Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect treat for fall! Soft, gooey, and bursting with warm spices and melty chocolate, they are a delightful way to embrace the season. With their unique chewy texture and rich flavor, these cookies are ideal for cozy gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply indulging on a quiet afternoon.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Texture: The combination of brown butter and blotted pumpkin results in cookies that are perfectly chewy, not cakey.
• Rich Flavor: Each bite is infused with warm fall spices that complement the sweetness of chocolate.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal prep time, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion—serve them at parties or enjoy them as an everyday snack!
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and freeze it for future baking.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spilling.
• Rubber spatula: Great for folding in delicate ingredients like flour without overmixing.
• Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.

Ingredients

To create these delightful chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients

• 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.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a large stainless steel pan, brown the butter. Watch as it foams, pops, and crackles. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once it has a nutty aroma and brown bits settle at the bottom, remove from heat. Transfer about 184 grams (just under 1 cup) of browned butter into a glass measuring bowl. Cool in the fridge for 50-60 minutes until it reaches 75°F while stirring every 10-15 minutes.

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 it. Repeat this process until the puree feels dry like soft playdough and measures roughly 1/3 cup (75 grams).

Step 4: Combine Sugars with Butter

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

Step 5: Mix in Eggs and Vanilla

Whisk together egg yolks, vanilla extract, and dried pumpkin puree until fully combined.

Step 6: Add Dry Ingredients

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

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Use a 3 tbsp cookie scoop to portion out cookie dough. Roll each scoop into balls between your palms before placing them on prepared trays with spaces of 2-3 inches apart. For extra melted chocolate pools, press larger pieces of chocolate on top before baking!

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake one tray at a time for about 9-13 minutes or until edges turn golden brown while centers remain slightly underbaked. Use a large round cookie cutter immediately after removing from oven to shape cookies perfectly round if desired. Allow cooling on a wire rack completely before enjoying!

Step 9: Store Cookies

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can refrigerate or freeze cookie dough balls; bring them to room temperature before baking—about one hour from refrigeration or two hours from freezing.

Enjoy these delicious chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies as an indulgent treat this fall!

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are deliciously versatile. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with various accompaniments for a delightful treat.

Pair with Hot Beverages

• Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of the cookies.
• Tea: A warm cup of chai or herbal tea enhances the cozy spice notes.
• Hot Chocolate: For a decadent treat, serve with a cup of hot chocolate.

Add Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla adds creaminess and balances the chewy texture.
• Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream: Enhance the pumpkin flavor with this seasonal favorite.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Cheese: Soft cheeses like brie can be a surprising yet delightful addition.
• Fresh Fruits: Apples or pears add freshness and contrast to the richness of the cookies.

How to Perfect Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

To achieve the ultimate chewy texture in your pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, follow these simple tips.

• Use Cold Butter: Starting with cold butter helps create that perfect chewy consistency.
• Don’t Overmix: Mixing just until combined prevents tough cookies; overmixing can lead to density.
• Cool Butter Properly: Ensure your browned butter is cool but still liquid; this step is crucial for texture.
• Press Chocolate on Top: Adding larger pieces of chocolate on top before baking creates beautiful pools of melted chocolate.
• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time; removing them slightly underbaked ensures chewy centers.

Best Side Dishes for Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies pair wonderfully with several side dishes that enhance their flavor profile and create an enjoyable dessert experience.

1. Cream Cheese Frosting: A light spread of cream cheese frosting adds tanginess and richness.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a refreshing contrast.
3. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide crunch and balance to the soft cookies.
4. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brightens up the dessert table.
5. Chocolate Dip: Melted chocolate for dipping intensifies the cookie’s chocolatey goodness.
6. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel adds extra sweetness and decadence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies can be easy, but mistakes can happen. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using Warm Butter: Warm butter can affect the texture of your cookies. Ensure your butter is cold when starting.
• Not Measuring Pumpkin Correctly: Too much liquid from the pumpkin can lead to cakey cookies. Use paper towels to blot the puree until it’s dry.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can result in tough cookies. Fold the ingredients until just combined for a chewy texture.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: An inaccurate oven temperature can change baking time significantly. Always preheat your oven and consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Not Cooling the Cookies Properly: Allowing cookies to cool on the tray can make them soggy. Transfer them to a wire rack immediately after baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Freezing Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Freeze cookie dough balls in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

How do I achieve chewier cookies?

To achieve chewier cookies, ensure you measure your flour accurately and avoid overmixing the dough.

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Absolutely! You can use dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips based on your preference.

Are these chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze both the baked cookies and the raw dough for later enjoyment!

What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

What is the nutritional information for these cookies?

Each cookie contains approximately 246 calories, with 25g of carbs and 16g of fat.

Final Thoughts

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in. Their soft texture paired with melty chocolate makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize with nuts or spices that you love! Try this recipe today and enjoy these delightful treats.