Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. With their soft and gooey texture, they combine the warm flavors of fall spices with rich, melty chocolate. Ideal for cozy gatherings or a sweet snack at home, these cookies will surely delight everyone who tries them. Plus, with their signature chewy texture, you can say goodbye to cakey cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The blend of pumpkin and chocolate creates a deliciously unique taste that is perfect for fall.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time.
• Perfectly Chewy Texture: Thanks to brown butter and blotted pumpkin, these cookies have an exceptional chewiness that sets them apart.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a dessert, snack, or even as a homemade gift for friends and family.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to add nuts or use different types of chocolate for variety.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these delightful cookies, gather your tools. Having everything in place will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or whisk
• Large stainless steel pan
• Glass measuring bowl
• Baking trays
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop
• Wire cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or whisk: Essential for achieving the right consistency when mixing ingredients.
• Large stainless steel pan: Perfect for browning butter while providing even heat distribution.
• Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.

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!

• 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 (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 the 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. Watch as it foams, pops, and crackles—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. You should have just under one cup of browned butter (184 g). Transfer it to a glass measuring bowl and chill in the fridge for about 50-60 minutes until it reaches around 75°F while stirring every 10–15 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree

Spread the pumpkin puree on a plate. Press paper towels into it to soak up excess liquid. Scrape the pumpkin into a pile and repeat this process using fresh paper towels until it’s dry enough to resemble soft playdough—measuring roughly 1/3 cup (75 grams).

Step 4: Mix Sugars with Butter

Once cooled, whisk together the brown sugar and granulated sugar into the browned butter for exactly one minute until it looks like pale wet sand.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

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

Step 6: Add Dry Ingredients

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

Step 7: Scoop Dough

Using a three-tablespoon cookie scoop, roll dough into balls between your hands then place on prepared trays spaced about two to three inches apart. Aim for approximately fifteen cookies. For extra melted chocolate pools in each cookie, chop some chocolate into larger pieces and press them on top before baking!

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake one tray at a time for nine to thirteen minutes until edges are golden but centers remain slightly underbaked. Immediately after baking, use a large round cookie cutter to shape edges into thicker rounds if desired. Allow cooling completely on a wire rack before enjoying!

Step 9: Store Leftovers

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for two to three days. You can also refrigerate or freeze cookie dough balls; remember to bring them back to room temperature before baking—this takes about one hour if refrigerated and two hours if frozen.

Enjoy your delightful Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies!

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a cozy night in, or celebrating the fall season, 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 combo that enhances the rich flavors of pumpkin and chocolate.

Warmed Up

• Heat the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will make them extra gooey and bring out the chocolatey goodness.

Topped with Ice Cream

• Place a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on top of a warm cookie for an indulgent dessert that’s sure to impress.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over your cookies for an extra layer of sweetness that complements the spices and chocolate.

Served at a Party

• Arrange the cookies on a festive platter and serve them during gatherings or parties. They make fantastic hand-held desserts that everyone will love.

Gift-Wrapped Treats

• Package the cookies in cute boxes or bags as homemade gifts for friends and family. A thoughtful gesture that’s perfect for fall celebrations!

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How to Perfect Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

To achieve the ideal chewy texture in your pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, follow these simple tips.

• Brown the Butter: Taking the time to brown your butter adds depth and flavor, enhancing the overall taste of your cookies.

• Blot the Pumpkin: Removing excess moisture from the pumpkin puree is crucial. This prevents your cookies from becoming cakey and ensures they remain chewy.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter, eggs, and pumpkin helps create a smooth dough that mixes evenly for consistent baking results.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies rather than soft and chewy ones.

• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Pull them out when they’re slightly underbaked in the center for that perfect chewy texture.

Best Side Dishes for Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies pair well with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Pumpkin Spice Latte
   A warm drink featuring espresso, steamed milk, and pumpkin spice—perfect for sipping alongside your cookies.

2. Chai Tea
   The aromatic spices in chai tea enhance the warm flavors of pumpkin, making it an excellent companion for your dessert.

3. Apple Cider
   A glass of spiced apple cider brings autumn vibes and pairs nicely with the sweet notes of chocolate and pumpkin.

4. Cream Cheese Frosting Dip
   Serve a small bowl of cream cheese frosting as a dip; it adds an extra creamy touch that’s irresistible with each bite.

5. Roasted Pecans
   The crunchiness and nutty flavor of roasted pecans provide great contrast to the soft texture of chewy cookies.

6. Fruit Salad
   A fresh fruit salad can balance out the sweetness of the cookies while adding color to your dessert table.

7. Cheese Board
   Combine savory cheeses with crackers or nuts on a cheese board to create an exciting contrast with sweet cookie flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies can be simple, but some common mistakes may lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid:

• Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
• Using too much liquid pumpkin: Excess moisture can make cookies cakey. Always blot your pumpkin puree until it feels dry.
• Not chilling the browned butter: If the butter is too warm, it won’t emulsify properly with the sugars. Chill it until it’s around 75°F for the best results.
• Skipping the cookie scoop: Not using a cookie scoop can result in unevenly sized cookies. A scoop ensures consistent shapes and baking times.
• Baking on an unprepared tray: Always line your baking trays with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

• You can freeze the cookie dough balls for later use.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (180°C) and bake for about 5 minutes. This restores freshness and warmth.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy warm and gooey!
• Stovetop: Place a skillet on low heat and warm cookies for about 1-2 minutes, covered, to keep them soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies:

How do I make my Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies softer?

Adding more brown sugar instead of granulated sugar can enhance softness due to its moisture-retaining properties.

Can I use other types of chocolate in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.

What if I can’t find pumpkin spice?

You can create your own blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. Adjust to taste!

How do I store leftover Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Final Thoughts

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are a delightful treat perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights at home. With their rich flavors and soft texture, they offer endless customization options—try adding nuts or swapping out chocolate types! Don’t hesitate; give this recipe a try!