Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, these Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are just what you need. Imagine biting into a soft, gooey cookie filled with melty chocolate and warm spices. It’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a chilly evening! This recipe has quickly become a favorite in our household, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply enjoying a quiet night at home, these cookies will fill your space with warmth and sweetness.

What makes these chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies extra special is the rich flavor from browning the butter and the careful preparation of the pumpkin puree. Trust me, no one wants cakey cookies when you can have these delightful chewy morsels instead!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll be whipping up these cookies in no time.
• Family-friendly delight: These cookies are sure to please everyone—from kids to adults—making them perfect for sharing.
• Perfect for meal prep: The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer, ready to bake whenever cravings hit.
• Irresistibly delicious: The combination of pumpkin and chocolate creates a unique flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 (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! Feel free to play around with different add-ins or substitutes based on your taste preferences.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an added crunch.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs.
• Spice it up: Add extra cinnamon or nutmeg for an even more robust flavor.
• Try different chocolates: Use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even butterscotch chips for a twist!

How to Make Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lining two baking trays with parchment paper ensures that your cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup super easy later on.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a large stainless steel pan, melt your cold unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir it occasionally as it foams and crackles—this is normal! Watch closely until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. This step is crucial because browning the butter adds depth and richness to your cookies. Once done, transfer it into a glass measuring bowl and let it cool in the fridge until it reaches about 75°F.

Step 3: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree

While your butter cools, spread your room-temperature pumpkin puree on a plate. Using paper towels, press down to soak up excess moisture. This helps achieve that chewy texture we love! Repeat this process until the pumpkin feels dry and measures roughly 1/3 cup.

Step 4: Mix Sugars with Butter

When your browned butter has cooled down, whisk in both granulated and brown sugars for exactly one minute. It should resemble pale wet sand—this step helps create that lovely chewy consistency.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, mix in the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and your prepared pumpkin puree until everything is well combined. This mixture will be rich and flavorful!

Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Carefully fold in the all-purpose flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chips until just combined. Avoid overmixing; we want those little pockets of chocolate!

Step 7: Scoop the Dough

Using a 3 tbsp cookie scoop, portion out dough onto your lined trays spaced about 2-3 inches apart. If you love gooey chocolate pools, chop larger pieces of chocolate and press them into each cookie before baking.

Step 8: Bake Your Cookies

Bake one tray at a time for about 9-13 minutes until the edges are golden brown but the centers are slightly underbaked. As soon as they come out of the oven, use a large round cookie cutter to gently shape them into perfect rounds. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before digging in!

Step 9: Store Your Cookies

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you’ve made extra dough balls, pop them in the fridge or freezer; just remember to let them come back to room temperature before baking!

Enjoy every scrumptious bite of these Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies! They truly embody autumn’s warmth and sweetness—perfectly made to share with those you love most!

Pro Tips for Making Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Creating the perfect chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies is all about technique and a little love. Here are some pro tips to ensure your cookies turn out delightfully chewy every single time!

• Use cold butter: Starting with cold unsalted butter is essential for achieving that rich, nutty flavor from browning while still keeping the cookies chewy.

• Don’t skip drying the pumpkin: Properly blotting the pumpkin puree reduces excess moisture, which helps prevent your cookies from becoming cakey and ensures they maintain that chewy texture.

• Chill your dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes before baking helps to firm it up, leading to thicker and chewier cookies.

• Bake in batches: Baking one tray at a time allows for even cooking and ensures you get that perfect golden edge while keeping the center slightly underbaked—just how we like it!

• Use a cookie scoop: For uniform-sized cookies, using a cookie scoop guarantees they bake evenly. Plus, it makes portioning the dough so much easier!

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Serving your freshly baked chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies can be just as fun as making them! Here are some delightful ways to present these fall-inspired treats.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of sea salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie right after baking enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a nice contrast to the sweetness.

• Chopped nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts can provide an excellent crunch and complement the soft, gooey texture of the cookies beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider: The sweet and spicy notes of warm apple cider pair perfectly with pumpkin flavors, creating a cozy autumn experience.

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream served alongside these warm cookies melts slightly into them, resulting in a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

• Pumpkin spice latte: This classic fall drink is an ideal companion for your cookies. The spices in the latte echo those in the dessert, making each bite and sip feel harmoniously festive.

• Fresh fruit salad: A light fruit salad with apples, pears, or berries adds a refreshing balance to the richness of the cookies, making for a well-rounded treat.

With these tips and serving ideas, you’re not just baking; you’re crafting memorable moments filled with deliciousness. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make the dough ahead of time or store the baked cookies for later enjoyment. Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious:

Storing Leftovers

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
• Keep them away from direct sunlight to maintain their freshness.
• If you prefer softer cookies, you can add a slice of bread to the container; it helps retain moisture.

Freezing

• To freeze cookie dough, scoop the dough balls onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls into a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container.
• Baked cookies can also be frozen; just place them in an airtight container with layers separated by parchment paper.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen cookie dough, let it come to room temperature for about 1 hour before baking.
• For baked cookies, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

FAQs

Got questions? We’ve got answers! Here are some frequently asked questions about these chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies:

Can I make chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies without brown butter?

Absolutely! While brown butter adds a nutty flavor, you can use regular melted unsalted butter instead. Just ensure it’s cooled before mixing!

What makes chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies so special?

The combination of blotted pumpkin and browned butter creates a unique texture that is soft and gooey. Plus, the warm spices bring the flavor of fall right into your kitchen!

How can I adjust the sweetness in chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies?

You can reduce the amount of granulated sugar or light brown sugar by up to 1/4 cup if you prefer a less sweet cookie. You might also consider using a sugar substitute if desired.

Can I add nuts to my chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips for added crunch.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies as much as I do! They’re not only delicious but also bring a cozy warmth to any gathering or quiet evening at home. Share them with family and friends or keep them all to yourself—either way, they’re sure to bring smiles. Happy baking!