Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy fall treat that fills your home with the warm scent of spices, look no further than these delightful Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies! This recipe is a family favorite in my house, and I love how it combines the rich flavors of pumpkin with the sweetness of chocolate. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these cookies bring everyone together for a deliciously sweet moment.

What makes this recipe special? It’s all about the soft, chewy texture and that perfect balance of pumpkin spice flavor. You won’t need to chill the dough or use any fancy mixers—just simple ingredients and a little bit of love. The result? A batch of cookies that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: No mixer needed and no chilling time means you can whip these up in no time!
• Perfectly chewy: These cookies are soft and chewy, never cakey, making them irresistible.
• Family-approved: Kids and adults alike will love the combination of pumpkin and chocolate.
• Great for sharing: Whether it’s a potluck or just a cozy night at home, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can freeze the dough or baked cookies—perfect for when you’re craving a sweet treat later on!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies is easy with just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• 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 teaspoons 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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Swap the chocolate: Use white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips if you want to mix things up!
• Make it spicier: Add an extra pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for more warmth.
• Try different shapes: Instead of traditional cookies, shape the dough into bars for easy slicing.

How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). This is an important step because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. While that’s happening, line two baking trays with parchment paper—this helps prevent sticking!

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a large stainless steel pan, brown your butter. As it cooks, watch out for foaming and crackling; this is all part of creating that nutty flavor! Stir occasionally until you see brown bits settling at the bottom. Once done, transfer it to a glass measuring bowl and let it cool in the fridge until it’s around 75°F.

Step 3: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree

Take your pumpkin puree and spread it on a plate. Use paper towels to soak up any excess liquid; this step is key to achieving that perfect cookie texture! After several rounds with fresh paper towels, you should have about 1/3 cup of nicely dried pumpkin.

Step 4: Mix Your Ingredients

Once your butter has cooled, whisk in both sugars until they blend together like pale wet sand. Then add in your egg yolks, vanilla extract, and prepared pumpkin puree until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to fold in your dry ingredients! Gently combine the flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chips into your wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix—this will help keep those cookies tender.

Step 6: Scoop and Space Out

Using a cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons), roll the dough into balls between your palms. Place them on your prepared trays with plenty of space between each one; they’ll spread while baking.

Step 7: Bake Away!

Bake each tray individually for about 9–13 minutes until the edges are golden brown but still slightly underbaked in the center. As soon as they come out of the oven, use a round cookie cutter to create perfectly round edges! Let them cool completely on a wire rack before enjoying every delicious bite.

Step 8: Store Them Right

Once cooled, store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Want to save some for later? Freeze those dough balls so you can bake fresh cookies whenever you like!

Now you’re ready to enjoy some heartwarming Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies! These treats are sure to become a new favorite in your home too!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making these cookies can be a joyous experience, and with a few helpful tips, you’ll ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients – This helps create a smoother dough and ensures even mixing, leading to a better-textured cookie.
• Measure flour correctly – Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents dense cookies that can come from packing too much flour in.
• Don’t skip browning the butter – Browning adds a depth of flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully. It creates a nutty aroma that will make your kitchen smell heavenly!
• Cool the butter properly – If the butter isn’t cooled adequately before mixing, it may cook the egg yolks when added, resulting in an undesirable texture.
• Experiment with chocolate types – Try different kinds of chocolate—dark, milk, or even white chocolate—to find your perfect flavor combination.

How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These delightful cookies are perfect for sharing! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying them at home, here are some fun serving ideas.

Garnishes

• Drizzle of melted chocolate – A light drizzle of melted chocolate on top adds an elegant touch and extra sweetness.
• Sprinkle of sea salt – Just a pinch of flaky sea salt enhances the rich flavors of the cookies and provides a delightful contrast to their sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider – The warm spices in apple cider complement the pumpkin perfectly and create a cozy atmosphere for enjoying your cookies.
• Vanilla almond milk – This creamy beverage pairs wonderfully with the chewy texture of pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and is great for dipping!
• Pumpkin spice latte – For those who love coffee, this seasonal favorite intensifies the pumpkin flavor while providing a warm drink to sip alongside your treats.
• Fresh fruit platter – A selection of apples, pears, or grapes adds freshness and balances the richness of the cookies for a well-rounded dessert experience.

Enjoy baking these scrumptious Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies and let their delightful flavors fill your home with warmth this fall!

Make Ahead and Storage

These pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make the dough in advance or store leftovers to enjoy throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for about 2-3 days.
• For longer storage, consider refrigerating them for up to a week.

Freezing

• You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking for future treats.
• Place them on a baking tray until frozen, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat cookies, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave them for 10-15 seconds if you’re looking for a quick fix!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delicious cookies!

What makes these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies chewy?

The combination of browning the butter and using egg yolks contributes to the soft, chewy texture without making them cakey.

Can I use other types of chocolate in my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even butterscotch chips if you prefer. Each variety will add its own unique touch!

How do I prevent my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is cool but still liquid when you mix it with the sugars. Also, chilling the cookie dough slightly before baking can help control spread.

How long do these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they will last for about 2-3 days. If refrigerated, they can last up to a week.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making and savoring these pumpkin chocolate chip cookies as much as I do! They’re a delightful blend of warm spices and rich chocolate that perfectly captures the essence of fall. Whether you’re sharing with friends or enjoying them solo with a good book, these cookies are sure to bring comfort and joy. Happy baking!