Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect blend of gooey chocolate and spiced pumpkin goodness, making them an ideal treat for fall gatherings or cozy nights at home. With a rich flavor profile and a chewy texture that will keep you coming back for more, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends alike. Plus, they are simple to make, ensuring that even novice bakers can whip up a batch without stress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly Chewy: These cookies have a delightful chewy texture that makes each bite enjoyable.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of pumpkin spice and chocolate creates a warm, comforting flavor perfect for fall.
• Versatile Treat: Great for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or just an afternoon snack at home.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, you can bake these cookies with ease.
• Store Well: These cookies stay fresh for days, making them perfect for meal prep or sharing with friends.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into baking these chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and help you create the best cookies possible.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
• Rubber spatula
• Baking trays
• Parchment paper
• Glass measuring bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or large mixing bowl: Essential for thoroughly mixing ingredients and achieving the right texture in your cookie dough.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for folding in ingredients without overmixing, which keeps your cookies chewy.
• Baking trays: Using separate trays allows you to bake multiple batches efficiently while keeping your cookies evenly spaced.

Ingredients

To make these delicious chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, you’ll need the following 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 teaspoons 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

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

In a large stainless steel pan, brown the butter:
* Allow it to foam and pop as it cooks; stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Once it turns nutty and has brown bits on the bottom, remove it from the heat.
* Transfer just under 1 cup of browned butter into a glass measuring bowl and refrigerate until cool but still liquid (about 50–60 minutes).

Step 3: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree

To remove excess moisture from the pumpkin puree:
* Spread it on a plate in an even layer.
* Press paper towels into the puree to soak up extra liquid.
* Repeat until it feels dry like soft playdough and measures approximately 1/3 cup (75 grams).

Step 4: Mix Sugars with Butter

Once the butter is cool:
* Whisk in both brown sugar and granulated sugar for exactly one minute until it resembles pale wet sand.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add in:
* Egg yolks,
* Vanilla extract,
* Dried pumpkin puree.

Whisk until well combined.

Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in:
* All-purpose flour,
* Pumpkin spice,
* Baking soda,
* Sea salt,
* Chocolate chips.

Mix just until combined to maintain chewiness.

Step 7: Form Cookies

Using a 3 tbsp cookie scoop:
* Roll cookie dough between your palms.
* Place them on prepared baking trays about 2–3 inches apart (you’ll get around 15 cookies).

For extra melty chocolate pools, chop larger pieces of chocolate to press on top before baking!

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake one tray at a time:
* For 9–13 minutes until edges are golden but centers are slightly underbaked.

Straight out of the oven:
* Use a round cookie cutter to shape edges if needed.

Let cool completely on wire racks before enjoying!

Step 9: Store Your Cookies

Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. You can refrigerate or freeze cookie dough balls; remember to bring them to room temperature before baking (about one hour from the fridge or two hours from frozen).

Enjoy your delicious chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies!

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies make for a delightful dessert that pairs well with various accompaniments. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, consider these serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With Whipped Cream

• Light and airy whipped cream adds a creamy contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A warm drizzle of caramel sauce enhances the sweetness and provides an indulgent touch.

Accompanied by Hot Beverages

• Pair your cookies with hot coffee, tea, or cocoa for a comforting treat on chilly days.

Served with Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla or pumpkin spice ice cream complements the chewy texture and adds a refreshing element.

Topped with Nuts

• Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top provide a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookies.

How to Perfect Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Achieving the perfect chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies is all about technique and ingredient choices. Here are some tips to help you master this delicious recipe.

• Use cold butter: Starting with cold butter helps create that chewy texture when browned properly.
• Don’t skip browning the butter: This step adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates your cookies beyond the ordinary.
• Measure flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies; too much flour can lead to a cakey result.
• Cool pumpkin puree: Blotting excess moisture from the pumpkin ensures your cookies aren’t too wet, keeping them chewy.
• Underbake slightly: Take the cookies out while they’re still slightly undercooked in the center for an ideal chewy bite.
• Use high-quality chocolate: Opt for good chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars for rich flavor pockets in every bite.

Best Side Dishes for Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

To enhance your dessert experience, consider pairing your chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies with these delightful side dishes. Each option brings something unique to the table!

1. Chai Latte
   A spiced chai latte offers warm flavors that complement the spices in your cookies perfectly.

2. Pumpkin Spice Muffins
   These muffins echo the cookie flavors and provide a delightful variety alongside them.

3. Hot Apple Cider
   The warmth and sweetness of hot apple cider make it an excellent match for fall-inspired treats like these cookies.

4. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses balances sweetness with savory flavors, creating an interesting tasting experience.

5. Fruit Salad
   Fresh fruit salad adds brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness of each cookie bite.

6. Caramelized Pears
   Sweet caramelized pears bring a gourmet touch that pairs beautifully with pumpkin flavors.

7. Chocolate Fondue
   Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate fondue for an extra indulgent treat!

8. Maple Syrup Dipping Sauce
   A simple maple syrup dip enhances sweetness while adding complexity to each cookie’s flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using warm butter: Warm butter can lead to overly greasy cookies. Always ensure your butter is cold and slightly solidified before starting.
• Not drying the pumpkin puree: Excess moisture from the pumpkin can make cookies cakey instead of chewy. Make sure to press out as much liquid as possible using paper towels.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can create tough cookies. Mix just until the dry ingredients are combined for the best texture.
• Skipping the cooling step: Cooling brown butter is essential for achieving the right consistency. Don’t rush this step; it ensures your cookies hold their shape.
• Not measuring flour properly: Incorrect flour measurement can ruin your cookie texture. Use the spoon and level method for accuracy when measuring flour.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.
• Keep cookie dough balls in an airtight 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-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Freeze cookie dough balls individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a bag; they will last up to 3 months.

Reheating Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes for optimal softness.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until just warm, but be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat with a lid on for about 1 minute, keeping it soft and chewy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

What makes these Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies different from regular cookies?

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies use brown butter and blotted pumpkin puree, giving them a unique texture and rich flavor that sets them apart from traditional recipes.

Can I use different types of chocolate in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute dark, milk, or white chocolate chips based on your preference. Each type adds its own flavor profile.

How do I achieve extra chewiness in my cookies?

To enhance chewiness, ensure you don’t overbake them. Slightly underbaking helps maintain that gooey texture we all love!

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even dried fruits for added flavor and texture in your chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

Final Thoughts

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are an excellent treat showcasing the flavors of fall. Their versatile nature allows you to customize them with various chocolates or nuts. Give this recipe a try; you’re sure to enjoy every delicious bite!