Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful fall treat that captures the essence of the season, these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are just what you need! Imagine biting into a warm, chewy cookie that’s bursting with cozy pumpkin spice flavor and rich chocolate. This recipe has become a beloved staple in my home, perfect for family gatherings or those busy weeknights when you simply want to indulge in something sweet. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up without needing to chill the dough or use any fancy equipment!

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just wanting to fill your kitchen with warm aromas, these cookies are sure to please everyone. Trust me; once you try them, they’ll quickly become your go-to dessert for fall!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe requires no chilling and no mixer—just simple mixing by hand!
• Family-Friendly: The combination of pumpkin and chocolate is a hit with both kids and adults.
• Perfectly Chewy: Enjoy soft and chewy cookies that stay deliciously moist.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze cookie balls for baking later.
• Versatile: These cookies are great for any occasion, from casual snacks to festive gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are simple and wholesome. With just a few pantry staples and some delicious pumpkin puree, you can create a batch of cookies that will fill your home with warmth and comfort.

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 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! You can easily adjust it to match your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Swap the Chocolate: Use white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips if you want a different sweet twist!
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger for an extra kick of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious alternative.

How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown. While you’re at it, line two baking trays with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a large stainless steel pan, melt the cold unsalted butter over medium heat. Watch closely as it foams, pops, and crackles—this is part of the process! Stir occasionally until it turns nutty brown with bits on the bottom. Once done, transfer it to a glass measuring bowl and let it cool in the fridge until it’s around 75°F while still liquid. Cooling the butter helps create those chewy cookie edges we love!

Step 3: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree

Spread out the pumpkin puree on a plate and press paper towels into it to absorb excess moisture. Repeat this process until it feels like soft playdough. This step is crucial because getting rid of excess liquid helps keep your cookies from becoming too cakey.

Step 4: Mix Your Sugars

Once the butter is cooled, whisk together the brown sugar and granulated sugar in the bowl until blended—about one minute. You want it to look like pale wet sand; this creates that delightful sweetness in every bite!

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, add in the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and dried pumpkin puree to your sugar mixture. Whisk until everything is well combined; this adds moisture and flavor throughout your dough.

Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to gently fold in your flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chips until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those delicious pockets of chocolate without toughening up our cookies!

Step 7: Scoop & Shape Cookies

Using a 3 tbsp cookie scoop, portion out cookie dough onto your prepared trays spaced about 2-3 inches apart. For extra pools of melted chocolate goodness, feel free to press larger pieces on top before baking!

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake one tray at a time for about 9-13 minutes until the edges are golden brown but still slightly underbaked in the center. Immediately after taking them out of the oven, use a large round cookie cutter to shape them into perfect circles if needed—a little trick I adore!

Step 9: Cool & Enjoy!

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

Now grab yourself a glass of milk or hot cocoa—you’re going to love snacking on these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making cookies is a delightful experience, and with a few simple tips, you can elevate your pumpkin chocolate chip cookies to perfection!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring that your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter, resulting in soft and chewy cookies.

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents overpacking, which can lead to dense cookies.

• Don’t skip chilling the butter: Cooling the browned butter not only enhances its flavor but also ensures that your cookies hold their shape while baking.

• Watch the baking time closely: Every oven is different! Start checking your cookies at the 9-minute mark. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center for that perfect chewy texture.

• Let them cool properly: Using a cooling rack allows air to circulate around the cookies, preventing them from becoming soggy on the bottom.

How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Serving these scrumptious pumpkin chocolate chip cookies can be as fun as making them! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, here are some ideas to make your presentation special.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of sea salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking enhances the flavors and adds an irresistible contrast to the sweetness.
• Chopped nuts: Add some texture by sprinkling finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top of your cookie dough before baking for an extra crunch.

Side Dishes

• Warm cider: A mug of warm apple cider perfectly complements these cookies, bringing out their fall flavors and making for a cozy treat.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream served alongside warm cookies creates a delightful contrast between hot and cold, plus it adds creaminess to each bite.
• Pumpkin spice latte: Pairing these cookies with a pumpkin spice latte enhances that comforting fall vibe and makes for a delightful afternoon snack.
• Caramel sauce: Serve drizzled caramel sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling over the top of your cookie. It adds an indulgent touch that everyone will love!

Enjoy your delicious pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them all by yourself!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to whip up a batch in advance and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat them for maximum enjoyment!

Storing Leftovers

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
• For extended freshness, place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container.
• You can freeze baked cookies as well; just ensure they are completely cooled before storing.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwaving is also an option: heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies that might help you in your baking journey!

Can I make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies without brown sugar?

Yes! You can substitute brown sugar with an equal amount of granulated sugar for a sweeter flavor. However, using brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper flavor profile.

How do I ensure my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are chewy?

To achieve chewy cookies, avoid overmixing once you incorporate the flour. Bake them until just golden around the edges while keeping the center slightly underbaked for that soft texture.

Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of pumpkin spice?

Absolutely! If you have pumpkin pie spice on hand, feel free to use it in place of pumpkin spice—just make sure to adjust the quantity according to your taste preference.

How should I store my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, freezing is recommended.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies! They bring together the warm flavors of fall in every bite, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family or simply indulging yourself. Enjoy the process and be sure to treat yourself; after all, there’s nothing quite like a freshly baked cookie! Happy baking!