Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you're looking for the perfect fall treat, look no further than these irresistible Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. Packed with the warm flavors of pumpkin and the richness of chocolate, these cookies are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is simple to follow and guarantees mouthwatering results. Ready to get baking? Let’s dive into the recipe!

What are Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful fusion of the classic chocolate chip cookie and the flavors of fall. By incorporating pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice into the dough, these cookies gain a distinct autumnal twist that makes them perfect for cozying up with during the cooler months. The pumpkin not only adds a subtle flavor but also contributes to the chewy texture of these cookies. And when you add in the chocolate chips or chunks, you get a wonderful combination of warmth, sweetness, and a hint of spice that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Ingredients List for Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Before we get started, gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make these delectable cookies:

1. Cold Unsalted Butter (1 cup): The use of cold butter helps in creating the chewy texture of these cookies. It’s essential to use unsalted butter so you can control the salt content in your recipe.
2. Libby's Pumpkin Puree (⅔ cup): Make sure it’s at room temperature. This pumpkin puree adds moisture and that signature pumpkin flavor to your cookies.
3. Granulated Sugar (½ cup): This will give the cookies a slight crispness on the outside while keeping the inside soft and chewy.
4. Light Brown Sugar (½ cup, packed): The molasses in brown sugar adds to the chewiness and provides a richer flavor.
5. Large Egg Yolks (2, room temperature): Using just the yolks helps in creating a denser, chewier cookie. Make sure they’re at room temperature for easier mixing.
6. Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): This adds a beautiful depth of flavor and complements the pumpkin spice.
7. All-Purpose Flour (1 ⅔ cup + 1 tbsp): The flour is the foundation of your cookie dough. Be sure to measure it correctly by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag.
8. Pumpkin Spice (2 ½ teaspoons): A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that brings that cozy fall flavor to these cookies.
9. Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): This leavening agent helps the cookies rise just the right amount, ensuring they’re not too dense.
10. Fine Sea Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
11. Finely Chopped Chocolate Bar or Chocolate Chips (1 cup): Whether you prefer the smoothness of finely chopped chocolate or the convenience of chocolate chips, this ingredient is essential for adding that rich, chocolatey goodness to your cookies.

Substitutions and Variations

Sometimes you may need to adjust the recipe based on what you have on hand or dietary preferences. Here are a few suggestions:

• Butter Substitutes: If you’re looking to make these cookies dairy-free, you can replace the unsalted butter with a vegan butter substitute. Just make sure it’s solid and cold to maintain the texture of the cookies.
• Pumpkin Puree Alternatives: If you don’t have pumpkin puree, you could use sweet potato puree or even mashed banana, though the flavor will be slightly different.
• Sugar Alternatives: You can substitute the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or the brown sugar with maple syrup. Keep in mind that these changes might alter the texture slightly.
• Egg-Free Option: If you’re avoiding eggs, try replacing the egg yolks with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg yolk) or a store-bought egg replacer.
• Gluten-Free Flour: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s one that includes xanthan gum to help bind the cookies together.
• Chocolate Variations: Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips can be used depending on your preference. You could also add nuts like pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to bake? Let’s go through the process step by step to ensure your cookies come out perfect every time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by ensuring all your ingredients are at the right temperature. Your butter should be cold, but not frozen, and the pumpkin puree and egg yolks should be at room temperature. This will help everything blend together smoothly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to cream these ingredients together until they are light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree. Mix until all the wet ingredients are fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, and fine sea salt. Make sure these dry ingredients are well combined.

Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough.

Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate

Using a spatula, gently fold in the chopped chocolate or chocolate chips. Make sure the chocolate is evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking and enhances the flavors.

Step 8: Preheat Your Oven

While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 9: Shape the Cookies

Once the dough is chilled, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.

Step 10: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still slightly soft. Remember, the cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet even after you take them out of the oven.

Step 11: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy these chewy, chocolatey delights with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the simplest recipes can sometimes go wrong if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies:

• Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping this step can result in cookies that spread too much and lose their shape. Always chill your dough to get the perfect thickness and texture.
• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: An oven that’s too hot or too cold can affect the baking time and texture of your cookies. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Using Melted Butter: If your butter is too soft or melted, your cookies may spread too much and become flat. Use cold butter straight from the fridge for the best results.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation matters, especially when you’re sharing these cookies with others or serving them at a gathering. Here are a few tips to make your cookies look as good as they taste:

• Add a Few Extra Chocolate Chips: Before baking, press a few extra chocolate chips or chunks into the top of each cookie. This makes them look even more tempting once they’re baked.
• Sprinkle with Sea Salt: For a gourmet touch, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the cookies as soon as they come out of the oven. The salt enhances the sweetness and adds a lovely contrast.
• Serve Warm: These cookies are best enjoyed warm when the chocolate is still melty. If they’ve cooled, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked feel.

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

There are many ways to enjoy these cookies, but here are a few ideas:

• With a Glass of Milk: The classic pairing of cookies and milk never gets old. The cool milk complements the warm, chewy cookies perfectly.
• With Coffee or Tea: The pumpkin spice in these cookies pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them an excellent afternoon treat.
• As Part of a Dessert Platter: Serve these cookies alongside other fall-inspired treats like apple pie or pecan bars for a festive dessert platter.

Presentation Ideas for Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re giving these cookies as a gift or serving them at a party, presentation is key:

• Stack and Wrap: Stack a few cookies together and wrap them in clear cellophane tied with a festive ribbon for a lovely homemade gift.
• Cookie Tin: Arrange the cookies in a decorative tin lined with parchment paper. This is perfect for holiday gifting.
• On a Platter: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter with a few whole cinnamon sticks or small pumpkins as a centerpiece for a fall-themed party.

Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe Tips

For the best results, keep these tips in mind:

• Measure Your Flour Correctly: Too much flour can make your cookies dry. Always spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
• Use High-Quality Chocolate: The quality of chocolate you use can make a big difference in the final flavor. Choose a good-quality chocolate bar or chips for the best taste.
• Don’t Overbake: The cookies might look a little underdone when you take them out, but they will continue to set as they cool. Overbaking can lead to dry, crumbly cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough? A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! After shaping the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, you can bake them straight from the freezer—just add a couple of minutes to the baking time.

Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time? A: Absolutely! These cookies can be made a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for several days.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled if you’re baking for a crowd. Just make sure you have a large enough mixing bowl and plenty of baking sheets!

Q: Can I add nuts to the recipe? A: Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a great addition to these cookies, adding a nice crunch and extra flavor.

Conclusion

Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate fall treat, combining the comforting flavors of pumpkin spice with the richness of chocolate. This recipe is easy to follow, with plenty of opportunities to customize to your liking. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or gift them to friends and family, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and start baking these delicious cookies today!

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