Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect blend of soft, chewy goodness and warm pumpkin spice flavors. Ideal for cozy fall gatherings or a sweet treat any day, these cookies are easy to make and full of delightful chocolatey bites. With no chilling required and a simple mixing process, you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies ready in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe requires no chilling time, making it perfect for last-minute cravings.
• Chewy Texture: Enjoy soft and chewy cookies that bring comfort with every bite.
• Versatile Treat: Great for cookie exchanges, gatherings, or just as a sweet snack at home.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and chocolate creates a unique flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
• No Special Equipment Needed: You won’t need any mixers; just a bowl and whisk to create this delicious dough.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking trays: Essential for baking the cookies evenly. Make sure they are lined with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Whisk: A key tool for mixing ingredients thoroughly without needing an electric mixer.
• Cookie scoop: Helps in portioning the dough uniformly, ensuring all cookies bake evenly.

Ingredients

To create these delightful pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cookie Dough

• 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 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

In a large stainless steel pan, brown the butter. It will foam and crackle; keep an eye on it to prevent burning. When it smells nutty with brown bits at the bottom, remove it from heat. Transfer it to a glass measuring bowl and chill in the fridge until it cools to about 75°F.

Step 3: Prepare Pumpkin Puree

Spread the pumpkin puree on a plate. Use paper towels to soak up excess liquid until it feels dry, resembling soft playdough. Aim for approximately 1/3 cup of dried pumpkin.

Step 4: Mix Sugars with Butter

Once cooled, whisk in the brown sugar and granulated sugar for about one minute until it resembles pale wet sand.

Step 5: Add Egg Yolks & Pumpkin

Whisk in the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and dried pumpkin puree until fully combined.

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients

Fold in flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chips until just mixed.

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Trays

Use a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out dough onto prepared trays, leaving space between each cookie. You should get about 15 cookies.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake one tray at a time for 9-13 minutes or until edges are golden brown but centers remain slightly underbaked. After removing from the oven, use a round cookie cutter to shape the edges if desired.

Step 9: Cool & Store Cookies

Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Dough balls can be refrigerated or frozen for later enjoyment!

How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These delightful pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are perfect for any occasion. Their soft and chewy texture makes them a favorite among friends and family. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that enhances both flavors.

On a Festive Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter with seasonal accents like mini pumpkins or autumn leaves for an inviting presentation.

As Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Sandwich your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a delicious treat that’s sure to impress.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy the cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea, making for a cozy afternoon snack.

Dipped in Chocolate

• Melt some chocolate and dip half of each cookie for an extra layer of indulgence.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

To achieve the best pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, keep these tips in mind. They will help you create cookies that are soft, chewy, and full of flavor.

• Use Cold Butter: Starting with cold butter helps achieve the perfect texture without making the dough too greasy.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid compacting flour, ensuring your cookies aren’t dry.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently fold in ingredients just until combined to maintain the soft texture of your cookies.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; they should look slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out.
• Cool Properly: Allow your cookies to cool on a wire rack after baking to prevent sogginess from residual heat.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

When serving pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, consider pairing them with these side dishes to enhance your dessert experience.

1. Cream Cheese Frosting: A sweet and tangy frosting that adds richness and complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully.
2. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, balancing flavors well.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fruits for a healthy side that pairs nicely with your cookies.
4. Spiced Nuts: Serve spiced nuts on the side for a crunchy texture that contrasts with the softness of the cookies.
5. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top or serve it as a dip for added sweetness and indulgence.
6. Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of hot cocoa makes for a cozy drink pairing that enhances the fall flavors in your cookies.
7. Cheese Board: Include mild cheeses alongside fruit preserves, creating a savory-sweet combination with your desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making pumpkin chocolate chip cookies can be a delightful experience, but it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the outcome.

• Bold butter choice: Using butter that is too warm or melted can lead to cookies that spread too much. Make sure to use cold unsalted butter for the perfect texture.
• Bold pumpkin puree prep: Not draining excess liquid from the pumpkin puree will result in cookies that are too wet and cakey. Take time to absorb moisture with paper towels before adding it to your mixture.
• Bold measuring flour: Incorrectly measuring flour can lead to dry or dense cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate results—spoon flour into a measuring cup and level it off without packing it down.
• Bold overmixing dough: Overmixing the dough can create tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
• Bold baking time variations: Baking cookies for too long can cause them to become hard. Keep an eye on them and remove them when the edges are golden brown while the center remains slightly underbaked.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store baked pumpkin chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for about 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

• You can freeze either the baked cookies or the cookie dough balls.
• Baked cookies should be placed in a freezer-safe container or bag, lasting up to 3 months.
• For cookie dough, roll into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag; they will last about 3 months as well.

Reheating Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat cookies for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until just warm; be careful not to overheat, as they may become tough.
• Stovetop: Place a skillet over low heat and warm cookies for a minute or two, covering with a lid to keep them soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes pumpkin chocolate chip cookies chewy?

The combination of cold butter and proper mixing techniques helps retain moisture, making these pumpkin chocolate chip cookies soft and chewy.

Can I customize my pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, swap chocolate chips for other types of chips, or even add dried fruit for added flavor.

How do I ensure my pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are not cakey?

Make sure to drain any excess moisture from the pumpkin puree, and avoid overmixing your dough to achieve that desired chewy texture.

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these delicious pumpkin chocolate chip cookies will last about 2-3 days.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are not only enjoyable but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you serve them at gatherings or savor them with your favorite beverage, their soft and chewy texture paired with cozy pumpkin spice flavor will surely win hearts. Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins!