Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step aside, dry cakey pumpkin cookies. These Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe are the perfect blend of soft texture and rich chocolate flavor, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a Fall gathering or simply indulging in a cozy night in, these cookies bring warmth and sweetness to your table. With cozy spices and heaps of melted chocolate chips, they will quickly become your favorite cookie!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a unique taste that captures the essence of Fall.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: Unlike traditional cookies, these have a satisfying chewiness that keeps you coming back for more.
• Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 40 minutes, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion, from holiday parties to casual snacks or even as lunchbox surprises.
• Customizable Add-ins: Feel free to mix in nuts or dried fruits for an extra twist!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your delicious cookies, gather all necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without mess.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter by incorporating air into the mix.
• Spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls and ensuring every bit of batter makes it onto the baking sheet.

Ingredients

To create these delightful Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, gather 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. Set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter.
* Continue stirring as it crackles and foams.
* After about 5 minutes, watch for milk solids forming at the bottom.
* Keep stirring until the butter turns an amber brown color with an aromatic scent.
* Carefully pour into a large heat-safe bowl, scraping down any brown bits from the pan.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (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

Set this mixture aside.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

To your cooled butter, add:
* Both sugars (½ cup light brown sugar, ½ cup granulated sugar)
* One egg white (room temperature)
* One teaspoon vanilla extract (1 tsp)
* One quarter cup pumpkin puree (¼ cup)

Whisk until everything is smooth.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Mixture

Add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
* Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in:
* One and a half cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 ½ cups)

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Sheets

Using a scoop or spoon, portion out dough into 2-ounce balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared cookie sheets.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

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

Enjoy these chewy delights fresh from the oven!

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that balances the sweetness of the cookies. Use whole or plant-based milk for a comforting treat.

Warm from the Oven

• Serve these cookies warm to enjoy the gooey melted chocolate chips. This adds an irresistible touch to your dessert table.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each cookie for an extra indulgent treat. You can also sprinkle cinnamon on top for added flavor.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange your cookies on a decorative platter alongside other desserts like brownies or fruit tarts for a visually appealing dessert spread.

With Hot Cocoa

• Pair these cookies with a cup of hot cocoa for a cozy winter treat. The rich flavors complement each other beautifully.

How to Perfect Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

For the best results when making chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, follow these tips to ensure your cookies turn out soft and delicious every time.

• Brown Your Butter: Browning the butter adds depth and richness to the flavor, enhancing the overall taste of your cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your egg white and butter are at room temperature for better incorporation and texture.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag; this ensures you don’t add too much flour, which can make cookies dry.

Best Side Dishes for Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some tasty options you might consider adding to your meal or dessert lineup.

1. Apple Slices: Fresh apple slices add a crisp texture and tartness that balance the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
2. Pumpkin Spice Latte: Enjoy this seasonal beverage alongside your cookies for an autumn-inspired treat that brings out similar flavors.
3. Cranberry Sauce: A spoonful of tart cranberry sauce can elevate your cookie experience with its fruity tanginess.
4. Cheese Plate: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese to contrast with the sweetness of the cookies while adding richness.
5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a refreshing side dish that complements dessert nicely.
6. Candied Nuts: Sweet and crunchy candied nuts provide an added texture and flavor element when served next to your cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your baking experience. Here are some mistakes to keep in mind:

• Incorrectly measuring flour: Using too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Always spoon and level the flour instead of scooping it directly from the bag.
• Not cooling the butter properly: If the butter is too hot, it can cook the egg white and affect texture. Allow the melted butter to cool for about 30 minutes before mixing.
• Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined, then fold in chocolate chips gently.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor. If you have time, chill for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Baking on an unprepared sheet: Not lining your baking sheets can cause cookies to stick. Always use parchment paper for easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 2 hours before transferring them to an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350˚F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, but make sure it’s well-blotted to remove moisture.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even swap chocolate chips for butterscotch.

How do I ensure my cookies stay chewy?

Do not overbake them; they should be slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven.

What if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking.

Final Thoughts

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are perfect for Fall gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Their rich flavors and soft texture make them irresistible. You can customize this recipe by adding nuts or using different types of chocolate chips. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every bite!