Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. With their soft, gooey texture and delightful blend of warm spices, these cookies bring the cozy flavors of fall to your kitchen. The combination of rich chocolate and pumpkin creates a unique flavor profile that is sure to impress family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, these cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth while providing a comforting bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Texture: These cookies are chewy and gooey, thanks to the brown butter and blotted pumpkin.
• Seasonal Flavors: Enjoy the warm spices of fall with every bite, making them perfect for autumn festivities.
• Easy Preparation: The step-by-step instructions make it simple to whip up a batch in no time.
• Versatile Treats: Great for parties, gifts, or just an afternoon snack at home.
• Homemade Goodness: Made from scratch with quality ingredients, you know exactly what’s in each cookie!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience. Having everything ready makes following the steps easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or mixing bowl
• Parchment paper
• Large stainless steel pan
• Glass measuring bowl
• Cookie scoop
• Baking trays

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing the dough, ensuring a smooth consistency.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze when baking.
• Cookie scoop: Helps achieve uniform cookie sizes for even baking.

Ingredients

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are soft, gooey, and packed with warm fall spices and melty chocolate. Made with brown butter and blotted pumpkin for that signature chewy texture. No cakey cookies here!

• 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

How to Make Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 F (180 C). Line two baking trays with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

Brown the butter in a large stainless steel pan. Watch as it foams, pops, and crackles—this is normal! Stir occasionally to avoid burning. Once it has brown bits on the bottom and smells nutty, remove from heat. You should have nearly 1 cup of browned butter (184 g). Transfer to a glass measuring bowl and place in the fridge for 50-60 minutes until it cools but remains liquid.

Step 3: Prepare Pumpkin Puree

Spread the pumpkin puree on a plate. Press paper towels into it to soak up excess liquid. Repeat this process until the pumpkin feels dry like soft playdough, measuring roughly 1/3 cup (75 grams).

Step 4: Mix Sugars with Butter

When the butter has cooled, whisk in both sugars for exactly one minute until it resembles pale wet sand.

Step 5: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Whisk in egg yolks, vanilla extract, and dried pumpkin puree until well combined.

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients

Fold in all-purpose flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chips until just combined.

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Trays

Using a 3 tbsp cookie scoop, roll dough between palms before placing on prepared trays spaced 2–3 inches apart. You should yield about 15 cookies. For extra melted chocolate pools, chop larger pieces of chocolate to press on top before baking!

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake one tray at a time for 9–13 minutes until edges are golden brown but centers remain slightly underbaked. After removing from the oven, use a large round cookie cutter to shape them perfectly while still warm. Let cool completely on a wire rack before enjoying!

Step 9: Store Leftovers

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Dough balls can be refrigerated or frozen; allow them to reach room temperature before baking (about one hour from refrigerated dough or two hours from frozen).

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are perfect for any occasion. Their delightful flavors make them a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in various ways.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing, the creamy texture of milk complements the gooeyness of the cookies perfectly.

Warm with Ice Cream

• Serve these cookies warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that melts in your mouth.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over your cookies for an extra layer of sweetness and richness.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Include these cookies on a festive dessert platter alongside other treats like brownies and mini cheesecakes for a delightful mix.

With Hot Beverages

• Pair these cookies with hot coffee, tea, or spiced cider to enhance the cozy flavors of fall.

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How to Perfect Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

To ensure your chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies turn out just right, follow these simple tips.

• Use Cold Butter: Starting with cold butter helps achieve that chewy texture instead of cakey cookies.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until they are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the cookie dough to chill for at least 30 minutes helps improve the flavor and texture.

• Watch Baking Time: Pay attention to baking times. Remove them from the oven when the edges are golden but the center is still soft.

Best Side Dishes for Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Serving chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies can be enhanced with some delicious side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Apple Cider: The sweet and tangy flavors of apple cider pair wonderfully with the spices in the cookies.

2. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup complements the pumpkin flavor in the cookies while offering a savory contrast.

3. Cheese Platter: Include a variety of cheeses like brie or sharp cheddar to balance out the sweetness of the cookies.

4. Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit adds brightness and freshness, making it a perfect side alongside rich cookies.

5. Chocolate Fondue: For a fun treat, serve your cookies with melted chocolate for dipping!

6. Candied Nuts: Sweet and crunchy candied nuts provide an excellent textural contrast to soft cookies.

7. Whipped Cream Dip: A light whipped cream dip can add a fluffy element that pairs well with each bite of cookie.

8. Spiced Tea: Enjoy these cookies alongside a cup of spiced tea to enhance their warm flavors during chilly days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies can be a delightful baking experience, but avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.

• Using warm ingredients: Always ensure your butter and egg yolks are at room temperature. Using cold or warm ingredients can affect the texture and rise of your cookies.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Incorrect flour measurements can lead to dense cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method to ensure accurate measurement.
• Skipping the browning butter step: Browning butter adds a rich flavor. Don’t rush this step; it enhances the overall taste of your chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined for that perfect chewy texture.
• Baking on an ungreased tray: Ensure to use parchment paper or a silicone mat. This prevents sticking and promotes even baking.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.
• For cookie dough, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Freezing Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• You can also freeze unbaked cookie dough balls; place them on a tray until solid before transferring them to a freezer bag.

Reheating Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 1-2 minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

How do I make my cookies chewier?

To achieve chewier pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, ensure you use enough brown sugar and don’t overbake them. The centers should still look slightly underbaked when you remove them from the oven.

Can I substitute fresh pumpkin for canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned Libby’s Pumpkin Puree. Just ensure it’s well-drained and has the same consistency as canned pumpkin.

What kind of chocolate is best for these cookies?

For chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, using finely chopped chocolate bars adds richness, but chocolate chips also work well if preferred.

Can I customize the spices in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg or cinnamon based on your flavor preference. Just remember that pumpkin spice is a blend itself!

Final Thoughts

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them by adding nuts or swapping out different types of chocolate. Whether you’re enjoying them during fall or any time of year, these treats are sure to bring warmth and joy to your kitchen. Try baking them today!