Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies: Chewy, Spiced & Fall-Perfect

Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delicious way to celebrate the fall season, bringing warmth and comfort to every bite. Picture this: a cozy kitchen filled with the aroma of spices and sweet chocolate mingling together, evoking memories of sweet gatherings with family and friends. Every time I make these cookies, I’m transported to those happy moments, sharing warm treats with loved ones while the leaves turn and the air gets crisp. This recipe is perfect not just for autumn but year-round; it’s a delightful surprise that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So, let’s dive into this wonderful recipe and create some tasty memories together!

Origin of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

The combination of pumpkin and chocolate may sound like a modern twist, but its origins set themselves deep in the culture of indulgence that characterizes American pastries. Pumpkin, a staple in many households, finds its roots in Native American cooking, where it was often used in dishes for its texture and nutritional benefits. As settlers adapted their recipes, pumpkin pie emerged as a Thanksgiving favorite, showcasing the versatility of this orange gourd. Fast forward a few decades, and the wealth of pumpkin recipes has expanded dramatically, think pumpkin bread, muffins, and now, these delightful chewy cookies.

Chocolate chips became a popular ingredient around the 1930s when Ruth Wakefield famously added chopped chocolate bar to her cookie dough. The classic chocolate chip cookie has grown into numerous adaptations, and merging the warm spices of pumpkin with gooey chocolate has created an exciting explosion of flavor. Together, they bring a delightful twist to the typical cookie experience, so it’s no wonder many people embrace this recipe as a seasonal delight. For those who enjoy comfort foods, these cookies are perfect for snacking or sharing with loved ones, especially during the cozy months ahead. You can check out my homemade Pumpkin Zucchini Bread Recipe for more delicious pumpkin-inspired treats.

Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

These Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect fall treat, blending warm pumpkin spices with gooey chocolate.

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 15 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking trays with parchment paper.
2. Brown the butter in a large pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it develops a rich, nutty aroma.
3. Pour the browned butter into a glass measuring bowl and refrigerate for about 50-60 minutes until cool.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the pumpkin by pressing it between paper towels to absorb excess moisture until it resembles soft playdough.
5. Once the butter is cool, whisk in both sugars until combined, then add in the egg yolks, vanilla, and dried pumpkin puree.
6. Gradually fold in the flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chips until just combined.
7. Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, roll dough into balls and place them on the baking trays, spacing 2-3 inches apart.
8. Bake for 9-13 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underbaked.
9. Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, consider incorporating chopped nuts or using different types of chocolate chips. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.

• Author: James Walker
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Why this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe works

Creating the perfect Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies relies on the right balance of ingredients and technique. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, while the flavors enhance each other seamlessly. Let’s explore why this recipe works so well.

Brown Butter

Browning the butter adds a nutty flavor that elevates the cookies to new heights. When you heat the butter, the milk solids caramelize, resulting in a rich, complex flavor profile that heightens the taste of the spices and chocolate. It’s a simple technique that makes all the difference!

Perfectly Dried Pumpkin

Many people skip a crucial step: draining the pumpkin puree. By removing excess moisture, the cookies achieve that chewy texture everyone loves. This way, the cookies stay light and fluffy instead of becoming soggy. Ensuring you use just the right amount of pumpkin puree is essential.

Unique Ingredients

This recipe incorporates both brown sugar and granulated sugar. The combination not only provides a balanced sweetness but also contributes to a lovely chewy texture. The brown sugar introduces molasses, which pairs perfectly with the spices found in pumpkin spice and enhances that autumn flavor.

To learn more about the fascinating science behind pumpkin in baking, I recommend exploring this Healthline article on pumpkin nutrition.

Step-by-Step Instructions + Tips

Making these cookies is straightforward, but a few tips will guide you to success every time you bake. Let’s look closely at each step to ensure the best possible outcome.

Gathering Your Ingredients

Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of cold unsalted butter, 2/3 cup of Libby’s Pumpkin Puree (room temperature), 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of light brown sugar (packed), 2 large egg yolks (room temperature), 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 1 2/3 cup + 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, 2 1/2 teaspoons of pumpkin spice, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt, and 1 cup of finely chopped chocolate bar or chocolate chips. Having everything ready makes the process smoother!

Preparing the Brown Butter

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking trays with parchment paper. In a large stainless steel pan, brown the butter by heating it over medium heat, stirring occasionally. The butter will foam and crackle—stay attentive to avoid burning. Once it develops a rich, nutty aroma and has brown bits at the bottom, remove from heat. Pour the butter into a glass measuring bowl and refrigerate for about 50-60 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes until it cools to around 75°F. Remember, it must be cool but still liquid!

Preparing the Pumpkin

While the butter cools, spread the pumpkin puree on a plate, pressing paper towels to soak up extra moisture. Repeat the process until the pumpkin resembles soft playdough and measures approximately 1/3 cup. This step will help prevent overly moist cookies.

Mixing the Ingredients

When your butter has cooled, whisk in both sugars for one minute. The mixture should resemble pale wet sand. Then, add egg yolks, vanilla, and the dried pumpkin puree, mixing until combined. Gradually fold in the flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chips until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Scooping and Baking

Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, roll the dough into balls between your palms and place them on the prepared baking trays, spacing them 2-3 inches apart. Aim for about 15 cookies total. If desired, chop some chocolate into larger chunks and press them on top of the dough balls for added melted chocolate pools while baking.

Baking to Perfection

Bake one tray at a time for 9-13 minutes or until the edges are golden, and the middle looks slightly underbaked. When done, use a large cookie cutter to scoot the edges in, creating a thicker round appearance. Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack before transferring them to enjoy!

To learn more about the perfect cookie baking techniques, check out my post on making Perfect Sourdough Banana Muffins.

Variations & Serving Ideas

These Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are incredibly versatile! Here are some fun variations and serving ideas to enhance your experience:

Nutty Additions

For those who love a bit of crunch, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough. The nutty texture complements the soft chewiness of the cookie while enhancing the flavor profile.

Creative Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect on their own, but why not try pairing them with a warm cup of apple cider or hot chocolate? Serving them at a gathering or a cozy movie night is a surefire way to get smiles and requests for more.

Storing Your Cookies

Make sure to store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to prepare those cookies ahead of time, consider refrigerating or freezing the cookie dough balls and bringing them to room temperature before baking. Just allow about an hour to thaw refrigerated dough and up to two hours for frozen dough. Enjoy your comforting cookie treat anytime!

Final Thoughts

Crafting Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies brings a personal touch that encapsulates the spirit of cozy gatherings. With the warm scents of pumpkin and spices surrounded by gooey chocolate, these cookies are more than just treats; they spark joy and comfort. I love sharing these cookies at gatherings because they kick off the fall and winter months with a delicious uplift. They’re even great as gifts during the holiday season, showcasing a homemade touch that’s sure to be appreciated.

Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive get-together, these cookies will surely bring smiles and warmth. For more creative baking inspirations, don’t forget to check out my delicious Chocolate Zucchini Muffins. And for visual inspiration, feel free to follow my Pinterest board at Cook Minutes on Pinterest!

FAQ