooling down the browned butter before mixing is crucial for achieving the right texture. It allows for better incorporation of ingredients without melting the chocolate chips prematurely.

• Watch your baking time: Every oven is different, so keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be golden brown around the edges but still slightly underbaked in the center for that perfect softness.

• Experiment with chocolate types: Feel free to use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips! Mixing different types of chocolate can add depth and excitement to each bite.

How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Presenting these cookies beautifully can enhance the experience of enjoying them. Here are some fun ideas for serving!

Garnishes

• Sprinkle with sea salt: A light dusting of flaky sea salt on top of the warm cookies adds a delightful contrast to their sweetness.
• Drizzle with chocolate: Melt some extra chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for an eye-catching finish.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider: This cozy drink complements the spices in your cookies perfectly and adds a seasonal touch.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream served alongside these warm cookies creates a delicious contrast in temperature and texture.
• Spiced chai tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea pair wonderfully with pumpkin flavors, making it an ideal side drink for your treat.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a bright, juicy contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies, balancing out your dessert spread nicely.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to enjoy your homemade pumpkin chocolate chip cookies in style!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy a delightful treat throughout the week. You can prepare the dough ahead of time or store any leftovers to savor later.

Storing Leftovers

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
• For longer freshness, consider refrigerating the cookies, but let them come to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezing

• Freeze cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking tray to harden for about 1 hour.
• Once solid, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container and label with the date.
• The cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat cookies, place them in a microwave-safe dish for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delicious Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works wonderfully in this recipe and is a convenient option that saves you time.

How do I make my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies chewier?

To achieve chewy cookies, be sure not to overbake them. Remove them from the oven when they are slightly underbaked in the center.

Can I substitute the chocolate chips in Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Yes! You can use dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts if you prefer a different flavor profile.

How long do Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for about 2-3 days.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these cozy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies! They’re not only delicious but also bring warmth and comfort to your fall baking. Whether you share them with loved ones or keep them all to yourself (no judgment here!), I’m sure you’ll love every bite. Happy baking!