Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate fall treat! Perfectly soft and gooey, they combine the warm flavors of pumpkin spice with melty chocolate for a deliciously comforting experience. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to delight everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and chocolate creates a delightful taste that’s perfect for fall.
• Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can master this recipe with ease.
• Perfectly Chewy Texture: Thanks to brown butter and blotted pumpkin, these cookies achieve that desired chewiness without being cakey.
• Versatile Treat: Great for parties, family gatherings, or just as a personal snack; these cookies fit any occasion.
• Easily Customizable: Add nuts or use different types of chocolate to tailor the recipe to your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
• Baking trays
• Parchment paper
• Glass measuring bowl
• Stainless steel pan

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or large mixing bowl: Essential for thoroughly mixing ingredients and achieving the right texture.
• Baking trays: Help evenly distribute heat while baking your cookies to perfection.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and makes clean-up easier.

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

In a large stainless steel pan, brown the butter. It will foam, pop, and crackle—this is normal! Watch closely and stir occasionally to avoid burning. Once it smells nutty and has brown bits on the bottom, remove it from heat. Transfer just under 1 cup of browned butter into a glass measuring bowl. Place it in the fridge for about 50-60 minutes until it cools but remains liquid.

Step 3: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree

Spread Libby’s Pumpkin Puree on a plate. Press paper towels into it to soak up excess liquid. Scrape together the pumpkin and repeat this process until it feels dry like soft playdough, yielding about 1/3 cup (75 grams).

Step 4: Mix Sugars with Butter

When the butter is cool, whisk in both sugars for exactly one minute until it resembles pale wet sand.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

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

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 7: Scoop Cookie Dough

Use a tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out dough onto prepared trays spaced about 2–3 inches apart. For extra melted chocolate pools, chop larger pieces of chocolate to place on top before baking.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake one tray at a time for about 9–13 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain slightly underbaked. Immediately after taking them out of the oven, use a large round cookie cutter to shape them thicker and rounder if needed. Let cool completely on wire racks before enjoying!

Step 9: Store Leftovers

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also refrigerate or freeze cookie dough balls; let them come back to room temperature before baking (about one hour for refrigerated dough; two hours for frozen).

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or enjoying a cozy night in. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair your cookies with cold milk for a classic combination that enhances the flavors of both the pumpkin and chocolate.

Warmed with Ice Cream

• Heat the cookies slightly in the microwave and serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delicious dessert.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Elevate the sweetness by drizzling warm caramel sauce over your cookies, adding an extra layer of flavor.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange your chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies alongside other fall-themed treats like mini pies or spiced nuts for a festive display.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies with your favorite cup of coffee or tea to balance out their sweetness while providing a warm, comforting experience.

Gift Them to Friends

• Pack these cookies in a decorative box or jar and give them as gifts during the holiday season. They’ll be appreciated by all!

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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 tips for baking success.

• Use cold butter: Starting with cold butter helps create that perfect chewy texture rather than cakey cookies.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until combined to ensure your cookies maintain their chewiness and don’t become tough.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes helps solidify the fats, leading to thicker, chewier cookies.

• Bake one tray at a time: Baking one tray ensures even cooking and helps prevent premature browning from overcrowding in the oven.

• Underbake slightly: Remove the cookies from the oven when they are still slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet as they cool down.

• Store properly: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness and chewiness for several days.

Best Side Dishes for Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider brings out autumn flavors, making it a perfect pairing with sweet pumpkin treats.

2. Creamy Pumpkin Soup: A bowl of creamy pumpkin soup creates a savory contrast, balancing out the sweetness of your cookies.

3. Cheese Platter: Include sharp cheeses like cheddar or gouda; their richness complements the sweet notes of pumpkin and chocolate.

4. Roasted Nuts: A mix of roasted nuts adds crunch and a savory element that pairs beautifully with chewy desserts.

5. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can lighten up your meal while providing contrasting textures to enjoy alongside your cookies.

6. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate fondue for an extra indulgent treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

7. Pumpkin Spice Latte: This seasonal favorite enhances the fall ambiance while harmonizing with the flavors in your chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, certain mistakes can hinder your results. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Using warm butter: Warm butter can lead to flat cookies. Always use cold unsalted butter for the right texture.
• Skipping the pumpkin blotting: Not removing excess moisture from the pumpkin puree can result in soggy cookies. Be sure to blot it thoroughly with paper towels.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make the cookies tough. Mix just until combined for soft, chewy results.
• Ignoring baking time: Baking for too long can lead to dry cookies. Keep an eye on them; remove when edges are golden brown but centers look slightly underbaked.
• Not cooling properly: Allowing cookies to cool completely on a wire rack helps maintain their chewy texture. Don’t skip this step!

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for 2-3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Freeze cookie dough balls before baking for up to 3 months.
• Place them in an airtight container or zip-lock bag.

Reheating Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, warming cookies gently for a minute or two.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies different?

Chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies have a unique texture due to the brown butter and blotted pumpkin, ensuring they remain soft and gooey rather than cakey.

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Absolutely! You can substitute milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips, or even use chunks of your favorite chocolate bar for added richness.

How do I know if my cookie dough is ready?

The dough should be thick and slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too wet, consider adding a bit more flour.

Can I add nuts to my chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies?

Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a delightful crunch and flavor contrast to these delicious cookies.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is cold when starting your dough, and chill the dough before baking if needed to keep them thick.

Final Thoughts

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are not only irresistible but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or experimenting with different types of chocolate. Enjoy these comforting treats during fall or any time you crave something sweet!