Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly blends the flavors of fall with the irresistible taste of chocolate. Soft, gooey, and packed with warm spices, these cookies are ideal for any occasion—from cozy family gatherings to festive holiday parties. With their signature chewy texture, thanks to brown butter and blotted pumpkin, they stand out as a must-try dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree and rich chocolate creates a mouthwatering taste that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
• Perfectly Chewy Texture: Brown butter and the right preparation method ensure these cookies are soft and chewy, not cakey.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, anyone can whip up a batch of these delicious cookies.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies are great for any occasion—enjoy them at home or share them with friends!
• Fall-Inspired Spices: The addition of pumpkin spice brings warmth and comfort, making these cookies perfect for chilly days.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking trays
• Parchment paper
• Large stainless steel pan
• Glass measuring bowl
• Whisk
• Cookie scoop
• Wire cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking trays: Essential for evenly baking multiple cookie batches while keeping them organized.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, ensuring your cookies come off easily.
• Large stainless steel pan: Ideal for browning butter; it distributes heat evenly for perfect results.

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Ingredients

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are soft, gooey, and packed with warm fall spices and melty chocolate. Made with brown butter and blotted pumpkin for that signature chewy texture. No cakey cookies here!

For the Base

• 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

For the Dry Ingredients

• 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

For the Chocolate

• 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, it will foam, pop, and crackle—this is normal! Stir occasionally to prevent burning. When you see brown bits forming at the bottom and it smells nutty, remove it from heat. Transfer just under 1 cup of browned butter (184 g) into a glass measuring bowl. Cool in the fridge for 50-60 minutes until it reaches about 75°F.

Step 3: Prepare Pumpkin Puree

Spread the pumpkin puree on a plate. Use paper towels to soak up excess liquid by pressing down onto it. Repeat this process until the pumpkin feels dry like soft playdough and measures approximately 1/3 cup (75 grams).

Step 4: Mix Sugars with Butter

Once the butter has cooled, whisk in both sugars until combined—this should take exactly one minute. The mixture will resemble pale wet sand.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

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

Step 6: Add Dry Ingredients

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

Step 7: Scoop Cookie Dough

Using a 3 tbsp cookie scoop, form dough balls by rolling them between your palms. Place them on prepared baking trays spaced about 2-3 inches apart; you’ll get roughly 15 cookies. For extra melted chocolate pools, press larger chocolate pieces into each ball before baking!

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake one tray at a time for about 9-13 minutes or until edges turn golden brown while keeping the centers slightly underbaked. Right after taking them out of the oven, use a large round cookie cutter to reshape them into thick rounds if necessary.

Step 9: Cool Down

Let cool completely on a wire cooling rack before enjoying your delicious chewy cookies!

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two to three days. You can also refrigerate or freeze the dough balls; allow them to come back to room temperature before baking—this usually takes about one hour for refrigerated dough or two hours for frozen dough. Enjoy your perfect chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies!

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are delightful on their own but can be elevated with a few fun serving ideas. Whether for a cozy gathering or a quiet night in, these suggestions will enhance your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• The classic pairing of cookies and milk never goes out of style. Enjoy these cookies dunked in cold milk for a comforting treat.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Make a delicious ice cream sandwich by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies. This is perfect for warm days!

Drizzle of Caramel Sauce

• Add a touch of decadence by drizzling warm caramel sauce over the top. This enhances the flavors and adds extra sweetness.

Whipped Cream Topping

• For an elegant presentation, top each cookie with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle some pumpkin spice on top.

Pair with Hot Chocolate

• Enjoy these cookies alongside a steaming cup of hot chocolate. The warmth complements the chocolate and spices perfectly.

Plate with Fresh Fruit

• Serve your cookies on a platter with slices of fresh apples or pears. The fruit adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

How to Perfect Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Achieving the ideal chewy texture in your pumpkin chocolate chip cookies is easy with just a few tricks. Follow these tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

• Use Cold Butter: Starting with cold unsalted butter helps create that chewy texture by preventing the dough from spreading too much during baking.

• Brown Your Butter: Browning the butter enhances flavor and adds nuttiness, contributing to the overall richness of your cookies.

• Drain the Pumpkin Puree: Reducing excess moisture from the pumpkin puree helps prevent cakey cookies, ensuring they remain chewy.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies instead of light and chewy ones.

• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; slightly underbaking them will maintain softness while achieving that perfect chew.

• Cool on Wire Racks: Allowing cookies to cool properly on wire racks prevents them from becoming soggy and keeps their texture intact.

Best Side Dishes for Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pairing side dishes with chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies can create an unforgettable dessert spread. Here are some delightful options to consider.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warmth of pumpkin spice in the cookies.

2. Pumpkin Spice Latte: A cozy drink that complements the flavors in your cookies while providing a caffeine boost for those chilly days.

3. Chai Tea: This spiced tea offers aromatic notes that enhance the spices in the cookies, making it an excellent choice for tea lovers.

4. Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels: These crunchy treats provide a different texture while echoing similar flavors found in pumpkin pie.

5. Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp served alongside brings fruity goodness that works harmoniously with chocolate and pumpkin flavors.

6. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses balances sweet flavors, offering guests something savory to enjoy alongside their sweet treats.

7. Caramel Dipping Sauce: Serve warm caramel as a dip for added indulgence—this combination is sure to please any sweet tooth!

8. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate while providing bright flavors that contrast nicely with sweet, spiced cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies can be simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin your batch. Here are some tips to ensure you get it right.

• Using warm butter: Always use cold unsalted butter. Warm butter will alter the texture and make the cookies spread too much.
• Skipping the pumpkin puree drying step: Failing to blot the pumpkin puree leads to overly moist cookies. Always press it with paper towels until dry.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of chewy ones.
• Not chilling the browned butter: Ensure your browned butter cools properly before mixing. This affects both consistency and flavor.
• Baking on unlined trays: Always line your baking trays with parchment paper for even baking and easy cookie removal.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• For cookie dough, freeze balls on a tray, then store in a freezer bag once solid for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Warm individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What makes these Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies different?

These cookies are distinct because of their brown butter base and dried pumpkin puree, which create a rich, chewy texture unlike typical cakey options.

Can I substitute other types of chocolate?

Absolutely! You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips depending on your preference.

How should I measure the flour?

For best results, spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid packing it down as this can result in too much flour.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Yes! Feel free to add chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor that complements the pumpkin spice perfectly.

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they can last for 2-3 days at room temperature or up to 3 months if frozen.

Final Thoughts

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are not only delightful but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize them with different chocolates or spices based on your taste. Try making these delicious treats today!