Name: Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter (melted); ½ cup pumpkin puree; ½ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup light brown sugar (packed); 1 tablespoon mild or medium-flavored molasses (not blackstrap, too intense); 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice extract (McCormick Vanilla Extract may be substituted); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

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There’s something magical about the fall season, especially when it comes to baking. One of my all-time favorite treats to whip up is Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. Picture this: the warm scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house, as the leaves outside turn vibrant shades of orange and gold. The first time I made these cookies, I couldn’t believe how perfectly they combined the rich flavors of pumpkin with the sweetness of chocolate chips. Every bite transports me back to cozy autumn afternoons spent with friends and family, enjoying each other’s company over a warm mug of cider and these delightful cookies.

What I love most about Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies is how they embody the essence of the season. They’re not just cookies; they’re a celebration of everything wonderful about fall. As the weather starts to cool, there’s nothing quite like having a stash of these soft delights on hand to share with loved ones or to indulge in yourself. Whether it’s for a Halloween gathering or a cozy evening at home, these cookies bring warmth and comfort in every bite. So, let’s dive into making these scrumptious cookies that are sure to become your new fall favorite!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
17 mins

Prep Time:
5 mins

Cook Time:
12 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
180 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
9 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Baking Sheet, Wooden Spoon, Whisk, Mixing Bowl

The Appeal of This Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

1. Perfect for Sharing

There’s something heartwarming about baking treats to share with friends and family, and Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for that! They make fantastic gifts for neighbors or a great addition to any potluck. Everyone loves a homemade cookie!

2. Seasonal Flavor

These cookies perfectly encapsulate fall flavors. With the addition of pumpkin, the warm spices, and semi-sweet chocolate, each bite captures the essence of autumn. It’s a taste that brings back fond memories of the season.

3. Easy to Make

Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is straightforward. With just a few simple steps, you can create a batch of soft and chewy cookies that look impressive and taste delicious. It’s a great recipe to build your confidence in the kitchen!

4. Versatile Treat

You can easily customize these cookies. Add nuts for extra crunch, or switch out the chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch. Each variation brings a new twist to your cookies while keeping the pumpkin base.

5. Great for All Occasions

Whether it’s Halloween, Thanksgiving, or just a chilly day, these cookies fit every occasion. They’re perfect for gatherings, as a cozy snack with coffee, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy after dinner.

6. Fantastic Texture

The combination of ingredients creates a delightful texture that is soft in the center with slightly crisp edges. You get the satisfaction of a cookie that melts in your mouth while still holding together nicely.

7. No Special Equipment Needed

Unlike some recipes that require fancy gadgets, you really only need basic kitchen tools to make Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. A mixing bowl, whisk, and baking sheet will do the trick!

Ingredients to Make Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Understanding the ingredients in Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies is key to mastering this delightful recipe. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. The star of the show is, of course, the pumpkin puree, which not only adds moisture but also infuses these cookies with its characteristic Earthy sweetness. The unsalted butter ensures a rich taste, while the combination of sugars contributes to the perfect balance of sweetness. The warm spices, like pumpkin pie spice, create that cozy fall flavor that we all adore. Together, these ingredients create cookies that are soft, chewy, and oh-so-satisfying.

½ cup unsalted butter, melted: This provides richness and helps create a tender texture in the cookies.
½ cup pumpkin puree: The main flavor component that adds moisture and a beautiful orange hue.
½ cup granulated sugar: For sweetness that perfectly complements the pumpkin.
¼ cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds a hint of caramel flavor and moisture.
1 tablespoon mild or medium-flavored molasses: Enhances the depth of flavor, adding a subtle earthy note.
1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice extract: Infuses the cookies with warm spices that evoke the essence of fall.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cookies, providing structure.
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: An aromatic blend contributing to the cozy flavor profile.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become soft and fluffy.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor by balancing the sweetness.
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds delightful pockets of chocolatey goodness in every bite.

Preparation Steps for Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies is a straightforward process, and I promise you won’t be disappointed with the results! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your perfect batch of cookies that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

Start by preparing your ingredients. In a large, microwave-safe bowl, add the butter and heat it in the microwave until melted, about 1 minute. This first step is crucial as melted butter blends more easily with the other ingredients, creating a smooth dough.
Once the butter is melted, add the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, molasses, and pumpkin pie spice extract. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. You want to ensure that all the sugars dissolve into the mix, which adds sweetness and moisture.
Now it’s time to incorporate the dry ingredients. Add the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix as that can make the cookies tough.
Next, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough, giving every bite a delightful burst of chocolatey flavor.
Using a large cookie scoop or a ¼-cup measuring cup, portion out the dough onto a large plate or tray, forming approximately 11 equal-sized mounds. Flatten each mound slightly for even baking. An important tip here: take a few extra chocolate chips from the underside of each dough ball and place them on top before refrigerating. This will ensure that the tops look nice and chocolaty after baking.
Cover the formed mounds with plastic wrap and refrigerate them for at least 3 hours, up to 5 days. Chilling the dough is essential as it prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in perfectly thick and chewy cookies.
Once you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. This preparation step is vital to ensure your cookies come off the tray easily.
Place the chilled dough mounds on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. This allows ample room for the cookies to spread. I usually bake 8 cookies per sheet to avoid overcrowding.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 to 14 minutes. You want the edges to look set and the tops to appear slightly glossy and undercooked. If you see a light golden color on the edges but the center is slightly pale, that’s perfect!
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before serving. This cooling period allows the cookies to firm up and makes it easier to transfer them without breaking.

Things Worth Knowing

Chilling the Dough: Chilling helps to firm up the dough, which prevents cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Using Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, use ingredients like butter and pumpkin puree at room temperature for easier mixing.
Check the Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is calibrated correctly as baking times can vary greatly. Use an oven thermometer if necessary.
Don’t Overbake: Cookies will continue to cook after they are taken out of the oven; aim for a barely set center for the best texture.

Make It Your Own

One of the best things about baking is how easily you can customize recipes to fit your taste! Here are some tips to help you make Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies your own.

Add Nuts: Consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
Change the Chips: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as white chocolate or dark chocolate, for varied flavors.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick, enhancing the spices already present.
Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week for optimal freshness.
Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever you desire. Just scoop and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Pairing: These cookies go wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or a sweet pumpkin spice latte, enhancing the cozy flavors.
Variations: Try mixing in dried cranberries or raisins for added fruitiness.

Serving Ideas for Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

When it comes to serving Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, the options are endless! Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Warm from the Oven: Serve these cookies warm right out of the oven. The chocolate chips will be melty, creating a comforting treat.
With Ice Cream: Create a delicious ice cream sandwich by placing a scoop of vanilla or pumpkin ice cream between two cookies.
For Gatherings: These cookies are perfect for Halloween parties or Thanksgiving gatherings. Arrange them on a festive platter for a delightful spread.
Dessert Table: Place them on a dessert table alongside other seasonal treats like caramel apples or spiced cake for a cozy fall theme.
Gift Giving: Package a few cookies in a cute tin or box for friends and family during the holidays as a sweet gift.
Cozy Night In: Enjoy these cookies while snuggled up with a good book or movie, paired with a warm beverage.
Seasonal Decor: Consider serving them on a table decorated with autumn leaves and pumpkins to enhance the festive atmosphere.

FAQ

Pumpkin cookies, like Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, stand out because they incorporate pumpkin puree, which adds moisture and a unique flavor profile. The pumpkin also contributes to a softer texture compared to standard cookie recipes that may rely solely on butter or oil. The spices used in pumpkin cookies, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, not only enhance the taste but also evoke the warm, cozy feelings of fall. This combination makes pumpkin cookies a seasonal favorite!

Absolutely! You can use fresh pumpkin in place of canned pumpkin puree for Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. To do this, simply roast or steam fresh pumpkin until soft, then puree it until smooth. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture to avoid making your cookie dough too wet. Fresh pumpkin will impart a slightly different flavor and texture, but it’s a fantastic alternative that can add a personal touch to your baking!

Chilling the dough for Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies is a crucial step in achieving the perfect texture. When the dough is chilled, it helps to firm up the butter and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. This results in thicker, chewier cookies with a softer center. Additionally, chilling allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste of the cookies. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in the final product!

There are countless ways to customize Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies to suit your taste preferences. Consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch or switching up the chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch. You can also experiment with spices, such as ginger or clove, for a unique twist. Adding dried fruit like cranberries or raisins can provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of chocolate. The versatility of this recipe makes it a great canvas for your creativity!

Conclusion

The beauty of Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies lies in their delightful combination of flavors and textures, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; you’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients can come together to create such a memorable cookie. So why not bake a batch today and enjoy the warm, comforting essence of fall in each bite? You won’t regret it!