Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall, these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are just what you need! They are soft, chewy, and loaded with warm pumpkin spice flavor that will wrap you in a cozy embrace. Trust me, once you take your first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe is a cherished favorite in my home. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these cookies make every occasion feel special.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to whip up. You don’t need any fancy tools—just some basic kitchen staples and your hands. Plus, these cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying all to yourself with a warm cup of tea or coffee!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: No chilling required! You can have fresh cookies in under an hour.
• Family-approved: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet blend of chocolate and pumpkin.
• Perfectly chewy: These cookies strike the right balance between soft and chewy, making them irresistible.
• Make-ahead friendly: Freeze the dough for later baking; perfect for unexpected guests!
• Fall flavors: Embrace the season with every bite of these spiced pumpkin cookies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These pumpkin chocolate chip cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have at home. Each component plays a role in creating that delicious flavor and texture we crave in a cookie. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
• Spice it up: Increase the pumpkin spice or add a pinch of cayenne for a hint of heat.
• Mix in oats: Substitute some flour with rolled oats for added texture and heartiness.
• Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour as a substitute to make these delicious cookies suitable for everyone.

How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly while you’re preparing everything else. Line two baking trays with parchment paper so they’re ready for those delicious dollops of dough!

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a large stainless steel pan, brown the butter over medium heat. As it cooks, it will foam and crackle—don’t worry, that’s normal! Keep stirring occasionally until you see golden brown bits at the bottom and smell that nutty aroma. This step adds depth of flavor to your cookies!

Step 3: Cool the Butter

Once browned, transfer your butter to a glass measuring bowl and allow it to cool in the fridge until it reaches about 75°F (approximately an hour). Cooling is crucial; we want it liquid but not too hot so it doesn’t cook our eggs when mixed together.

Step 4: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree

Spread your pumpkin puree onto a plate and press paper towels into it to absorb excess moisture. Repeat this process until the puree feels like soft playdough. Removing moisture helps keep our cookies soft instead of cakey.

Step 5: Mix Sugars with Butter

When your butter is cool enough, whisk in both sugars until well combined—about one minute should do. The mix will resemble pale wet sand; this means you’re on the right track!

Step 6: Add Egg Yolks, Vanilla, and Pumpkin

Whisk in your egg yolks, vanilla extract, and dried pumpkin puree until everything is nicely blended. Each ingredient brings its unique flavor profile that contributes to those amazing cookies we’re making!

Step 7: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in your flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chips until everything just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; we want those lovely pockets of chocolate throughout each cookie.

Step 8: Scoop and Shape Cookies

Using a cookie scoop (about three tablespoons), drop dough onto prepared trays spaced about two to three inches apart. Rolling them into balls helps create that round shape we all love! If you’re feeling generous, chop extra chocolate pieces and press them on top before baking.

Step 9: Bake & Enjoy!

Bake one tray at a time for about 9-13 minutes until the edges are golden but the center remains slightly underbaked—this is key for that chewy texture! Once out of the oven, use a large round cookie cutter to shape them while still warm if needed. After cooling on wire racks, enjoy these delightful treats fresh from your kitchen!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making the perfect pumpkin chocolate chip cookies is all about the details, and with a few simple tips, you can take your baking game to the next level!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter, egg yolks, and pumpkin puree to room temperature helps them combine more easily, creating a smoother dough that bakes evenly.

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents your cookies from turning out dense or dry.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Gently fold in the dry ingredients and chocolate chips until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies—no one wants that!

• Experiment with chocolate types: Use a mix of chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars for a variety of flavors and textures. Dark chocolate pairs beautifully with pumpkin spice!

• Cool the cookies properly: Allowing your cookies to cool on a wire rack helps them maintain their chewy texture while preventing sogginess from steam. Patience pays off!

How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These delightful cookies are perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re serving them at a cozy gathering or enjoying them with a cup of tea, here are some ideas to make your presentation shine.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of sea salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right before baking enhances the sweetness and adds an unexpected twist.
• Drizzle of melted chocolate: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a beautiful presentation.

Side Dishes

• Spiced chai tea: This warm beverage complements the cozy flavors of pumpkin spice perfectly and adds an aromatic experience.
• Vanilla almond milk: A refreshing glass of vanilla almond milk pairs well with these cookies’ sweetness while keeping things dairy-free.
• Cinnamon apple slices: Fresh apple slices dusted with cinnamon provide a crisp contrast and enhance the fall vibe.
• Pumpkin soup: For a themed treat, serve these cookies alongside a warm bowl of pumpkin soup for a delightful autumn-inspired meal.

Enjoy baking and sharing these scrumptious Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies with friends and family—they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious treats without the fuss of last-minute baking.

Storing Leftovers

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
• If you need them to last longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week.

Freezing

• Freeze cookie dough balls before baking. Place them on a baking tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the bag with the date!

Reheating

• To enjoy your cookies warm, simply reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• For a crispier texture, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5 minutes.

FAQs

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

Can I use canned pumpkin for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is a fantastic option and works perfectly in this recipe, providing that rich, cozy flavor we all love.

How do I make sure my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are chewy?

To ensure your cookies are chewy and not cakey, avoid overmixing the dough and baking them just until the edges are golden while the centers remain slightly underbaked.

Can I substitute the butter in Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Yes! You can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute if you’re looking for a non-dairy option. Just ensure it’s solid but not cold when mixing.

How can I adjust the sweetness of my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Feel free to reduce the granulated sugar by up to half if you prefer less sweetness. You can also add nuts or seeds for added crunch without increasing sugar content.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies! Their soft, chewy texture combined with that warm pumpkin spice makes them truly special—perfect for sharing or enjoying with loved ones. Dive into your kitchen and let these cookies bring some fall magic into your home. Happy baking!