Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate fall treat! With their soft, gooey texture and rich chocolate flavor, these cookies are perfect for cozy gatherings or a simple afternoon snack. Infused with warm spices and made with brown butter, they deliver a delightful chewiness that sets them apart from typical cookies. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just indulging yourself, these cookies will become your new favorite!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Brown the Butter
• Step 3: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree
• Step 4: Mix Sugars with Butter
• Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
• Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients
• Step 7: Scoop and Shape Cookies
• Step 8: Bake to Perfection
• Step 9: Cool and Store
• How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
• With a Glass of Milk
• Accompanied by Coffee
• On a Dessert Platter
• With Ice Cream
• As a Breakfast Treat
• Gift Them
• How to Perfect Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Best Side Dishes for Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Reheating Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What makes these Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies different?
• Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
• How do I know when my Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are done?
• Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree and chocolate creates a deliciously rich taste that everyone will adore.
• Perfect Texture: These cookies boast a chewy consistency that keeps them from being cakey, ensuring every bite is satisfying.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can whip up these delightful cookies without hassle.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a dessert, snack, or festive addition to your holiday cookie platter.
• Freezable Dough: You can make the dough ahead of time and freeze it for later baking, making it easy to have fresh cookies on demand.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, gather the essential tools and prep your kitchen. Having everything ready will streamline the baking process and ensure success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Large stainless steel pan
• Glass measuring bowl
• Baking trays
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: This tool makes mixing easy and ensures all ingredients are well combined for a uniform dough.
• Large stainless steel pan: Perfect for browning butter evenly without burning it, which enhances the flavor of the cookies.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze when baking your chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

Ingredients

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies require simple yet flavorful ingredients:

• 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
• 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). Line two baking trays with parchment paper and set them aside.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

Brown the butter in a large stainless steel pan. As it cooks, stir occasionally to prevent burning. When you see brown bits and smell nuttiness, remove it from heat. Cool the butter in a glass measuring bowl in the fridge for about 50–60 minutes until it reaches around 75°F while stirring every 10–15 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree

Spread the pumpkin puree on a plate and press paper towels into it to soak up excess liquid. Repeat this process until the puree feels dry like soft playdough, measuring roughly 1/3 cup (75 grams).

Step 4: Mix Sugars with Butter

Once the butter is cool, whisk in both sugars for exactly one minute until it resembles pale wet sand.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

Whisk in egg yolks, vanilla extract, and dried pumpkin puree until everything is well mixed.

Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients

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

Step 7: Scoop and Shape Cookies

Using a cookie scoop (about three tablespoons), roll each dough ball between your palms. Place them on prepared baking trays spaced about 2–3 inches apart. For extra melted chocolate goodness, press larger pieces of chocolate on top before baking!

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake one tray at a time for about 9–13 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain slightly underbaked. To shape perfectly round cookies straight out of the oven, use a large round cookie cutter to gently scoot edges inward.

Step 9: Cool and Store

Let baked cookies cool on a wire rack completely before enjoying! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also refrigerate or freeze cookie dough balls; just remember to bring them back to room temperature before baking—this takes about an hour for refrigerated dough and two hours for frozen dough.

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with various accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing, the creamy texture of milk complements the chewy cookies, balancing the sweetness.

Accompanied by Coffee

• Enjoy these cookies alongside your favorite coffee brew for a warm and cozy afternoon snack.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a beautiful dessert platter for gatherings or parties, making them an eye-catching centerpiece.

With Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies topped with a scoop of vanilla or pumpkin spice ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

As a Breakfast Treat

• These cookies can double as a quick breakfast option when paired with fresh fruit and yogurt.

Gift Them

• Pack these cookies in decorative boxes as gifts for friends and family during the fall season.

How to Perfect Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Getting the perfect chewy texture in your pumpkin chocolate chip cookies is easier than you think. Here are some tips to ensure success.

• Use cold butter: Cold butter helps create that desirable chewy texture rather than cakey cookies.
• Don’t overmix: Mix only until ingredients are combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps solidify the butter, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon and level flour instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid dense cookies.
• Use good quality chocolate: High-quality chocolate chips or chunks provide rich flavor and melt beautifully.
• Watch baking time: Remove cookies from the oven when they are slightly underbaked for that gooey center.

Best Side Dishes for Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies can elevate your culinary experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Pumpkin Spice Latte: A seasonal favorite that combines coffee with warm spices, perfect for dipping.
2. Chai Tea: The warmth and spices in chai complement the flavors of pumpkin beautifully.
3. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing option that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
4. Cheese Platter: Pair with cheeses like brie or sharp cheddar for a sweet and savory contrast.
5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a wholesome treat alongside your cookies.
6. Chocolate Fondue: Dip cookie pieces into melted chocolate for an extra indulgent experience.
7. Nut Butter Spread: Serve with almond or peanut butter for an added protein boost and nutty flavor.
8. Apple Cider: Warm apple cider makes for a cozy drink that pairs well with pumpkin-flavored treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many home bakers encounter challenges when making chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Using cold butter: Cold butter can lead to uneven mixing and texture. Make sure your butter is at room temperature before starting.
• Skipping the pumpkin drying step: Not drying the pumpkin puree properly can result in cakey cookies. Always blot the puree until it’s dry before adding it to your dough.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can create tough cookies. Mix just until combined for that perfect chewy texture.
• Not chilling the dough: Chilling the dough helps solidify the fat and prevents spreading during baking. Be sure to chill as outlined in the instructions.
• Baking too long: Baking cookies too long can dry them out. Keep an eye on them and take them out while they are still slightly underbaked.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store baked chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.
• item Keep cookie dough balls in a sealed container for up to 1 week.

Freezing Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

• item Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• item Cookie dough balls can also be frozen; place them on a baking sheet until firm, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds on medium power, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

What makes these Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies different?

These cookies are made with brown butter and blotted pumpkin, giving them a unique chewy texture compared to traditional pumpkin cookies.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes! Feel free to substitute dark or white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile or mix various types of chocolate for added richness.

How do I know when my Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are done?

Look for golden edges while the center appears slightly underbaked. They will continue cooking on the tray after being removed from the oven.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends that work cup-for-cup.

Final Thoughts

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are a delightful fall treat that combines warm spices with gooey chocolate. Their versatility allows you to customize with nuts or additional spices as you like. Don’t hesitate—try making these delicious cookies today!