Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
These Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are an irresistible treat that captures the essence of fall with every bite. Perfect for gatherings, cozy nights in, or even a festive dessert spread, these cookies offer a delightful blend of pumpkin and spice. Their chewy centers and warm flavors make them a standout option for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: Each cookie is infused with the comforting taste of pumpkin spices that warms your soul.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll whip these up in no time.
- Perfect Texture: The chewy centers create a melt-in-your-mouth experience that keeps you coming back for more.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for holiday parties, family gatherings, or just a sweet snack at home.
- Great for Sharing: Makes 18 cookies, perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking these chewy pumpkin cookies, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl helps combine ingredients without making a mess.
- Electric mixer: Speeds up the creaming process for butter and sugars, ensuring a smooth batter.
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking multiple cookies at once.
Ingredients
These chewy pumpkin cookies have the perfect amount of pumpkin spice and each bite truly melts in your mouth. With chewy centers and spiced sugar topping, you will not believe how delicious these fall cookies are!
For the Sugar Topping
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
For the Cookie Dough
- 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 cup (122 g) canned pumpkin puree (Libby’s works best)
- 1 3/4 cups (219 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
How to Make Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect chewy texture.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 3: Mix the Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, combine granulated white sugar with pumpkin pie spice. Set aside for later use as a topping.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla
Add egg yolks one at a time to the mixture. Pour in vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
Step 6: Incorporate Pumpkin Puree
Gently mix in canned pumpkin puree until fully combined with the wet ingredients.
Step 7: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 8: Scoop the Dough
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart.
Step 9: Sprinkle Sugar Topping
Sprinkle the sugar topping over each cookie dough ball before placing them in the oven.
Step 10: Bake Cookies
Bake in preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool on baking sheets for several minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
Chewy pumpkin cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a cozy night at home, here are some great serving suggestions.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pairing your chewy pumpkin cookies with cold milk enhances the flavor and provides a classic, comforting combination.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter for parties or family gatherings. They add beautiful color and charm to any table setting.
As Part of a Fall Brunch
- Serve these cookies alongside other fall-inspired dishes like spiced muffins and apple cider for a delicious autumn brunch spread.
Warm with Ice Cream
- Enjoy these cookies warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Gift-Wrapped Treats
- Package the cookies in festive bags as gifts for friends and family during the holiday season. A sweet homemade touch that everyone will appreciate!
How to Perfect Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
To ensure your chewy pumpkin cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg yolks are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and contributes to the chewy texture.
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Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping it directly from the container. This prevents adding too much flour, which can make the cookies dry.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
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Chill the Dough: If time allows, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This can enhance flavors and improve texture.
Best Side Dishes for Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
Chewy pumpkin cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some tasty options to consider:
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Spiced Apple Cider: A warm cup of spiced apple cider enhances the fall flavors in your cookies while providing a cozy drink option.
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Cream Cheese Frosting: Spread some cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie for an extra creamy and tangy flavor boost.
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Pumpkin Spice Latte: Pair your cookies with this popular fall beverage for a delightful taste experience that celebrates pumpkin season.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cookies or serve it on the side for dipping; this adds rich sweetness that balances well with pumpkin spice.
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Pecans or Walnuts: Offer chopped pecans or walnuts as crunchy toppings or mix-ins to provide additional texture and nutty flavor contrast.
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Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or cheddar on your serving platter to introduce savory notes alongside the sweet cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your chewy pumpkin cookies even better. Here are some to watch out for:
- Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature butter and eggs. Cold ingredients can prevent the cookies from spreading properly.
- Incorrect measuring of flour: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping it directly from the bag. This ensures accurate measurements for chewy cookies.
- Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps enhance flavors and improves texture. Don’t skip this important step!
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies instead of chewy ones.
- Not using fresh spices: Using old or stale spices can dull the flavor of your cookies. Always check the freshness of your pumpkin pie spice.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to a week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
- Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then freeze until solid.
- Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Use a pan over low heat, adding a little butter if desired, and warm each cookie briefly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these chewy pumpkin cookies so special?
These chewy pumpkin cookies are special because they have a rich pumpkin flavor balanced with warm spices, making them perfect for fall.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, but ensure it’s well-cooked and blended smoothly for the best results.
How do I know when my chewy pumpkin cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly golden, while the centers may look slightly undercooked. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I add chocolate chips to my chewy pumpkin cookies?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips can add an extra layer of flavor and richness to your chewy pumpkin cookies.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
Yes, these chewy pumpkin cookies freeze well! Just make sure to store them in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
These chewy pumpkin cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips, making them perfect for any occasion. With their cozy flavors and soft texture, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite. Try making them today!
Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 18 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of fall with these Chewy Pumpkin Cookies. Each bite is a perfect blend of pumpkin and warm spices, creating an irresistible treat that’s soft in the center and slightly crisp on the edges. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply craving a cozy snack at home, these cookies are sure to impress. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, you’ll have a batch ready in no time. Enjoy them warm with a glass of milk or share them as homemade gifts during the holiday season. Experience the comfort of autumn in every bite!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add egg yolks one at a time, then mix in pumpkin puree.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually combine with wet ingredients.
- Scoop rounded dough balls onto prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with sugar topping.
- Bake for 12 minutes until edges are golden; let cool before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fall/Autumn
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (40g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
