Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat to warm your heart and home, these Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are just what you need! Imagine biting into a soft, gooey cookie that combines the flavors of ripe pumpkin with rich chocolate. It’s like autumn on a plate! This recipe is a family favorite in my house; we whip it up during those busy weeknights and save some for special gatherings, too. Trust me, once you try these cookies, you’ll want to make them again and again!

These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying with a cup of coffee on chilly evenings. Each bite bursts with flavor and that delightful chewy texture that keeps you coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll find yourself whipping these up in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to grandparents loves the warm flavors of pumpkin and chocolate.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a fall get-together or just an afternoon snack, these cookies fit right in!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dough ahead of time and bake fresh cookies whenever you’re ready.
• Irresistibly Delicious: The combination of spices, pumpkin, and melty chocolate is simply heavenly!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how these chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies come together with simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating that soft and decadent cookie experience. 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 wonderfully flexible! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to suit your taste preferences:

• Add Nuts: For a little crunch, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans.
• Use Different Chips: Swap out chocolate chips for butterscotch or white chocolate chips for a unique twist.
• Mix in Dried Fruit: Add raisins or cranberries for a fruity burst alongside the pumpkin flavor.
• Spice It Up: If you love extra heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or add more pumpkin spice!

How to Make Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). This step ensures that your cookies will bake evenly. While it heats up, line two baking trays with parchment paper—this helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a large stainless steel pan, brown your butter by cooking it over medium heat. Watch closely as it foams, pops, and crackles. Stir occasionally until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. This adds depth of flavor to your cookies! Once browned, transfer it to a glass measuring bowl and cool it in the fridge until it reaches about 75°F.

Step 3: Prepare the Pumpkin

Spread the Libby’s Pumpkin Puree on a plate and use paper towels to absorb excess liquid. The goal here is to create a thicker consistency that will help achieve that perfect chewy texture. You should end up with roughly 1/3 cup of dried pumpkin puree.

Step 4: Mix Sugars with Butter

Once your browned butter has cooled down, whisk in the granulated sugar and light brown sugar for exactly one minute until it resembles pale wet sand. This step helps incorporate air into your mixture for lighter cookies.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, whisk in the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and dried pumpkin puree until everything is well combined. This mixture forms the base of your cookies.

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—this will help keep your cookies perfectly chewy!

Step 7: Scoop the Dough

Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out your dough onto the prepared baking trays. Roll them between your palms before placing them about 2-3 inches apart on the trays. For extra melted chocolate goodness, press larger pieces of chocolate onto each ball before baking!

Step 8: Bake Your Cookies

Bake one tray at a time for about 9-13 minutes until the edges turn golden brown while keeping the centers slightly underbaked. Right out of the oven, use a round cookie cutter to gently nudge any irregular edges inward—this gives you that classic thick round shape.

Step 9: Cool & Enjoy!

Let your cookies cool completely on a wire rack before diving in! Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days—or freeze some dough balls for later enjoyment!

Now that you have this delightful recipe at hand, I can’t wait for you to experience how wonderful these Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking these chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies can be a delightful experience, and a few helpful tips can make them even better!

• Use cold butter: Starting with cold butter helps create that perfect chewy texture. It prevents the dough from spreading too much and ensures your cookies are soft and gooey in the center.
• Don’t skip browning the butter: This step adds a rich, nutty flavor to your cookies that complements the pumpkin and chocolate beautifully. Just be sure to monitor it closely to avoid burning!
• Dry out the pumpkin puree: Removing excess moisture from the pumpkin ensures that your cookies won’t turn out cakey. This gives you that signature chewy bite we all love.
• Chill the cookie dough: If time allows, chilling your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking enhances the flavors and improves the texture by helping control spread during baking.
• Underbake slightly: Pulling the cookies out of the oven when they’re just slightly underbaked keeps them soft and chewy. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some ideas on how to present them for maximum enjoyment.

Garnishes

• Sprinkling of sea salt: A light dusting of flaky sea salt right before serving enhances the flavors of chocolate and pumpkin, creating a delightful contrast.
• Drizzle of melted chocolate: Drizzling a bit of melted chocolate over the top adds an elegant touch and makes each cookie feel like a special treat.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: The warm spices in apple cider complement the flavors in these cookies perfectly, making for a cozy pairing that’s ideal for fall gatherings.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside your cookie creates a wonderful contrast in temperature and texture, turning dessert into an indulgent experience.
• Pumpkin spice latte: Pairing these cookies with a pumpkin spice latte brings together all things fall in one delicious moment, making it an excellent option for an afternoon treat or celebration.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies will not only taste amazing but also impress everyone who gets to enjoy them! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare the dough ahead of time or store leftovers for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Freeze cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the bag with the date!

Reheating

• To enjoy your cookies warm, reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Got questions about these delicious cookies? Here are some common queries I often receive!

What makes these chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies so special?

The combination of brown butter and blotted pumpkin gives these cookies their signature chewy texture. Plus, the warm spices and melty chocolate create an irresistible flavor that’s perfect for fall!

Can I make chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies vegan?

Yes! To make this recipe vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, and use plant-based butter instead of regular butter. You’ll still enjoy those chewy textures without any animal-derived ingredients.

How do I ensure my chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies turn out perfectly?

To achieve that ideal chewiness, make sure your butter is properly browned and your pumpkin is well-dried. This reduces excess moisture and enhances the flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies as much as I do! They’re not just treats; they’re little bites of autumn bliss that you can share with friends and family. Whether you’re indulging yourself or bringing a plate to a gathering, these cookies are sure to bring smiles. Happy baking!