Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step aside, dry cakey pumpkin cookies! This Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is here to steal the show. These delightful cookies are perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive holiday parties. With a unique blend of spices and rich chocolate chips, they offer a soft and chewy texture that makes them irresistible. Once you try these cookies, they’ll become your go-to treat for Fall!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly Chewy: The combination of brown butter and pumpkin puree creates a moist, tender cookie that melts in your mouth.
• Quick and Easy: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of these cookies in no time.
• Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch to share with friends or bring to gatherings; everyone will want the recipe!
• Customizable Add-Ins: Feel free to add nuts or swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips based on your preference.
• Seasonal Spice Delight: Packed with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, these cookies capture the essence of Fall in every bite.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having the right equipment will help you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Medium saucepan
• Large heat-safe bowl
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheets: Ensure even baking and allow for easy cookie removal.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and simplifies clean-up.
• Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly for an even dough.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• ½ cup butter (113 g) browned and slightly cooled
• ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg white, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup pumpkin puree, blotted to remove moisture
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled (188 g)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• pinch of clove
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

How to Make Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat on convection to 350˚ F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Continue stirring as it begins to crackle and foam. After about 5 minutes, milk solids will form on the bottom. Keep stirring until the butter turns amber brown and becomes aromatic. Carefully pour it into a large heat-safe bowl, scraping down any brown bits from the pan. Let cool for about 30 minutes.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

To the cooled butter, add both sugars, egg white, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree. Whisk until smooth.

Step 5: Mix Dry into Wet

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Scoop out 2-ounce portions of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for 9 to 10 minutes or until edges are golden brown while centers remain slightly underbaked. Remove from oven and let cool on the cookie sheet for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy these chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies as they are sure to become your favorite Fall delight!

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. They can be served warm or at room temperature, making them versatile for any occasion.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing, the creaminess of milk complements the sweet and spiced flavors of the cookies perfectly.

As Dessert with Ice Cream

• Serve a warm cookie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that melts in your mouth.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies alongside your favorite hot beverage. The spices in the cookies enhance the flavors of coffee or tea beautifully.

At Fall Gatherings

• Bring these cookies to potlucks or fall parties. Their seasonal flavors will be a hit among guests looking for cozy treats.

As a Homemade Gift

• Package these cookies in a decorative box or jar. They make thoughtful gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.

How to Perfect Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

To achieve the ultimate chewy texture and rich flavor in your pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, follow these helpful tips:

• Use brown butter: Browning the butter adds depth and nuttiness to the cookies, enhancing their overall flavor.
• Don’t overmix: Mixing just until combined keeps the texture tender and avoids making the cookies tough.
• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes helps to develop flavors and makes it easier to scoop.
• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices will impart stronger flavors compared to pre-ground spices, making your cookies stand out.
• Bake on parchment paper: This prevents sticking and ensures even baking for perfectly shaped cookies.
• Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should look slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out of the oven.

Best Side Dishes for Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies pair well with various side dishes for a complete dessert experience. Here are some suggestions:

1. Pumpkin Spice Latte: This seasonal favorite enhances the pumpkin flavor while providing a warm drink option.
2. Apple Cider: The sweetness of apple cider contrasts nicely with the spices in your cookies, creating a refreshing pairing.
3. Cheese Platter: Include some mild cheeses like brie or gouda to balance out the sweetness of the cookies.
4. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and brightness, complementing the rich flavors of pumpkin and chocolate.
5. Chocolate Fondue: For chocoholics, serve your cookies with warm chocolate fondue for an extra indulgent treat.
6. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each cookie for added richness and sweetness that elevates their flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can lead to disappointing results.

• Using too much flour: This can make your cookies dry and cakey. Always spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag.
• Not browning the butter properly: Under-browning can lead to less flavor. Keep an eye on the butter while it melts and ensure it turns an amber color for maximum nuttiness.
• Skipping the cooling time for butter: Adding hot butter to your mix can cook the egg white prematurely. Let the browned butter cool for at least 30 minutes.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined when adding dry ingredients.
• Not measuring pumpkin puree correctly: Excess moisture can ruin the texture. Blotting the puree helps remove extra liquid before mixing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Container: Use an airtight container to retain freshness.

Freezing Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

• Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Container: Place in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.

Reheating Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, watching closely.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I make my cookies chewier?

To achieve chewy cookies, use brown sugar, which retains moisture, and avoid overbaking them.

Can I use other types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for different flavors.

What makes these pumpkin cookies special?

The combination of spices and brown butter gives these cookies a warm flavor profile that perfectly complements pumpkin.

Can I add nuts to this chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies recipe?

Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a nice crunch and enhance the flavor.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

Look for edges that are set and golden brown while the center remains slightly underbaked; they will firm up as they cool.

Final Thoughts

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or using different types of chocolate. They capture all the cozy flavors of fall and are perfect for sharing or enjoying alone with a cup of tea. Give this recipe a try!