Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that truly captures the essence of fall, then these Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are your answer! They’re soft, gooey, and bursting with warm spices and rich chocolate. Imagine biting into one of these delightful treats—each bite is like a cozy hug that makes you feel right at home. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, bringing smiles to all who try them.

What makes this recipe special is the combination of brown butter and blotted pumpkin, which gives them that signature chewy texture we all crave. No cakey cookies here! You’ll love sharing these with friends and family (or keeping them all to yourself—no judgment here!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you’ll have delicious cookies in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore these chewy treats.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh when you’re ready.
• Mouthwatering Flavor: The blend of pumpkin and chocolate creates an irresistible taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for cozy nights in or festive gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have 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 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 versatile, and there are many fun ways to customize your cookies! Here are some tasty ideas:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Change the Chips: Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a different flavor twist.
• Spice it Up: Incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat alongside the sweetness.
• Mix in Dried Fruit: Add raisins or cranberries for a fruity burst in every bite.

How to Make Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). While it heats up, line two baking trays with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly!

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a large stainless steel pan, brown the butter over medium heat. Watch closely as it foams and crackles—this is part of the magic! Stir occasionally until you see brown bits forming at the bottom and it smells nutty. This process adds depth to your cookies’ flavor. Remove from heat when ready and cool it down in the fridge until it’s just under room temperature.

Step 3: Prepare the Pumpkin

Spread out the pumpkin puree on a plate. Use paper towels to soak up excess moisture by pressing down on it several times. This step helps achieve that chewy texture instead of cakey cookies. Aim for about 1/3 cup of dried pumpkin puree after this process.

Step 4: Mix Sugars with Butter

Once your butter has cooled, whisk in both sugars until combined—around one minute should do! The mixture should resemble pale wet sand. This incorporation creates that perfectly sweet balance.

Step 5: Add Egg Yolks and Pumpkin

Whisk in the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and dried pumpkin puree until everything is mixed well. Each ingredient adds moisture and richness to our dough!

Step 6: 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 chunks of chocolate intact!

Step 7: Shape Your Cookies

Using a tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out your dough onto prepared trays about 2-3 inches apart. For extra melted chocolate goodness, press some larger chocolate pieces on top before baking.

Step 8: Bake Away!

Bake each tray individually for about 9–13 minutes until edges are golden brown but centers remain slightly underbaked. Once out of the oven, use a round cookie cutter to shape them if needed while they’re still warm—this ensures perfect rounds!

Step 9: Cool & Enjoy

Let your cookies cool completely on a wire rack before diving in! Store any extras (if there are any!) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

With these Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies ready to go, you’ll be enjoying fall flavors with every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making these cookies is a delightful experience, and with a few tips, you can ensure they turn out perfect every single time!

• Use cold butter: Starting with cold unsalted butter helps achieve that rich, nutty flavor when browning while still allowing the cookies to remain chewy rather than cakey.
• Don’t skip the pumpkin drying step: Removing excess moisture from the pumpkin puree is crucial for achieving the chewy texture. Too much liquid can lead to cookies that spread too thin.
• Chill the dough: Allowing your cookie dough to chill in the fridge not only enhances the flavors but also helps prevent spreading during baking, ensuring your cookies are thick and chewy.
• Underbake slightly: For that gooey center, take your cookies out of the oven when they are golden brown on the edges but still soft in the middle. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Experiment with chocolate types: Feel free to mix and match different types of chocolate like dark or semi-sweet chips, or even add white chocolate chunks for a fun twist!

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies make for an irresistible treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s a cozy evening at home or a festive gathering, here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Sprinkling of sea salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just before serving enhances the sweetness and adds a sophisticated touch.
• Powdered sugar dusting: For an elegant look, dust them lightly with powdered sugar. This not only makes them visually appealing but adds a touch of sweetness.
• Whipped coconut cream: Serve alongside a dollop of whipped coconut cream for a creamy contrast that complements the pumpkin flavor perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: The warm spices in hot apple cider harmonize beautifully with these cookies, creating a comforting fall-inspired snack.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm cookies, melting slightly into them for an indulgent dessert experience.
• Chai tea: The spiced flavors of chai tea make it an excellent companion for these cookies, enhancing their autumnal taste and providing warmth on cooler days.
• Cheese platter: For something savory, serve alongside a cheese platter featuring sharp cheddar or brie; the richness of cheese contrasts nicely with sweet cookies.

By following these tips and presentation ideas, you’ll create moments filled with warmth and joy around your chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies! Enjoy every bite!

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.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them, where they can last up to a week.

Freezing

• Freeze cookie dough balls before baking. Place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
• Baked cookies can also be frozen. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before storing in an airtight container.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• If reheating from frozen, let them thaw at room temperature for about 1 hour before warming them up.

FAQs

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

Can I use different types of chocolate in chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for a delicious twist.

How do I achieve the perfect chewiness in my chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies?

The secret lies in using browned butter and blotting the pumpkin puree well. These steps ensure the perfect chewy texture without any cakey results.

Can I make chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies vegan?

Yes! Substitute the egg yolks with a flaxseed meal or applesauce and use vegan butter instead of regular butter for a plant-based version.

What is the best way to store my chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

How long do chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies last?

If stored properly, baked cookies can last up to 3 days at room temperature and up to a week in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give these chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies a try! They encapsulate all the cozy flavors of fall in every gooey bite. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or sharing with loved ones, they are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!