Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

Get ready for sweater weather with these Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies. Perfect for any fall gathering, these cookies combine the warm flavors of brown butter and pumpkin puree into a delightful treat. Whether you’re hosting a cozy get-together or simply indulging at home, these cookies are sure to impress with their rich flavor and soft texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Bowl Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your delicious cookies.
• Perfectly Chewy: The unique combination of brown butter and pumpkin gives these cookies a moist, chewy texture.
• Seasonal Flavors: Enjoy the comforting tastes of pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon that evoke the spirit of autumn.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch in no time.
• Customizable: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts for an extra twist!

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to create your soft and chewy pumpkin cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter by thoroughly mixing wet ingredients.
• Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• ¾ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• ¼ cup pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

For Rolling

• ½ cup white sugar
• ½ tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

How to Make Soft and chewy pumpkin cookies

Step 1: Brown the Butter

In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, increase the heat to medium. Let it foam, stirring with a spatula until it begins to brown and emits a nutty aroma (about 2-3 minutes). Pour it into a medium mixing bowl and let it cool completely.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

Once the brown butter has cooled, whisk in the granulated sugar along with the light brown sugar and maple syrup until well combined.

Step 3: Incorporate Egg and Pumpkin

Add the large egg yolk, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree to the mixture. Whisk until smooth and fully blended.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, pumpkin pie spice, and ground cinnamon until evenly mixed.

Step 5: Form the Dough

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a dough forms. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes.

Step 6: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

While your cookie dough chills, preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 7: Scoop & Roll Cookies

Using a large cookie scoop or spoon, measure out about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie. In a small bowl, whisk together white sugar and pumpkin pie spice. Roll each cookie dough ball in this mixture.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Place each rolled ball on your prepared baking sheets, keeping them spaced about 3-4 inches apart. Bake in your preheated oven for 10-14 minutes. The edges should be set while the middles appear slightly underbaked.

Enjoy your homemade soft and chewy pumpkin cookies!

How to Serve Soft and chewy pumpkin cookies

Soft and chewy pumpkin cookies are perfect for any occasion, especially during the fall season. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that complements the sweetness of the cookies.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of homemade or store-bought whipped cream for an extra creamy texture.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A sweet caramel drizzle adds a delightful touch to each cookie.

Served Warm with Ice Cream

• Enjoy these cookies warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert.

Paired with Coffee or Tea

• The warm spices in the cookies pair wonderfully with your favorite hot beverage.

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How to Perfect Soft and chewy pumpkin cookies

Achieving the perfect soft and chewy pumpkin cookies is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips for delicious results every time.

• Use Brown Butter: Browning the butter enhances its flavor, giving your cookies a rich, nutty taste.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps to prevent spreading and creates a thicker cookie.
• Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies when they still look slightly underbaked in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Use a kitchen scale or the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies from too much flour.
• Add Extra Spices: For more flavor, consider adding additional spices like nutmeg or ginger along with your pumpkin pie spice.
• Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: If possible, use fresh pumpkin puree for a more vibrant flavor than canned versions.

Best Side Dishes for Soft and chewy pumpkin cookies

While these soft and chewy pumpkin cookies are delicious on their own, you can elevate your dessert spread with some tasty side dishes.

1. Fall Fruit Salad
   A mix of apples, pears, and cranberries brings freshness that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter
   A selection of soft cheeses pairs well with pumpkin flavors, adding creaminess to each bite.
3. Nut Mix
   Roasted nuts such as pecans or walnuts add crunch and complement the spices in the cookies.
4. Spiced Hot Chocolate
   A cup of spiced hot chocolate creates a cozy pairing that enhances your dessert experience.
5. Pumpkin Spice Latte
   Enjoying these cookies with a warm pumpkin spice latte intensifies the fall flavors.
6. Caramel Apple Slices
   Fresh apple slices drizzled with caramel provide an excellent contrast in texture and sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking soft and chewy pumpkin cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients – Cold eggs or butter can lead to uneven mixing. Always use room temperature ingredients for the best texture.
• Overmixing the dough – Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Skipping the chilling step – Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking. Don’t skip this step for perfectly shaped cookies.
• Not measuring flour correctly – Too much flour can result in dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
• Baking at incorrect temperatures – An oven that is too hot can cause cookies to bake unevenly. Always preheat your oven properly.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350℉ (175℃) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a fresh taste.
• Stovetop – Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making soft and chewy pumpkin cookies, this section provides helpful answers.

Can I use canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works great in this recipe! Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin without added spices.

How do I make my pumpkin cookies more flavorful?

Consider adding extra spices like nutmeg or ginger for enhanced flavor. You could also mix in chocolate chips or nuts!

How should I store leftover soft and chewy pumpkin cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I substitute brown sugar with white sugar?

You can, but using brown sugar adds moisture and flavor. For softer cookies, stick with brown sugar.

What happens if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it reaches the right consistency.

Final Thoughts

These soft and chewy pumpkin cookies are perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights at home. Their delightful texture and rich flavor make them a versatile treat. Feel free to customize by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!