Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall, then you’ve come to the right place! These Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, gooey, and bursting with warm spices and melty chocolate. Every bite feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, making them perfect for family gatherings, busy weeknights, or simply indulging yourself after a long day. Trust me; once you try these cookies, they’ll quickly become a cherished favorite!

What makes these cookies truly special is their chewy texture, thanks to the use of brown butter and blotted pumpkin puree. No cakey cookies here! Just pure deliciousness that you can enjoy any time of year.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple enough for bakers of all skill levels. You’ll have delicious cookies in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, and they’ll be thrilled to sample the dough—just make sure to keep some for baking!
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and freeze it. Bake fresh cookies whenever you want!
• Irresistibly Delicious: The combination of pumpkin and chocolate creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s hard to resist. Perfect with a cup of coffee or tea!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients to whip up these delightful cookies! You probably have most of them in your pantry already.

For the Cookies

• 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 flexible, so feel free to get creative! Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch and pair beautifully with pumpkin.
• Use Different Spices: Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra flavor boost.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.
• Try Different Chocolates: Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate can change up the flavor profile!

How to Make Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking trays with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a large stainless steel pan, brown the cold butter over medium heat. Watch as it foams, pops, and crackles—that’s just its natural process! Stir occasionally until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. This step adds depth of flavor to your cookies that regular melted butter just won’t achieve.

Step 3: Blot the Pumpkin Puree

Spread the pumpkin puree on a plate and press paper towels into it to soak up excess moisture. This is key because drier pumpkin will give you that chewy texture we’re after! Keep blotting until it feels like soft playdough.

Step 4: Mix in Sugars

Once your browned butter has cooled down, whisk in both sugars for exactly one minute until combined. The mixture should resemble pale wet sand—this helps create those chewy edges!

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to whisk in those egg yolks, vanilla extract, and dried pumpkin puree until everything is well incorporated. This mixture will be rich and flavorful!

Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in the flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, salt, and chocolate until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those delightful chunks of chocolate throughout!

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Trays

Using a 3 tbsp cookie scoop, roll the dough between your palms before placing them on the prepared trays about 2-3 inches apart. If you want extra pools of melted chocolate on top, feel free to add more chopped chocolate pieces before baking!

Step 8: Bake Your Cookies

Bake one tray at a time for about 9-13 minutes until the edges are golden but still slightly underbaked in the center. As soon as they come out of the oven, use a large round cookie cutter to gently scoot in any uneven edges.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!

Let your cookies cool completely on a wire rack before digging in! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days—or freeze dough balls for future cravings!

Enjoy your Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies with friends or family—they’re sure to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Getting the perfect chewy texture in your pumpkin chocolate chip cookies may seem tricky, but with a few simple tips, you’ll be a pro in no time!

• Use cold butter: Starting with cold butter helps create that rich, nutty flavor while ensuring a chewy texture. It prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

• Don’t skip browning the butter: This step adds depth and a gorgeous nutty flavor to your cookies. Just watch closely to avoid burning, as that can turn bitter.

• Measure flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method by spooning flour into your measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife for accuracy.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the cookie dough to chill helps develop flavor and improves texture. Ideally, let it rest in the fridge for at least an hour before baking.

• Underbake slightly: For that perfect gooey center, take the cookies out of the oven when they’re just set on the edges but still soft in the middle. They will continue to cook on the tray after being removed from the oven.

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are not only delightful on their own but can also be served in several fun and creative ways! Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or just enjoying them at home, here are some ideas to elevate your cookie experience.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of sea salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right before serving can enhance sweetness and add a delightful contrast to the rich flavors.
• Cinnamon sugar dusting: Mix equal parts cinnamon and sugar, then lightly dust over warm cookies for an extra touch of warmth and sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Pumpkin Spice Latte: Pair these cookies with a cozy pumpkin spice latte for a comforting fall treat. The spices complement each other beautifully.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert. The melting ice cream contrasts perfectly with the chewy cookie texture.
• Hot Apple Cider: Enjoy your cookies alongside a mug of hot apple cider. The warm spices in both will transport you straight into autumn bliss!
• Cream Cheese Frosting Dip: Whip up a quick cream cheese frosting as a dip. The tangy sweetness pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of pumpkin and chocolate.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’ll be ready to impress family and friends with your deliciously chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time, ensuring that you have a delightful treat ready whenever you crave something sweet.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
• If you prefer them to stay fresh longer, consider refrigerating them, which will extend their shelf life slightly.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• For baked cookies, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy your cookies warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
• For frozen cookie dough balls, bake directly from the freezer but add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

FAQs

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

Can I substitute pumpkin puree in the Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Yes! You can use homemade pumpkin puree or even other pureed fruits like sweet potato or butternut squash as alternatives.

What makes these Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies so special?

The combination of brown butter and blotted pumpkin gives these cookies a rich flavor and chewy texture that is hard to resist!

How do I know when my Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are done baking?

Look for golden edges while the center remains slightly underbaked. This will ensure they stay chewy after cooling.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies! They embody the cozy essence of fall with every delicious bite. Whether you’re enjoying them warm from the oven or storing extras for later, they are sure to bring a smile to your face. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with family and friends!