Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step aside, dry cakey pumpkin cookies. These Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is the answer to your fall cravings! Soft, chewy, and packed with warm spices and melted chocolate chips, these cookies are perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday parties, or simply enjoying at home. The combination of pumpkin and chocolate creates a delightful flavor that will make them your go-to treat this season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of pumpkin and warm spices makes each bite comforting and festive.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: Unlike traditional cookies, these stay soft and chewy, making them irresistible.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, even novice bakers can whip these up!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual get-together or a holiday feast, these cookies fit right in.
• Customizable Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with nuts or dried fruits to make the recipe your own.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into baking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and fun!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills.
• Whisk: Helps incorporate air into the mixture for a lighter texture.
• Spatula: Perfect for folding in chocolate chips without overmixing.
• Baking sheets: Provide an even surface for baking your cookies.

Ingredients

To create the best chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cookies

• ½ cup butter (113 g) browned and slightly cooled
• ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg white, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup pumpkin puree, blotted to remove moisture
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled (188 g)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• pinch of clove
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

How to Make Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Adjust the oven rack to the middle position. Preheat your oven on convection to 350˚ F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Stir continuously as it crackles and foams. After about 5 minutes, milk solids will form at the bottom. Keep stirring until the butter turns an amber brown color and becomes aromatic. Remove from heat and pour into a large heat-safe bowl. Allow it to cool for about 30 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves. Set this mixture aside.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

To the cooled butter, add both sugars, egg white, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree. Whisk until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Using a scoop or spoon, portion out about 2 ounces of dough for each cookie. Place them on prepared cookie sheets about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for 9 to 10 minutes or until edges are golden brown but centers remain slightly underbaked. Remove from oven and let cool on cookie sheets for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your deliciously chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies!

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, here are some fun serving suggestions.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination. The creaminess of the milk balances the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.

As an Ice Cream Sandwich

• Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or pumpkin ice cream between two cookies. It’s a fun and delicious way to elevate your cookie experience.

With Whipped Cream

• Top warm cookies with a dollop of whipped cream. This adds extra creaminess and makes for an indulgent dessert.

Alongside Coffee or Tea

• Serve these cookies with your favorite coffee or tea. The spices in the cookies complement the warmth and flavors of hot beverages beautifully.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange cookies on a decorative dessert platter for gatherings. Add some seasonal fruits or nuts to enhance the presentation.

With Fresh Fruit

• Enjoy them alongside slices of fresh apple or pear. The fruit’s crispness contrasts nicely with the soft texture of the cookies.

How to Perfect Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

For the best results when making your chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, consider these tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter and egg white are at room temperature helps achieve a smoother batter and better texture.
• Don’t overmix: Mixing just until combined keeps your cookies tender and chewy rather than cakey.
• Chill the dough: For even chewier cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld.
• Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on them while baking; removing them when they look slightly underbaked helps maintain that perfect chewy center.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your taste. More cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance flavor.
• Store correctly: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their chewiness.

Best Side Dishes for Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Pairing side dishes with chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies can create an even more delightful meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the warm spices in the cookies, creating an irresistible dessert.
2. Pumpkin Spice Latte
   This seasonal beverage enhances the fall flavors in your cookies and makes for a cozy pairing.
3. Apple Cider
   Warm apple cider brings out the autumn essence, making it a perfect companion for these delicious treats.
4. Spiced Chai Tea
   The rich spices in chai tea pair wonderfully with pumpkin flavors, providing warmth and comfort.
5. Cheese Platter
   A selection of mild cheeses can contrast nicely with sweet cookies, offering a savory balance to your dessert spread.
6. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A refreshing fruit salad provides brightness and acidity, balancing out the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
7. Pumpkin Soup
   A bowl of creamy pumpkin soup as a starter sets a festive tone that pairs well with pumpkin desserts.
8. Candied Nuts
   Sweet and crunchy candied nuts offer texture and flavor diversity alongside soft cookie goodness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies can be a delight, but there are common pitfalls. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the butter can mean missing out on a rich flavor. Take the time to brown the butter for added depth.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Improper measurements can throw off the texture. Spoon and level your flour for accuracy.
• Ignoring room temperature ingredients: Cold ingredients can affect mixing and texture. Ensure your egg white and butter are at room temperature before starting.
• Baking too long: Overbaking can dry out your cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they are slightly underbaked.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place in a freezer-safe bag or container; they will last up to 3 months.

Reheating Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a soft treat.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I make my pumpkin chocolate chip cookies chewier?

To enhance chewiness, ensure you don’t overmix the dough and use brown sugar, which adds moisture.

Can I substitute pumpkin puree with something else?

Yes, you can use applesauce or mashed bananas, but this may change the flavor profile slightly.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you prefer a firmer texture.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely! These cookies freeze well; just make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in freezer-safe bags.

What makes these cookies different from regular chocolate chip cookies?

The addition of pumpkin puree gives these cookies a unique flavor and moisture that sets them apart from traditional recipes.

Final Thoughts

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or using different types of chocolate chips. They make a perfect treat for any occasion, especially during fall! Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and enjoy the delightful combination of pumpkin and chocolate in every bite.