As the crisp autumn air arrives, filling our homes with the scent of fallen leaves and pumpkin spice, a craving for something wonderfully sweet takes hold. Picture this: you step into the kitchen, where the warm, nutty aroma of brown butter dances in the air, mingling with the enticing scent of chocolate. It’s the perfect backdrop for whipping up a batch of my chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies—an easy treat that’s destined to become a fall favorite.
With just one bowl and no fuss, this recipe brings together the delightful chewiness you crave and rich chocolate pockets that melt in your mouth. The secret lies in how we treat that pumpkin puree—carefully blotted to eliminate excess moisture, giving us cookies that won’t puff up into cake-like imposters. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll create a batch of soft, gooey cookies that embody the comfort of the season, making them an irresistible choice for sharing with friends, family, or simply keeping all to yourself!
Why are Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies a must-try?
Cozy Flavor: These cookies are infused with warm pumpkin spice, creating the ultimate comfort food for fall.
One-Bowl Wonder: With just a single bowl needed, cleanup is a breeze, leaving you more time to enjoy your delicious creation.
Irresistible Texture: The chewy interior and melty chocolate pockets deliver an unforgettable bite that satisfies every sweet craving.
Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, they’re perfect for those last-minute gatherings or cozy nights in.
Perfect for Sharing: Whether at a gathering or a family snack, these cookies are sure to be the star of the show!
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients
- For the Batter
- Cold Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and flavor to the cookies; brown it for a nutty taste.
- Libby’s Pumpkin Puree – Provides moisture and pumpkin flavor; be sure to blot away excess liquid for the ideal texture.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and enhances caramelization for a delightful golden crust.
- Light Brown Sugar – Brings in moisture along with a hint of molasses flavor, ensuring a chewy bite.
- Large Egg Yolks – Essential for richness and binding the dough; use room temperature for better emulsification.
- Vanilla Extract – Elevates sweetness and deepens flavor, making every bite memorable.
- All-Purpose Flour – Contributes structure to cookies; measure properly to avoid excess flour that can lead to cakiness.
- Pumpkin Spice – Infuses those warm, autumn flavors that make every cookie a seasonal delight.
- Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent for lightness in texture.
- Fine Sea Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Finely Chopped Chocolate Bar or Chocolate Chips – Adds pockets of melted chocolate; use larger pieces for that gooey chocolate experience in your pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.
How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line your baking trays with parchment paper for easy cleanup and a non-stick surface.
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Brown Butter: In a saucepan, melt the cold unsalted butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Allow it to cool until it cools to about 75°F.
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Blot Pumpkin: Spread the Libby’s pumpkin puree onto a plate and use paper towels to absorb excess moisture. This should leave you with pumpkin that looks like soft Play-Doh—perfect for our chewy cookies!
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the browned butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar for about a minute. Add in the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and blotted pumpkin puree until the mixture is well combined.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the all-purpose flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, fine sea salt, and chocolate chips into the wet mixture. Stir just until combined—be careful not to overmix!
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Scoop and Bake: Use a cookie scoop to portion out balls of dough onto your lined baking trays, leaving space between each. Bake for 9-13 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just slightly underbaked.
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Cool & Enjoy: Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool. Enjoy these delightful chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies while warm for the ultimate experience!
Optional: Pair with a warm cup of cider for cozy vibes!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?
As you gather around the table enjoying your warm, gooey cookies, consider adding delightful accompaniments to elevate your cozy gathering.
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Warm Apple Cider: The sweet, spiced flavors of apple cider perfectly complement the pumpkin and chocolate notes, enhancing the autumn experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream on the side provides a creamy contrast to the warm cookies, creating a delightful harmony of temperatures.
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Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: Crunchy and salty pumpkin seeds offer a satisfying texture juxtaposition, tying back to the pumpkin theme and adding a nice crunch.
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Coffee or Latte: A steaming cup of coffee or a spiced latte enhances the flavors of the cookies and perfectly accompanies their sweetness. The aromatic notes will wrap you in cozy warmth!
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Chocolate Dipping Sauce: For those with a sweet tooth, a drizzle of chocolate sauce can elevate the cookie experience, making each bite decadent and rich.
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Ginger Snap Cookies: Pair these chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies with crispy ginger snaps for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, celebrating the season’s spices.
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: A touch of warm maple syrup can add an extra layer of flavor, enriching the sweetness and emphasizing the fall vibes of your treat.
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Cheese Platter: Add some rich, creamy cheese with a touch of sweetness to balance the cookies’ richness. Brie or goat cheese pairs beautifully!
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Pecans or Walnuts: Toasted nuts offer a crunchy texture that enhances the chewiness of these cookies, adding warm, nutty aromas to your dessert experience.
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Herbal Tea: A soothing cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or chai, provides a comforting beverage option that complements the spices in the cookies.
Expert Tips for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-level method to avoid adding too much flour, which can lead to cakiness instead of the desired chewiness.
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Cool the Butter: Ensure your browned butter cools to about 75°F before mixing it in; too hot can affect the final texture of your cookies.
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Blot the Pumpkin: Always blot the pumpkin puree to remove excess moisture; this crucial step prevents your cookies from becoming puffed and cake-like.
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Check Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is calibrated and reaches the correct temperature. An oven that’s too cool can lead to flat cookies that lack that perfect chewy bite.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop gluten, resulting in a tougher texture for your pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.
Make Ahead Options
These Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can make the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Simply follow the initial steps of browning the butter and preparing the mixture, then scooping the dough onto trays. Instead of baking right away, cover and store your cookie dough to maintain its chewy structure. When you’re ready to bake, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking in your preheated oven to ensure a consistent bake. This way, you’ll have freshly baked cookies with minimal effort whenever your sweet tooth strikes!
How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days; they’ll stay fresh and chewy, perfect for snacking.
Fridge: Keep your cookies in the refrigerator for up to a week; just let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before enjoying their gooey goodness.
Freezer: Freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to indulge!
Dough Balls: You can freeze dough balls before baking; simply bring them to room temperature for about 30 minutes and bake as directed for fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations
Enjoy exploring the delightful twists to customize these cookies to your liking!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute cold unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free alternative for a rich, buttery flavor without dairy.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and nuttiness in every bite.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of chili powder for a slight kick that complements the pumpkin spice beautifully.
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a scrumptious version that everyone can enjoy, without sacrificing texture.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Dream: Use a mix of semi-sweet and dark chocolate chips or even chocolate chunks for pockets of extra gooey goodness.
- Fruity Twist: Mix in ½ cup of dried cranberries or raisins for a chewiness that pairs perfectly with pumpkin’s warm flavor.
- Maple Infusion: Replace half of the granulated sugar with pure maple syrup, adding a lovely maple flavor while enhancing sweetness.
- Caramel Surprise: Stuff each cookie with a piece of caramel for a rich, gooey center that melts wonderfully while baking.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! I always recommend using Libby’s pumpkin puree for its consistency and flavor. If you prefer homemade, just make sure to thoroughly blot it to remove excess moisture; this step is essential for achieving that chewy texture rather than a cake-like cookie!
What’s the best method for storing leftover cookies?
The more the merrier! Store your chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2-3 days. If you need to keep them longer, popping them in the fridge can extend their freshness for up to one week.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Definitely! To freeze your pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a zip-top bag to keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature, and you’ll have that freshly baked goodness again!
What common issues should I watch out for?
I often advise on a few troubleshooting tips! Firstly, ensure your butter is cooled to around 75°F to avoid altering cookie texture. Also, don’t skip the step of blotting pumpkin puree; neglecting this can lead to puffier cookies instead of the chewy ones we adore. Lastly, be careful not to overmix the dough when combining wet and dry ingredients to maintain that delightful chewiness.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Very good question! These pumpkin chocolate chip cookies contain common allergens like wheat and eggs. If you’re baking for someone with allergies, consider substituting with gluten-free flour and a flax egg as a binder. Always check chocolate chip packaging for potential dairy ingredients if that’s a concern, especially for those on a vegan diet.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Wonderful inquiry! Bake the cookies for 9-13 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are slightly underbaked. The cookies will firm up as they cool on the wire rack. Enjoy that gooey middle and chewy edges for the ultimate experience!
Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies for Cozy Fall Vibes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line your baking trays with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, melt the cold unsalted butter over medium heat until golden brown.
- Spread the Libby's pumpkin puree onto a plate and blot with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the browned butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar.
- Fold in all-purpose flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, fine sea salt, and chocolate chips.
- Scoop balls of dough onto lined baking trays and bake for 9-13 minutes.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool and enjoy warm.