Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that screams autumn, then these Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are just the thing! They blend the rich flavors of pumpkin with melty chocolate in every bite. What makes them truly special is their chewy texture, thanks to the brown butter and blotted pumpkin. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!

These cookies are perfect for busy weeknights when you want to whip up something delicious or for family gatherings where everyone can enjoy a sweet surprise. They’re also great for sharing with friends or simply indulging in a quiet moment with a warm cup of tea or coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a baking expert to create these delightful cookies!
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet blend of pumpkin and chocolate.
• Perfectly Chewy: No more cakey cookies; this recipe guarantees that signature chewy texture.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake fresh cookies whenever cravings strike!
• Seasonal Flavor: Embrace fall with every bite of these spiced cookies filled with chocolatey goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a look at the simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create these delightful Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. You probably have most of them in your kitchen already!

• 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 best things about these cookies is how flexible they are! Feel free to get creative based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Change up the chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer taste or white chocolate for something different.
• Include dried fruit: Cranberries or raisins can add a lovely tartness that complements the sweetness.
• Spice it up: Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for an unexpected kick!

How to Make Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking trays with parchment paper. This step is crucial because it ensures even baking right from the start!

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a large stainless steel pan, melt your cold unsalted butter over medium heat. Watch as it foams, pops, and crackles—this is normal! Stir occasionally until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Remove it from heat just before it burns. Once browned, transfer it to a glass measuring bowl and cool it in the fridge until it’s just under room temperature.

Step 3: Prepare the Pumpkin

Spread your room-temperature pumpkin puree on a plate. Using paper towels, press down firmly to soak up excess liquid. Repeat this until the puree feels dry but still soft—this helps achieve that perfect chewy texture!

Step 4: Mix Sugars with Butter

When your butter has cooled down, whisk in both sugars until combined—about one minute should do. The mixture will resemble pale wet sand; this creamy consistency is vital for achieving perfect cookies.

Step 5: Add Yolk and Vanilla

Next, whisk in your egg yolks, vanilla extract, and dried pumpkin puree until everything is well combined. This mix brings all those wonderful flavors together!

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to fold in flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chips using a spatula until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix; we want those chewy cookies!

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Trays

Using a cookie scoop (about three tablespoons), dollop out cookie dough onto your prepared trays spaced about two inches apart. If you want extra pools of melted chocolate, chop some larger pieces and press them into each mound before baking.

Step 8: Bake Your Cookies

Bake one tray at a time for about 9–13 minutes. Look out for golden edges while ensuring the middle remains slightly underbaked—it’ll firm up as they cool! For that perfect round shape, use a large round cookie cutter right after taking them out of the oven.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!

Let your cookies rest on the tray briefly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, dive in! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days—or refrigerate/freeze dough balls for future baking fun!

Pro Tips for Making Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making these chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies is a delightful experience, and with a few pro tips, you can ensure they’re perfectly chewy and loaded with flavor!

• Use cold butter: Starting with cold butter helps to create that wonderfully chewy texture. When the butter is browned, cooling it down before mixing allows for better incorporation of ingredients without melting away the cookie’s structure.

• Don’t skip the pumpkin drying step: Pressing out excess moisture from the pumpkin puree concentrates its flavor and prevents your cookies from becoming too wet, ensuring they stay chewy rather than cakey.

• Chill your dough: If you have time, chilling the cookie dough for even just 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavors and help stabilize the cookies while they bake, giving them that perfect chewiness.

• Experiment with chocolate types: While semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, try using dark or milk chocolate for different sweetness levels. You could also mix in some white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a fun twist!

• Keep an eye on the baking time: Since ovens can vary, watch your cookies closely as they bake. They should be golden on the edges but still slightly underbaked in the center to maintain that gooey texture.

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are not only a treat to eat but also a joy to present! Here are some creative ideas on how to serve them.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of sea salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just before serving enhances the sweet flavors and adds an appealing contrast.
• Drizzle of melted chocolate: A simple drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled cookies can elevate their appearance and add extra richness.
• Cinnamon sugar dusting: Mixing a bit of cinnamon with sugar and dusting it lightly over the cookies gives them a lovely fall-inspired flavor boost.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider: This classic fall beverage pairs beautifully with pumpkin cookies, enhancing their spice notes while adding warmth.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the chewy texture of the cookies and creates a delightful dessert experience.
• Coffee or chai latte: The bold flavors in coffee or spiced chai lattes balance nicely with the sweetness of the cookies, making for an ideal afternoon snack.
• Fresh fruit platter: A selection of fresh fruits like apples and pears can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.

With these serving suggestions and tips, you’ll impress family and friends with your deliciously 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, ensuring you always have a delicious treat ready to enjoy.

Storing Leftovers

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
• To keep them fresh longer, consider refrigerating the cookies, where they can last up to a week.

Freezing

• Freeze cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Baked cookies can also be frozen. Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen baked cookies, simply let them come to room temperature, then warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
• For refrigerated cookies, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds to get that fresh-baked warmth back!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is perfect for these chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies—just ensure it’s pure pumpkin without any added ingredients.

How do I achieve chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies?

The key to achieving that chewy texture lies in using brown butter and blotting your pumpkin puree. Follow the steps carefully, and you’ll have the perfect chewy cookies!

Can I substitute the chocolate chips?

Yes! You can use dark chocolate chips or even white chocolate chips if you prefer. You could also try adding nuts or dried fruits for extra flavor.

How long will these cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly, these chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies will stay fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days and can be refrigerated for up to a week.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies as much as I do! They’re not only delicious but also bring that cozy fall vibe right into your kitchen. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or keeping them all to yourself, each bite is bound to bring a smile. Happy baking, and may your kitchen fill with the delightful aroma of pumpkin spice!