Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to bring warmth to those crisp fall days, you’ve come to the right place! These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are a cherished recipe in my home, and I can’t wait to share them with you. They’re soft and chewy, bursting with cozy pumpkin spice flavor and just the right amount of chocolatey goodness. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you bake these up, your kitchen will smell like a warm hug!

Every bite of these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies is like a little slice of fall. They’re incredibly easy to make—no chilling or fancy mixers required! You’ll find that this recipe quickly becomes a favorite among friends and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: This no-chill, no-mixer recipe means you can whip up these cookies in no time!
• Perfectly Chewy Texture: These cookies are designed to be soft and chewy, never cakey, making them irresistible.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Get the kids involved! They’ll love measuring ingredients and helping to scoop the dough.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for fall gatherings, cozy nights in, or even as a lunchbox surprise!
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of pumpkin and chocolate creates a mouthwatering experience that you won’t forget.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Gather these goodies for an easy baking experience that results in delicious 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

This recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Substitute the Chocolate: Try using white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips for a different flavor twist!
• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend for a gluten-free option.
• Spice It Up: If you love extra spice, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for more warmth.

How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two baking trays with parchment paper. This step is crucial because it ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a large stainless steel pan, brown your butter. Keep an eye on it as it foams and crackles—it’s all part of the process! Stir occasionally until it smells nutty and has brown bits at the bottom. This adds depth of flavor to your cookies.

Step 3: Cool the Butter

Once browned, scrape the butter into a glass measuring bowl and let it cool in the fridge for about 50-60 minutes. Stir it every so often until it reaches about 75°F. This step is important because using hot butter would cook the other ingredients when mixed!

Step 4: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree

Spread the pumpkin puree on a plate and press paper towels into it to absorb excess liquid. Repeat until it’s mostly dry—this helps achieve that perfect chewy texture.

Step 5: Mix Sugars with Butter

Once cooled, whisk together the brown sugar and granulated sugar with the butter for one minute until it’s pale and sandy-looking. This creates air bubbles that help give your cookies their lovely texture.

Step 6: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Whisk in the egg yolks and vanilla extract along with your dried pumpkin puree until everything is combined nicely. This ensures each cookie carries that delicious pumpkin flavor.

Step 7: Combine 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 cookies soft!

Step 8: Scoop Your Dough

Using a cookie scoop (about three tablespoons), roll each portion between your palms before placing them on the prepared trays spaced about two inches apart. For extra melted chocolate pools, feel free to press larger chunks of chocolate on top!

Step 9: Bake Until Golden

Bake one tray at a time for about 9-13 minutes until the edges are golden brown while keeping the centers slightly underbaked. Once out of the oven, use a large round cookie cutter to shape them if needed—this makes them look perfectly round!

Step 10: Cool Down & Enjoy!

Let your cookies 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 some dough balls for future cravings!

Now grab yourself a glass of milk (or your favorite non-dairy alternative) and enjoy these scrumptious Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making the perfect pumpkin chocolate chip cookies is all about the little details! Here are some pro tips to ensure your cookies turn out amazing every time.

• Measure flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure your flour accurately. This prevents overly dry cookies, ensuring they stay soft and chewy.

• Cool the butter properly: Letting your browned butter cool to the right temperature is crucial. If it’s too hot, it can cook the eggs when mixed, leading to a different texture than intended.

• Don’t overmix: Once you add in the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can develop gluten and lead to tough cookies instead of soft ones.

• Use high-quality chocolate: Choosing a good chocolate bar or chips adds richness and depth to your cookies. The better the chocolate, the more delicious your cookies will be!

• Adjust baking time based on oven: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake, and take them out when they’re golden around the edges but still soft in the center for that perfect chewy texture.

How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Serving these delightful pumpkin chocolate chip cookies can be just as fun as making them! Whether it’s a cozy gathering or a festive occasion, here are some ideas on how to present these treats beautifully.

Garnishes

• Dust with powdered sugar: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness that complements the rich flavors of the cookie.

• Drizzle with chocolate: Melt some additional chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for an extra indulgent touch that enhances their appearance and flavor.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla almond milk: This creamy drink pairs perfectly with pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, balancing their sweetness while adding a nutty flavor that complements both pumpkin and chocolate.

• Spiced chai tea: A warm cup of spiced chai tea offers comforting spices that enhance the fall flavors in your cookies, creating a delightful pairing for a cozy afternoon treat.

• Apple slices with caramel dip: Fresh apple slices provide a crisp contrast to the soft cookies, and dipping them in caramel adds a sweet element that harmonizes beautifully with pumpkin spice.

• Pumpkin soup: For an autumn-inspired meal, serve these cookies alongside a warm bowl of pumpkin soup. The savory flavors will make for a delightful dessert after enjoying this hearty dish.

Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious pumpkin chocolate chip cookies! They’re sure to become a favorite in your household this fall season.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the cozy flavors of fall any time you crave a sweet treat. With a few simple storage tips, you can keep them fresh and delicious for days!

Storing Leftovers

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
• If you want to maintain their freshness longer, consider refrigerating them.

Freezing

• Freeze cookie dough balls before baking for up to 3 months.
• Place the dough balls on a baking tray in the freezer until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• To bake, let frozen dough balls sit at room temperature for about 2 hours before baking.

Reheating

• For warm, gooey cookies, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delightful cookies!

Can I make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.

How can I keep my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies chewy?

To achieve that perfect chewy texture, avoid overbaking them. Take them out when they are just set around the edges and slightly underbaked in the center.

Can I use other types of chocolate in these cookies?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks if you prefer those flavors over standard chocolate chips.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to whip up these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies as I am! They’re not only delicious but also bring warmth and comfort during the fall season. Enjoy making this recipe and share it with friends and family—there’s nothing like cozying up with a batch of soft, chewy cookies. Happy baking!