Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

Get ready for sweater weather with these soft and chewy pumpkin cookies. These delightful treats are perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of tea. Their rich flavor comes from brown butter and pumpkin puree, making them a unique addition to your fall baking repertoire. Easy to make in just one bowl, they are sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: These cookies require only one bowl and minimal clean-up, making them an easy choice for any home baker.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of brown butter and pumpkin puree creates a rich, nutty flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Perfectly Chewy Texture: Each bite offers a delightful chewiness that makes these cookies satisfying and enjoyable.
• Versatile Treat: Great for fall festivities, holiday gifting, or a sweet snack any time of year.
• Quick to Bake: With a prep time of only 20 minutes and bake time of around 14 minutes, you can enjoy fresh cookies in no time.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking these delicious cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Medium saucepan: Essential for browning the butter, which adds depth of flavor to your cookies.
• Mixing bowls: Using separate bowls helps in efficiently mixing wet and dry ingredients separately for better texture.
• Whisk: A good whisk ensures that all ingredients are well combined, especially when blending sugars with the brown butter.

Ingredients

Get ready for sweater weather with these homemade chewy pumpkin cookies. Made with brown butter and pumpkin puree, they’re made in one bowl.

Wet Ingredients

• 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

Dry Ingredients

• 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
• 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 butter. Once melted, increase the heat to medium. Let the butter foam and keep cooking while stirring with a spatula until it turns golden brown with a nutty aroma (about 2-3 minutes). Pour the browned butter into a medium mixing bowl and let it cool completely.

Step 2: Mix Sugars and Pumpkin

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

Step 3: Add Egg Yolk and Pumpkin Puree

Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract into the mixture along with the pumpkin puree. Whisk everything together until you achieve a smooth consistency.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and ground cinnamon until well blended.

Step 5: Form Your Cookie Dough

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

Step 6: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

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

Step 7: Shape Cookies

Using a large cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie ball. In a small bowl, mix together white sugar and pumpkin pie spice. Roll each cookie dough ball in this mixture before placing them on the prepared baking sheets—keeping them spaced about 3-4 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake & Enjoy!

Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-14 minutes. The edges should be set while the middles look slightly underbaked. Allow them to cool before serving!

Enjoy these soft and chewy pumpkin cookies as they bring warmth to your fall days!

How to Serve Soft and chewy pumpkin cookies

Soft and chewy pumpkin cookies are deliciously versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or enjoying a quiet evening, these cookies can be paired with complementary flavors for an even more delightful experience.

With a Cup of Coffee

• Pair your cookies with a warm cup of coffee for a comforting treat. The rich flavors of the coffee enhance the sweetness of the pumpkin cookies.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Create delightful ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies. This makes for a fun dessert that everyone will love.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle warm caramel sauce over your pumpkin cookies. The sweetness of the caramel pairs perfectly with the spice of the cookies.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each cookie for a light and airy addition. This gives your cookies an elegant touch.

Served with Hot Apple Cider

• Enjoy your pumpkin cookies alongside hot apple cider. The spices in both treats create a cozy fall atmosphere.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange your soft and chewy pumpkin cookies on a beautiful platter as part of a dessert spread. Include other seasonal treats to impress your guests.

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How to Perfect Soft and chewy pumpkin cookies

To achieve the best soft and chewy pumpkin cookies, follow these helpful tips that ensure perfect texture and flavor every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients – Bringing butter, eggs, and pumpkin puree to room temperature helps them combine smoothly, resulting in better dough consistency.

• Chill the dough – Allowing the cookie dough to chill for at least 30 minutes prevents spreading during baking, leading to thicker, chewier cookies.

• Do not overbake – Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; they should look slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet.

• Experiment with spices – Feel free to adjust or add spices like nutmeg or ginger for more flavor depth in your cookies.

• Consider using dark brown sugar – Using dark brown sugar instead of light adds more moisture and enhances the caramel flavor in your cookies.

• Store properly – To maintain their softness, store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for longer-lasting freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Soft and chewy pumpkin cookies

These soft and chewy pumpkin cookies can be complemented beautifully by various side dishes that elevate their flavor profile. Here are some great options:

1. Cheese platter – A selection of cheeses such as brie or sharp cheddar pairs well with the sweetness of pumpkin cookies.

2. Pumpkin soup – Serve alongside warm pumpkin soup for a cohesive fall-themed meal that’s both hearty and satisfying.

3. Roasted nuts – A bowl of spiced roasted nuts provides a crunchy contrast to the soft texture of the cookies while enhancing seasonal flavors.

4. Fruit salad – A light fruit salad featuring apples and pears adds freshness, balancing out the richness of the cookie flavors.

5. Cranberry sauce – Tangy cranberry sauce offers a burst of tartness that complements the sweet notes in pumpkin cookies perfectly.

6. Spiced chai tea – Enjoying these cookies with spiced chai tea creates a cozy experience filled with aromatic flavors that harmonize well together.

7. Yogurt parfaits – Layering yogurt with granola and fruits makes for a healthy side dish that contrasts nicely with sweet treats like these cookies.

8. Scones or muffins – Offering additional baked goods such as scones or muffins can create an inviting brunch spread where guests can indulge in various textures and flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making soft and chewy pumpkin cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the outcome. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Not using room temperature ingredients – Using cold ingredients can lead to uneven mixing. Be sure your egg yolk and butter are at room temperature for a smooth dough.

• Overmixing the dough – Overmixing can make cookies tough instead of soft. Mix just until combined to maintain that chewy texture.

• Skipping the chilling step – Chilling the dough is essential for flavor and texture. Don’t skip this step; it helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

• Incorrect oven temperature – An oven that’s too hot can burn the edges quickly. Always preheat your oven and consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.

• Not measuring flour properly – Too much flour can result in dry cookies. Use a kitchen scale or spoon flour into your measuring cup, then level it off for accuracy.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store soft and chewy pumpkin cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Soft and chewy pumpkin cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them first.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Soft and chewy pumpkin cookies

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop – Warm them in a non-stick skillet over low heat for a few minutes, ensuring they don’t burn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making soft and chewy pumpkin cookies:

How do I achieve softer cookies?

To achieve softer cookies, avoid overbaking them. The edges should be set, but the centers should still look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree if you prefer. Make sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture in your cookie dough.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can substitute brown sugar with granulated sugar mixed with molasses. Use 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses for each cup of brown sugar needed.

Are these soft and chewy pumpkin cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free flour blend.

How long does it take to make these pumpkin cookies?

The total time from preparation to baking is about 64 minutes, including chilling time for the dough.

Final Thoughts

These soft and chewy pumpkin cookies are perfect for cozy fall days. Their delightful blend of spices makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor! Try baking these delicious treats today; you won’t be disappointed!