Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only soft and chewy, but they also burst with delightful pumpkin flavor. Made with wholesome ingredients, they are perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Whether you’re snuggling up on the couch or sharing them with friends, this recipe will warm your heart and home.

What I love most about these cookies is how easy they are to make. You’ll find that the combination of pumpkin puree and chocolate chips creates a delightful balance of flavors that everyone will adore. Trust me, once you try these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, they’ll become a staple in your baking routine!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these delicious cookies in no time!
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet combination of pumpkin and chocolate.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it for fresh cookies whenever you crave them.
• Perfectly spiced: The addition of pumpkin pie spice gives these cookies a warm, inviting flavor that’s just right for any occasion.
• Soft and chewy texture: Every bite offers a delightful chewiness that keeps you coming back for more!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies is simple, thanks to wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry! Gather these items, and let’s get started on creating something special.

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with some fun variations that suit your taste buds. Here are a few ideas to consider:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Try different chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips or even white chocolate chips for a unique twist.
• Make them gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger for an extra kick!

How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Cook the Pumpkin Puree

Start by placing the pumpkin puree in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook it for about 10 minutes while stirring frequently. This step helps concentrate the flavor, so your cookies will be bursting with yummy pumpkin goodness. Once reduced to about 2/3 to 3/4 cup, remove it from heat and let it cool.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

While the pumpkin cools, line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes clean-up easier and ensures that your cookies won’t stick when baking.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until light and fluffy. Then beat in the cooled pumpkin puree along with the vanilla extract. This mixture is key because it adds moisture and richness to your cookies.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Mixing dry ingredients separately ensures everything combines evenly later on.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into your wet ingredients. Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, allowing their sweetness to shine through.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Dough

Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and roll them into balls. Using a cookie scoop can help keep them uniform in size. Place each ball on your prepared baking sheet with enough space between them.

Step 7: Freeze Cookie Dough

Cover your cookie dough balls with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight). If freezing overnight, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before baking. Freezing helps maintain their shape while baking!

Step 8: Preheat Oven & Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookie dough balls on another parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes. If you prefer flatter cookies, gently press down on each dough ball before baking.

Step 9: Cool & Enjoy!

Your cookies may look slightly under-baked when they come out — that’s okay! Gently press additional chocolate chips into the tops if desired. Let them cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 10: Storage Tips

Once cooled, store your delicious Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking is all about little adjustments that can make a big difference! Here are some helpful tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing your butter and eggs to come to room temperature helps them blend better, creating a smooth batter that yields soft and chewy cookies.

• Chill the dough: Freezing the cookie dough before baking not only enhances the flavors but also helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, preventing them from spreading too much.

• Watch your baking time: Since these cookies will look slightly under-baked when you take them out of the oven, keeping an eye on them during the last few minutes ensures they are perfectly soft and chewy.

• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to swap in different types of chocolate chips or nuts. Adding white chocolate chips or pecans can create a delightful twist on this classic recipe!

• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can also layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These delightful Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for any occasion and are sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply enjoying a quiet night in, there are several ways to serve these treats with style!

Garnishes

• Dust with powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness, making your cookies look even more appealing.
• Drizzle with melted chocolate: A simple drizzle of melted semi-sweet or dark chocolate over the top adds richness and makes for a beautiful presentation.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm cookies, enhancing their flavor and making for a comforting dessert experience.
• Spiced chai tea: This fragrant tea complements the warm spices in the cookies, creating a delightful pairing that warms both body and soul.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings brightness to your dessert table and offers a light counterbalance to the rich flavors of the cookies.
• Coffee or espresso: The bold flavors of coffee enhance chocolate desserts beautifully. Pairing your cookies with a cup of brewed coffee creates an indulgent after-dinner treat.

Enjoy your freshly baked Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies with these serving suggestions for an unforgettable experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• If you prefer, you can keep them in the fridge for an even longer shelf life.

Freezing

• Place cookie dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 30 minutes.
• Transfer the frozen dough balls to a zip-top bag, labeling with the date.
• Frozen cookies can be stored for up to three months.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw cookie dough balls in the fridge overnight before baking.
• Bake directly from frozen by adding an extra minute or two to your bake time.
• To enjoy leftover cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Have questions? Here are some answers to help you out!

Can I use pumpkin puree instead of canned pumpkin for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Yes! Fresh pumpkin puree works wonderfully. Just make sure to cook it down as instructed in the recipe.

How do I ensure my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies turn out chewy?

To achieve that soft, chewy texture, be careful not to overmix your dough and avoid overbaking. They should look slightly under-baked when you take them out of the oven.

Can I substitute other spices for pumpkin pie spice in my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Absolutely! You can use a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger if you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand.

How many servings does this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe yield?

This recipe yields about 24 cookies, perfect for sharing or enjoying over a few days!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies as I am! They’re such a delightful treat filled with warmth and flavor—perfect for cozy gatherings or simply indulging yourself. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share this recipe with friends and family. Happy baking!