Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate fall treat! They combine the rich flavors of pumpkin and chocolate, creating a soft and gooey texture that everyone loves. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet indulgence any day, these cookies are sure to impress with their warm spices and melty chocolate bits. With a unique brown butter base, they promise a depth of flavor that sets them apart from typical pumpkin cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and chocolate creates a deliciously unique taste that celebrates fall.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Perfect Texture: Thanks to the brown butter and blotted pumpkin, these cookies are chewy—not cakey—ensuring each bite is satisfying.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy night in with friends.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time, refrigerate or freeze it, and bake fresh cookies whenever you like!

Tools and Preparation

To make these chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment on hand makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking trays
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop
• Wire cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or mixing bowls: These help you easily mix ingredients to achieve the right consistency for your cookie dough.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
• Baking trays: Sturdy trays provide an even surface for baking, allowing cookies to cook uniformly.

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!

For the Cookies

• 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. While it cooks, it will foam, pop, and crackle—this is normal! Stand nearby, watch, and stir it occasionally so it doesn’t burn. When the bottom is covered in brown bits of butter and it smells nutty, remove the pan from heat. You should have just under 1 cup of browned butter (184 g). Scrape the butter into a glass measuring bowl and place it in the fridge for 50–60 minutes, stirring every 10–15 minutes until a thermometer inserted reads 75°F (24°C). The butter must be cool but still liquid!

Step 3: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree

Spread the pumpkin puree on a plate. Press a stack of paper towels into it to soak up excess liquid. Then scrape the pumpkin into a pile and re-spread it around the plate. Continue using new stacks of paper towels until the pumpkin feels dry like soft playdough, measuring roughly 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 looks like pale wet sand.

Step 5: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Whisk in 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 combined.

Step 7: Scoop Cookie Dough

Scoop cookie dough using a 3 tbsp cookie scoop. Roll them between your palms before placing them on prepared baking trays spaced about 2–3 inches apart. You will have roughly 15 cookies.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake one tray at a time for 9–13 minutes or until edges are golden brown but middle is slightly underbaked. After removing from oven, use a large round cookie cutter to scoot edges inward for thicker cookies. Let cool completely on wire racks before enjoying!

Step 9: Store Your Cookies

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also refrigerate or freeze cookie dough balls; just bring them to room temperature before baking. This can take about one hour for refrigerated dough and two hours for frozen dough.

Enjoy your delightful chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies!

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these cookies can be served in various delightful ways.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair your cookies with a tall glass of cold milk. The creaminess of the milk complements the rich chocolate and pumpkin flavors beautifully.

As an Ice Cream Sandwich

• Take two cookies and add a scoop of your favorite vanilla or pumpkin ice cream in between. This creates a deliciously indulgent treat, perfect for warm days.

Warm from the Oven

• Serve them straight out of the oven for that gooey, melty chocolate experience. This is when they are at their absolute best!

With Whipped Cream

• Top each cookie with a dollop of whipped cream for an added creamy texture that enhances the flavors of pumpkin spice and chocolate.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A light drizzle of caramel sauce adds a sweet touch that pairs wonderfully with the spices in the cookies.

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How to Perfect Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Achieving the perfect chewy texture in your pumpkin chocolate chip cookies is all about technique. Here are some tips to elevate your baking game.

• Brown the butter carefully: Take your time browning the butter. This step adds a deep, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cookies.
• Dry out the pumpkin puree: Blotting excess moisture from the pumpkin is key to achieving that chewy texture instead of cakey results.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mix until just combined to keep your cookies tender and chewy.
• Chill the dough: Allowing your dough to chill before baking helps deepen flavors and prevents spreading too much during baking.
• Bake until slightly underdone: Pull them from the oven when they are just set around the edges; they will continue cooking on the tray as they cool.
• Use quality chocolate: Opt for high-quality chocolate for richer flavor and better melting capabilities.

Best Side Dishes for Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies pair well with various side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some tasty options you might consider serving alongside them.

1. Pumpkin Spice Latte
   A warm cup of this seasonal favorite enhances fall flavors while providing a comforting drink option.

2. Apple Cider
   Hot or cold apple cider brings out fruity notes that balance well with spices in the cookies.

3. Cheese Platter
   A selection of soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese creates a savory contrast to sweet cookies.

4. Roasted Nuts
   Seasoned nuts provide crunch and saltiness, balancing out the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.

5. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a refreshing side that offers both creaminess and crunch.

6. Spiced Chai Tea
   A cup of spiced chai tea brings warmth and aromatic spices that harmonize beautifully with pumpkin flavors.

7. Dark Chocolate Fondue
   Set up a fondue station where guests can dip fruits or marshmallows into rich dark chocolate alongside their cookies.

8. Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances out the richness of chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies can be simple, but it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to keep in mind.

• Using warm butter: This can lead to cookies that spread too much. Always ensure your butter is cold before browning it.
• Not drying the pumpkin puree: Excess moisture can result in cakey cookies instead of chewy ones. Blot the puree thoroughly with paper towels.
• Overmixing the dough: This can make your cookies tough. Mix just until combined for a softer texture.
• Skipping chilling the dough: Not cooling the browned butter properly can affect the cookie’s structure. Make sure it’s cooled to 75°F for the perfect chew.
• Incorrect measuring of flour: Too much flour can dry out the cookies. Use a spoon to fill your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 2 months.
• Use an airtight freezer bag or container, and label with the date.

Reheating Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for 5-7 minutes for a soft texture.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie on medium power for about 10-15 seconds for a gooey treat.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What makes these cookies chewy?

The combination of brown butter and blotted pumpkin puree gives these cookies their signature chewy texture.

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Absolutely! You can substitute dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips based on your preference.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading?

Ensure your butter is cold and chill the dough before baking. Properly measuring flour also helps maintain shape.

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

Yes! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add great flavor and crunch if you wish to customize your recipe further.

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they last about 2-3 days at room temperature or longer if frozen.

Final Thoughts

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. With their soft, gooey centers and rich flavors, they are perfect for any fall gathering or cozy night in. Feel free to customize them with different types of chocolate or spices according to your taste!