Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the warmth of fall spices with the indulgence of chocolate. Perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply as a sweet snack, these cookies boast a unique texture that is neither cakey nor dry. The use of brown butter and blotted pumpkin ensures each bite is soft, gooey, and full of flavor. Enjoy the comforting aroma as they bake and savor the deliciousness they bring to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Texture: The combination of brown butter and pumpkin puree creates a chewy cookie that melts in your mouth.
• Fall Flavors: The addition of warm spices makes these cookies a perfect seasonal treat, ideal for autumn gatherings.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, these cookies come together quickly without any fuss.
• Versatile Treat: Great for sharing at parties or simply enjoying at home; these cookies fit any occasion.
• Chocolate Lovers’ Dream: Packed with chocolatey goodness, they are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Tools and Preparation

To create your perfect batch of chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, gather some essential tools. Preparation is key to achieving the best results!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Cookie scoop
• Baking trays
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without mess.
• Whisk: Helps achieve the right consistency when mixing sugars and butter.
• Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly without becoming soggy on the bottom.

Ingredients

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are soft, gooey, and packed with warm fall spices and melty chocolate. Made with brown butter and blotted pumpkin for that signature chewy texture. No cakey cookies here!

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
• 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) and line two baking trays with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly without sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a large stainless steel pan, melt the cold unsalted butter over medium heat. Watch as it foams, pops, and crackles—this is normal! Stir occasionally until it turns golden brown with nutty aromas. Once ready, transfer just under 1 cup of browned butter into a glass measuring bowl. Chill it in the fridge for about 50-60 minutes until it cools but remains liquid.

Step 3: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree

Spread Libby’s Pumpkin Puree onto a plate. Use paper towels to soak up excess moisture by pressing down on it repeatedly until you have roughly 1/3 cup (75 grams) of drier pumpkin puree.

Step 4: Mix Sugars and Butter

Once the butter has cooled, whisk in both granulated sugar and light brown sugar. Continue whisking for exactly one minute until you achieve a pale sand-like consistency.

Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients

Incorporate the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and dried pumpkin puree into your mixture until fully combined.

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in all-purpose flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, sea salt, and chocolate chips until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Trays

Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out dough balls onto your prepared trays. Space them about 2–3 inches apart. For extra melted chocolate pools on top, add larger pieces of chocolate before baking.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake one tray at a time for about 9–13 minutes or until edges are golden while centers remain slightly underbaked. To shape them perfectly round after baking, use a large round cookie cutter immediately out of the oven.

Step 9: Cool and Store

Let your cookies cool completely on a wire cooling rack before removing them from the trays. Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate or freeze cookie dough balls; just allow them to reach room temperature before baking!

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are delightful on their own, but serving them with a few extras can elevate the experience. Here are some great serving suggestions to enhance your cookie enjoyment.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair your cookies with a glass of cold milk for a classic combination that balances sweetness and creaminess.

Warmed with Ice Cream

• Slightly warm the cookies and serve them with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a comforting dessert.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for an extra layer of richness that complements the chocolate and pumpkin flavors.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Serve the cookies alongside a dollop of whipped cream for a light and airy contrast to their chewy texture.

Alongside Fresh Fruit

• Pair your cookies with slices of fresh apples or pears. The fruit’s crispness provides a refreshing contrast to the soft, gooey cookie.

With Hot Spiced Tea or Coffee

• Enjoy your cookies with a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee. The warm beverages enhance the cozy flavors of pumpkin spice.

How to Perfect Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Perfecting chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies is all about technique and ingredient quality. Here are some tips to help you achieve cookie perfection.

• Use Cold Butter: Starting with cold butter helps create that ideal chewy texture. It prevents the dough from spreading too much during baking.

• Properly Measure Flour: For accurate results, spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off. This prevents adding too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.

• Chill Dough: Allowing the cookie dough to chill for at least 30 minutes before baking helps develop flavors and improves texture.

• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; take them out when they are slightly underbaked in the center for maximum chewiness.

• Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality chocolate chips or chunks for better melting and richer flavor in every bite.

• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of pumpkin spice or add other spices like nutmeg or cinnamon to suit your taste preferences.

Best Side Dishes for Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

When enjoying chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, consider serving them with these delightful side dishes for an added touch.

1. Chai Latte: A spiced tea latte that pairs wonderfully with the warm flavors of pumpkin spice in the cookies.

2. Caramelized Apples: Sweet, tender apples sautéed in butter and sugar create a delightful contrast to the chewy texture of the cookies.

3. Pumpkin Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup can enhance your fall theme while providing a savory balance to sweet cookies.

4. Cinnamon Yogurt Dip: A simple yogurt dip mixed with cinnamon offers a tangy yet sweet complement to your chewy treats.

5. Maple Pecan Granola: Crunchy granola adds texture and pairs deliciously with both coffee and pumpkin flavors.

6. Roasted Nuts: A bowl of lightly salted roasted nuts provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with soft cookies.

7. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits lightens up dessert time and balances sweetness well.

8. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can offer savory bites between cookie indulgences, creating an interesting flavor journey.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies can be easy, but there are a few common mistakes that can ruin your batch. Here are some tips to help you avoid them:

• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Stir until the flour is just combined to keep them tender.

• Not Measuring Pumpkin Properly: Excess moisture from pumpkin can change the texture. Make sure to blot it thoroughly before adding.

• Ignoring Butter Temperature: Using butter that’s too warm can make cookies spread too much. Cool browned butter to 75°F for the best results.

• Skipping the Cooling Time: Allowing cookies to cool on a wire rack lets them set properly. Don’t skip this step or they may crumble!

• Baking on an Unprepared Sheet: Not lining your baking tray can lead to sticking. Always use parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking.

Freezing Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe bags or containers, and label with the date.

Reheating Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individually for about 10-15 seconds for a soft cookie.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies:

How do I make Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies thicker?

To achieve thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough before baking. This helps them maintain their shape during cooking.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips according to your taste preference.

What ingredients can I substitute in Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?

You can replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or use gluten-free flour blends as alternatives while keeping the main flavors intact.

How long do Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies last?

When stored correctly in an airtight container, these cookies will last up to 3 days at room temperature or longer if frozen.

Can I add nuts to my Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can complement the flavors beautifully. Just fold them in along with the chocolate chips.

Final Thoughts

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are a delightful treat perfect for fall baking. Their soft texture pairs wonderfully with rich chocolate, making them irresistible. Customize your batch by adding different types of chocolate or nuts for a personal touch. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a cozy bite of seasonal bliss!