Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are just what you need! Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie, bursting with warm pumpkin spice and rich chocolate goodness. This recipe has quickly become a family favorite in my home, perfect for busy weeknights or delightful family gatherings. The best part? You can whip them up without any fuss—no chilling or mixers required!

These cookies are not just delicious; they also fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that will make everyone feel right at home. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or sharing them with friends, these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies will surely bring smiles all around.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This no-chill, no-mixer recipe makes baking a breeze!
• Soft and Chewy Texture: Say goodbye to dry cookies—these are perfectly moist and tender.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves chocolate chips, and the pumpkin adds a fun twist that kids adore.
• Versatile Treat: Great for fall festivities, cozy evenings in, or even as an unexpected dessert for guests.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The dough can be frozen for later use—perfect for spontaneous cookie cravings!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create these delicious cookies! You probably have most of them already 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to put your own spin on it with these fun variations:

• Add nuts: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Use different chocolate: Swap out regular chocolate chips for dark chocolate or even white chocolate if you prefer.
• Incorporate spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.

How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two baking trays with parchment paper and set them aside. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a large stainless steel pan, brown the cold butter. As it cooks, you’ll notice it foaming and popping—that’s totally normal! Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally until you see brown bits forming at the bottom and it smells nutty. Remove from heat when ready. Cool it down in the fridge until it reaches about 75°F; this step gives our cookies that rich flavor without being greasy.

Step 3: Prepare the Pumpkin

Spread the pumpkin puree onto a plate and soak up excess liquid using paper towels. This is key because drier pumpkin helps maintain that chewy texture we love. After soaking, you should have about 1/3 cup of dried pumpkin ready to go!

Step 4: Mix Sugars and Butter

Once your butter is cool enough, whisk in the brown sugar and granulated sugar until combined. It should look like pale wet sand after exactly one minute of whisking, which helps aerate our mixture—making those cookies fluffy!

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, whisk in the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and dried pumpkin puree until everything is nicely blended together. These ingredients add richness and flavor that make our cookies unforgettable.

Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in the flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chips until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookies tender and soft!

Step 7: Shape Your Cookies

Using a cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons), roll the dough between your palms before placing them on the prepared trays—make sure to leave space between each cookie as they will spread.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake one tray at a time for about 9-13 minutes. Keep an eye out for golden edges while ensuring the centers remain slightly underbaked—this is where that chewy texture comes from! Once they’re out of the oven, use a large round cookie cutter to gently shape them if needed.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!

Allow your cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before enjoying their deliciousness! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days—or freeze that dough if you want fresh cookies on demand.

Now go ahead—you deserve these delightful Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking these pumpkin chocolate chip cookies is a delightful experience, and a few simple tips can make them even better!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter, eggs, and pumpkin to room temperature ensures they combine more easily, resulting in a smoother dough that bakes evenly.

• Don’t skip browning the butter: This step adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates your cookies. The browned bits provide depth that complements the pumpkin wonderfully.

• Measure flour correctly: Over-measuring flour can lead to dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method or a kitchen scale to get it just right—your cookies will be perfectly chewy!

• Experiment with chocolate types: Try mixing dark chocolate chips with milk chocolate for a unique flavor combination. The contrast between sweet and slightly bitter makes every bite exciting.

• Watch baking time closely: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; take them out when they’re golden around the edges but still soft in the center for that ideal texture.

How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are not only delicious but also versatile! Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or enjoying cozy nights at home, here are some fun ideas for serving these treats.

Garnishes

• Dusting of powdered sugar: A light sprinkle adds a festive touch and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
• Drizzle of melted chocolate: A warm chocolate drizzle on top creates an indulgent look and extra flavor—perfect for impressing guests!

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider: This comforting beverage pairs beautifully with pumpkin flavors. Its spices complement the warm notes of your cookies.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serve a cookie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. The melting ice cream creates a heavenly combo!
• Coffee or tea: A cup of freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea enhances the cozy autumn vibe while balancing the sweetness of the cookies.
• Pumpkin spice latte: For an extra seasonal treat, pair your cookies with this classic drink—it’s like enjoying fall in every bite!

Enjoy making and serving these pumpkin chocolate chip cookies; they’re sure to bring smiles and warmth to any occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade treats whenever the craving strikes. Whether you want to make them ahead for a gathering or simply stock up for yourself, these cookies store wonderfully.

Storing Leftovers

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator where they can last about a week.

Freezing

• You can freeze both the cookie dough balls and the baked cookies.
• For dough, scoop and freeze the balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept for up to 3 months.
• Baked cookies should be placed in a single layer in an airtight container or wrapped tightly. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy frozen baked cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour before eating.
• You can also pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 5 minutes to warm them up and restore their chewy texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come to mind while making your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Can I make these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies vegan?

Yes! You can substitute the butter with plant-based margarine and use flax eggs instead of egg yolks (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per yolk). This will maintain the cookie’s texture while keeping it vegan.

What makes these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies chewy?

The key to achieving that soft and chewy texture is using brown sugar alongside granulated sugar, which adds moisture. Additionally, underbaking slightly helps retain that gooey center!

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

To help your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies maintain their shape while baking, be sure to chill your browned butter properly before mixing it with the sugars. Also, ensure not to skip the step of drying out your pumpkin puree; excess moisture can cause spreading.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to these cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch. Just keep in mind that this may alter the overall flavor slightly.

How should I store these cookies if I want them to last longer?

For maximum freshness, store your unbaked cookie dough balls in the freezer. This way, you can bake just what you need when you’re ready, ensuring every batch is fresh!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these delightful Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies as much as I do! Their perfect balance of pumpkin spice and rich chocolate creates a comforting treat that’s ideal for cozy gatherings or personal indulgence. Remember, baking is all about having fun and experimenting—so don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own! Happy baking!