Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect fall treat that combines the best of pumpkin flavors with delicious chocolate. Ideal for cozy gatherings or a sweet snack, these cookies are soft, gooey, and bursting with warm spices. With their unique chewy texture and melty chocolate pieces, they are sure to be a hit among friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The simple steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: Pumpkin and chocolate blend seamlessly, creating a rich taste experience.
• Perfectly Chewy Texture: Thanks to brown butter and blotted pumpkin, these cookies have a signature chewy bite.
• Versatile Treat: Great for parties, potlucks, or just enjoying at home with coffee or tea.
• Seasonal Delight: The warm spices evoke the essence of fall, making them ideal for autumn celebrations.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delightful cookies, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will ensure your baking process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking trays
• Parchment paper
• Whisk
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These are crucial for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Baking trays: A good quality tray ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
• Parchment paper: It makes cleanup easy and helps cookies bake evenly without sticking.
• Cookie scoop: A scoop provides 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!

For the Cookie Dough

• 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 them aside to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

Brown the butter in a large stainless steel pan. Watch it closely as it foams, pops, and crackles. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once it has a nutty aroma and is covered in brown bits, remove it from heat. Transfer to a glass measuring bowl and cool in the fridge until it reaches 75°F.

Step 3: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree

Spread the pumpkin puree on a plate. Use paper towels to soak up excess liquid by pressing down on the puree repeatedly until it feels dry like soft playdough. You should end up with about 1/3 cup (75 grams).

Step 4: Mix Sugars into Butter

Once your browned butter is cool, whisk together the brown sugar and granulated sugar for one minute until it resembles pale wet sand.

Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients

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

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients

Fold in the flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, salt, and chocolate until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Trays

Using a tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out dough balls onto your prepared trays spaced about 2-3 inches apart. For enhanced melted chocolate pools, press larger pieces of chocolate on top before baking.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake each tray individually for about 9-13 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain slightly underbaked. Use a large round cookie cutter immediately after removing from oven to shape them perfectly round.

Step 9: Cool Down and Store

Allow cookies to cool completely on wire racks before transferring them to an airtight container where they can stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days. You can refrigerate or freeze any leftover cookie dough balls; just let them return to room temperature prior to baking—about an hour if refrigerated or two hours if frozen.

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are delightful on their own, but they can be elevated with some creative serving suggestions. Whether you are hosting a gathering or enjoying them at home, here are some ideas to make your cookie experience even better.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic comfort food experience. The creamy texture complements the chewy cookies perfectly.

Warm with Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla or pumpkin spice ice cream on top. The heat from the cookies will slightly melt the ice cream, creating a deliciously gooey dessert.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• For an indulgent treat, drizzle caramel sauce over the cookies just before serving. This adds a rich sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the pumpkin flavor.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter alongside seasonal fruits like apples and pears. This not only looks appealing but also adds freshness to your dessert spread.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The spices in the cookies enhance the flavors of your beverage, making for a cozy pairing.

How to Perfect Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

To achieve the perfect chewy texture and rich flavor in your pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, follow these helpful tips.

• Brown the Butter Carefully: Properly browning the butter adds depth and nuttiness to your cookies. Watch it closely to avoid burning!

• Dry Out the Pumpkin Puree: Blotting excess moisture from the pumpkin puree ensures your cookies won’t turn out cakey. Aim for a dry consistency similar to soft playdough.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your egg yolks and pumpkin puree are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining dry ingredients with wet ones, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of chewy ones.

• Chill Your Dough: Allowing your cookie dough to chill for about an hour helps develop flavors and prevents spreading during baking.

Best Side Dishes for Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Complement your chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies with some tasty side dishes that enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Apple Slices
   Fresh apple slices provide a crisp contrast to the soft texture of the cookies while adding natural sweetness.

2. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses like brie or sharp cheddar can create an interesting savory balance against sweet cookies.

3. Pumpkin Spice Latte
   This seasonal favorite pairs beautifully with pumpkin-flavored treats and enhances their spiced notes.

4. Mixed Nuts
   A bowl of mixed nuts offers crunch and saltiness that complements the sweetness of the cookies nicely.

5. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruits for a refreshing dish that balances out the richness of the cookies.

6. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
   The salty-sweet combination from chocolate-covered pretzels is an excellent match for chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, creating delightful flavor contrasts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to maintain that chewy texture.
• Using warm butter: Warm butter can change the cookie’s texture, making them cakey. Ensure the butter is cold and slightly solid before starting.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can dry out your cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Skipping the pumpkin draining step: Excess moisture from the pumpkin can result in soggy cookies. Always drain your pumpkin puree thoroughly.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: An oven that’s too hot or too cold affects baking time and texture. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep cookie dough balls refrigerated for up to 1 week before baking.

Freezing Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• You can also freeze unbaked cookie dough balls; just arrange them on a tray first, then transfer to a bag once firm.

Reheating Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for optimal freshness.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds. This method keeps them soft but be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan on low heat for a couple of minutes, flipping once, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, here are some common questions and answers.

How do I make my Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies even chewier?

To enhance chewiness, consider adding an extra egg yolk or using brown sugar instead of white sugar as it retains moisture better.

Can I use gluten-free flour in these cookies?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup for similar results.

What can I substitute if I don’t have pumpkin spice?

You can create your own by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in equal parts, which will give you a delicious alternative.

How long do Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies last?

Stored correctly in an airtight container, they should last about 2-3 days at room temperature or longer if refrigerated.

Final Thoughts

Chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are a delightful treat perfect for fall gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Their rich flavors and chewy texture make them incredibly appealing. Feel free to customize with nuts or different types of chocolate chips to suit your taste!