Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, then these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are just what you need! They are soft, chewy, and bursting with warm pumpkin spice flavor that will make your kitchen smell heavenly. This recipe is a go-to during the autumn season, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings where comfort food is a must. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about enjoying a warm cookie straight from the oven, don’t you think?

What makes these cookies even better is how easy they are to whip up. No chilling required, and no fancy mixers needed—just simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Gather your loved ones and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This no-chill recipe means you can have fresh cookies in no time!
• Perfectly Chewy: These cookies strike the perfect balance between soft and chewy—no cakey texture here!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cookies, especially when they’re packed with chocolate goodness.
• Versatile Treat: Great for parties, school lunches, or simply enjoying at home with a warm cup of cider.
• Fall Flavors: Embrace the season with delightful pumpkin and spice flavors in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome items that you can easily find at any grocery store. Gather these up to make your batch of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip 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 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

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch!
• Change Up the Chocolate: Swap out chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a different sweetness.
• Spice It Up: If you love spices, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for more depth of flavor.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs while still enjoying these delicious cookies.

How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350 F (180 C). This step is crucial as it ensures even baking. While that’s heating up, line two baking trays with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a large stainless steel pan, brown your cold butter. As it cooks, it’ll foam and crackle—this part is so fun to watch! Stir occasionally until you see brown bits forming on the bottom and smell a nutty aroma. Remove it from heat when ready and cool it down in the fridge until it reaches around 75°F (about 50-60 minutes). Cooling the butter helps create that delightful chewy texture we all love.

Step 3: Prepare Your Pumpkin Puree

Spread out your pumpkin puree on a plate and press paper towels into it to soak up excess liquid. Repeat this process until it feels drier—similar to soft playdough—and measures roughly 1/3 cup (75 grams). This step is important because we want our cookies to be perfectly textured without being too wet.

Step 4: Mix Sugars with Butter

Once your butter has cooled down, whisk together the brown sugar and granulated sugar in a bowl for exactly one minute until it looks like pale wet sand. This creates air pockets that help give our cookies their lovely texture.

Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, whisk in those egg yolks and vanilla extract along with your prepared pumpkin puree until everything is well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy at this point.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to fold in your flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chips until just combined. Be gentle here; over-mixing can lead to tough cookies!

Step 7: Scoop Your Dough

Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop (or just your hands), roll dough balls and place them on your lined baking trays spaced about 2-3 inches apart. You should end up with around 15 cookies. For even more melted chocolate goodness on top, press some larger chocolate pieces into each ball before baking!

Step 8: Bake Those Cookies

Bake one tray at a time for 9-13 minutes until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain slightly underbaked. When they come out of the oven, use a large round cookie cutter to scoot the edges inward for perfectly round cookies! Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before digging in.

Step 9: Store Your Delicious Treats

Store any leftover baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days—or enjoy them longer by refrigerating or freezing cookie dough balls! Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before baking.

I can’t wait for you to try these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies! They’re sure to become a cherished favorite in your home just like they are in mine. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking these delightful cookies will be a breeze with these handy tips that ensure your cookies are perfectly soft and flavorful every time!

• Use cold butter – Starting with cold butter helps create the perfect texture, ensuring your cookies are chewy rather than cakey.
• Don’t skip drying the pumpkin – Removing excess moisture from the pumpkin puree is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie consistency. It prevents sogginess and enhances the overall flavor.
• Chill the browned butter – Cooling the browned butter allows it to thicken slightly, enhancing the flavor and texture of your cookies without making them greasy.
• Scoop and roll evenly – Using a cookie scoop ensures uniformity in size, which allows for even baking. Rolling them between your palms also helps create smooth edges that bake beautifully.
• Check for doneness carefully – Since these cookies should be slightly underbaked in the center, keep a close eye on them towards the end of baking. This results in that irresistible soft center!

How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Presenting them well can enhance your guests’ experience.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle with sea salt – A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of warm cookies enhances their sweetness and adds an exciting contrast.
• Drizzle with chocolate – Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for an elegant touch that makes them even more indulgent.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider – The warmth and spice of apple cider complement the flavors of pumpkin perfectly, creating a cozy pairing for fall gatherings.
• Vanilla ice cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside warm cookies creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture, making each bite heavenly!
• Pumpkin spice latte – Match your cookie treat with a pumpkin spice latte for a seasonal celebration that will warm both your heart and belly.
• Fresh fruit salad – A fresh fruit salad serves as a refreshing counterbalance to the rich flavors of the cookies, adding brightness to your dessert table.

Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies this fall! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, they are sure to be a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them in advance, ensuring you always have a delicious treat on hand to enjoy or share with friends and family.

Storing Leftovers

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for about 2-3 days.
• If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them.

Freezing

• Freeze the cookie dough balls before baking for up to 3 months.
• Place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• To bake, let them thaw at room temperature for about 1 hour or until soft enough to roll.

Reheating

• For freshly baked cookies, warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 5 minutes for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delightful cookies!

Can I make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies without using eggs?

Yes! You can replace the egg yolks with flaxseed meal. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes gelatinous.

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

To achieve that chewy texture, avoid overmixing the dough and take care not to overbake them. The edges should be golden brown while the center remains soft and slightly underbaked.

What should I do if my pumpkin puree is too watery?

Press your pumpkin puree between paper towels to absorb excess moisture before adding it to the cookie mixture. This helps maintain the right consistency for your cookies.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies! They embody the cozy flavors of fall and are perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. Whether you’re snuggling up with a good book or entertaining friends, these cookies are bound to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!