Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
The Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect Autumn treat that combines the classic chocolate chip cookie with the rich flavors of pumpkin. These cookies are moist, flavorful, and easy to make, making them ideal for various occasions such as Thanksgiving gatherings, cozy fall afternoons, or simply as a delightful snack at home. With the addition of pumpkin puree and warm spices, these cookies stand out in both taste and aroma.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, ensuring even novice bakers can whip up a batch in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of pumpkin puree and chocolate chips creates a deliciously unique flavor profile that everyone will love.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a cozy night in, these cookies fit right in.
- Freezable: You can easily freeze the dough or baked cookies for later enjoyment, making them versatile and convenient.
- Soft Texture: The addition of pumpkin makes these cookies incredibly soft and chewy, ensuring they stay fresh longer.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, gather the necessary tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: This tool saves time by efficiently creaming butter and sugars together to achieve that light, fluffy texture.
- Parchment paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment ensures that your cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking.
Ingredients
The perfect Autumn treat comes together with these classic chocolate chip cookies made with a twist. Pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice add the perfect Fall flavors!
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Mix-ins
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chips
How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Pumpkin pie spice
3. Baking soda
4. Baking powder
5. Salt
Make sure everything is well combined for an even flavor throughout your cookies.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In another mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the mixture for a lighter cookie.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Add in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat again until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Bake Your Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dollops of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. For extra chocolatey goodness, top each dollop with a few additional chocolate chips. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden around the edges.
Step 8: Cool Down
Once baked, let your cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies!
How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve them in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair your cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic treat. The creamy texture complements the soft cookies perfectly.
As a Dessert Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter with other fall-themed treats like mini pies and caramel apples for an inviting dessert spread.
Warm from the Oven
- Serve the cookies warm, straight from the oven. This ensures that the chocolate chips are melty and gooey, creating an irresistible experience.
With Ice Cream
- Place a scoop of vanilla or pumpkin spice ice cream between two cookies to make delightful cookie sandwiches for an indulgent dessert.
Drizzled with Chocolate
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for an extra touch of sweetness. This elevates their look and provides a delicious contrast to the pumpkin flavor.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
To ensure your pumpkin chocolate chip cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.
-
Use fresh pumpkin puree: Freshly made pumpkin puree enhances the flavor compared to canned versions. If using canned, opt for 100% pure pumpkin without additives.
-
Chill the dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps them maintain shape while baking.
-
Don’t overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until smooth. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
-
Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Ovens vary, so check at 10 minutes and remove them when edges are golden brown but centers remain soft.
-
Add nuts for crunch: Consider folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor that pairs well with chocolate and pumpkin.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
While these cookies stand on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your fall gatherings. Here are some fantastic options:
-
Apple Cider: A warm cup of apple cider brings out the autumn flavors in your cookies and adds a cozy touch to your snack time.
-
Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of cheeses like brie or sharp cheddar alongside crackers for a savory contrast that balances sweetness.
-
Pumpkin Soup: A bowl of creamy pumpkin soup is a perfect starter that ties in with your cookie’s flavor profile, making it an ideal pairing.
-
Caramel Dip: Serve your cookies with a side of warm caramel dip for dunking, adding an extra layer of indulgence that’s hard to resist.
-
Pecan Pie Bites: Mini pecan pies provide another sweet option that complements the flavors of your pumpkin chocolate chip cookies beautifully.
-
Spiced Tea: Hot spiced tea offers warmth and aromatic notes that pair well with the spices in the cookies, perfect for chilly days.
-
Chocolate Fondue: Set up a fun fondue station where guests can dip pieces of cookie into melted chocolate for an interactive dessert experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies is a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls. Here’s how to sidestep them for the best results.
- Skipping the measuring: Precision matters! Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure the correct amount of flour and sugar.
- Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined for soft and chewy treats.
- Not chilling the dough: Allowing the dough to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps develop flavors and improves texture.
- Using expired baking soda: Freshness is key! Check your baking soda’s expiration date to ensure your cookies rise properly.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Ovens can vary in heat. Use an oven thermometer to confirm your temperature for perfect baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.
Freezing Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Warm cookies in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, flipping once.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’re not alone. Here are some common inquiries:
How do I make my cookies softer?
To achieve softer cookies, consider slightly underbaking them and adding more pumpkin puree.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! Just ensure it’s well-pureed and has enough moisture comparable to canned pumpkin puree.
What can I substitute for chocolate chips?
You can use white chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruits like cranberries for different flavors.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Final Thoughts
These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only easy but also versatile. You can customize them with nuts or different types of chocolate. Perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights in, give this recipe a try—you will love the warm, comforting flavors!
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the warm, cozy flavors of fall with these delightful Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. Perfectly soft and chewy, they combine the classic appeal of chocolate chip cookies with the rich taste of pumpkin and a hint of pumpkin spice. Ideal for any autumn occasion—from Thanksgiving gatherings to cozy evenings at home—these cookies are simple to make and even easier to enjoy. The addition of real pumpkin puree not only enhances the flavor but ensures each bite stays moist and delicious. Whether paired with a glass of milk or served warm right from the oven, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla until well combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture; stir until just combined.
- Gently fold in chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Allow cooling on the sheets before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
