Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
Get ready for sweater weather with these soft and chewy pumpkin cookies. They are perfect for cozy evenings, holiday gatherings, or simply treating yourself. These cookies stand out with their rich brown butter flavor and the delightful aroma of pumpkin spice. Easy to make in just one bowl, they will quickly become a favorite for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Preparation: With just one bowl needed, clean-up is a breeze!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of brown butter and pumpkin gives these cookies a unique and delicious taste.
- Perfect Texture: Enjoy the ideal balance of soft centers and chewy edges with every bite.
- Seasonal Delight: Celebrate fall flavors with these delightful cookies that capture the essence of the season.
- Versatile Treat: Great for dessert, snacks, or even as a gift during the holidays.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your soft and chewy pumpkin cookies, gather your tools. Having everything on hand will ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Different sizes help you efficiently combine wet and dry ingredients without mess.
- Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients smoothly, ensuring no lumps in your dough.
- Baking sheets: Provide a flat surface for even baking results.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleaning up easier.
Ingredients
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
– 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 unsalted butter. Once melted, increase the heat to medium. Let it begin to foam; keep cooking while stirring until it turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 2-3 minutes). Pour into a medium mixing bowl and let it cool completely.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
Once the brown butter has cooled, whisk in the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and maple syrup. Then add in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree. Whisk until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the following:
all-purpose flour
baking powder
baking soda
kosher salt
pumpkin pie spice
ground cinnamon
Step 4: Form the Dough
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a dough forms. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
While the cookie dough chills, preheat your oven to 350℉/175℃. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
Step 6: Shape Cookies
Scoop out cookie dough using a large cookie scoop or spoon so each ball is about 2 tablespoons. In a small bowl, whisk together white sugar and pumpkin pie spice. Roll each cookie dough ball in this mixture before placing them on prepared baking sheets. Keep them spaced about 3–4 inches apart.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10–14 minutes. The edges should be set while the centers may look slightly underbaked.
These soft and chewy pumpkin cookies are ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Soft and chewy pumpkin cookies
Soft and chewy pumpkin cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy fall gathering or a festive holiday party. Here are some delightful ways to serve them.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic pairing, milk complements the sweetness of the cookies and enhances their chewy texture.
Topped with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on each cookie for an extra rich and creamy treat that’s hard to resist.
Served Warm with Ice Cream
- Warm up the cookies slightly and place a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delicious dessert that combines warm and cold textures.
Accompanied by a Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Enjoy your pumpkin cookies alongside a pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall flavor experience.
As Party Favors
- Package the cookies in cute bags or boxes and give them as homemade gifts at parties or gatherings.
How to Perfect Soft and chewy pumpkin cookies
To achieve the ultimate soft and chewy pumpkin cookies, consider these helpful tips.
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Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: Ensure that your pumpkin puree is fresh for the best flavor. Canned puree can work in a pinch, but fresh brings out more vibrant flavors.
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Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.
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Brown Your Butter Carefully: Watch your butter closely while browning it. You want a nutty aroma without burning it, which adds depth to your cookie’s flavor.
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Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies from the oven when they are slightly underbaked in the middle. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Best Side Dishes for Soft and chewy pumpkin cookies
Pairing side dishes with your soft and chewy pumpkin cookies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
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Apple Cider: The sweet-tart flavor of apple cider complements the warm spices in the cookies perfectly.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like brie or goat cheese adds a savory contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over your cookies for an indulgent touch that pairs beautifully with pumpkin flavors.
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Pumpkin Soup: Start your meal with a warm bowl of creamy pumpkin soup to continue that comforting fall vibe.
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Salad with Autumn Fruits: A salad featuring pears or cranberries offers freshness that balances out the richness of the cookies.
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Nut Mix: Serve a bowl of spiced nuts as an appetizer; their crunchiness contrasts nicely with soft cookies while enhancing fall flavors.
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Vanilla Yogurt Dip: A yogurt dip made with honey provides a creamy option that pairs well with cookie flavors.
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Hot Chocolate: Enjoying these cookies alongside a cup of hot chocolate makes for a cozy dessert experience on chilly nights.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making soft and chewy pumpkin cookies can be easy, but there are common pitfalls that might lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some mistakes to watch for:
- Using cold ingredients – Always ensure your butter and egg yolk are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can prevent the dough from mixing properly.
- Skipping the chilling step – Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the right texture. If you skip this, your cookies may spread too much while baking.
- Not measuring flour correctly – Too much flour will make your cookies cakey instead of chewy. Use the spoon-and-level method to measure accurately.
- Overbaking the cookies – It’s better to underbake slightly than to overbake; the centers should look a bit underdone when you take them out of the oven.
- Ignoring oven calibration – Every oven is different. If your cookies aren’t baking correctly, check if your oven temperature is accurate with an oven thermometer.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Soft and chewy pumpkin cookies
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap before freezing for easy access.
Reheating Soft and chewy pumpkin cookies
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5 minutes until warm.
- Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
- Stovetop – Place in a skillet on low heat; cover for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about soft and chewy pumpkin cookies that will help you perfect your baking experience.
Can I use canned pumpkin puree for soft and chewy pumpkin cookies?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure it’s pure pumpkin without added spices or sugar.
How do I make my soft and chewy pumpkin cookies even more flavorful?
You can enhance flavor by adding chocolate chips or nuts. Adjust spices according to your preference as well.
What if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels overly sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
Can I substitute other sugars in this recipe?
You can replace white sugar with coconut sugar or brown sugar, but note that it may alter the texture slightly.
Final Thoughts
Soft and chewy pumpkin cookies are not just delicious; they evoke warmth and comfort, making them perfect for fall gatherings or cozy evenings at home. You can customize this recipe by adding spices or mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. Give these delightful treats a try, and enjoy their irresistible taste!
Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Get ready to embrace the cozy vibes of fall with these soft and chewy pumpkin cookies! Infused with rich brown butter and aromatic pumpkin spice, these delightful treats are perfect for any occasion—from intimate evenings at home to festive holiday gatherings. With their irresistible flavor and ideal texture of soft centers and chewy edges, you’ll find it hard to resist reaching for another. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up in just one bowl, making clean-up a breeze. Enjoy the warm, comforting essence of autumn in every bite!
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Brown the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until golden and nutty; let cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooled brown butter with sugars, maple syrup, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree; whisk until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until a dough forms; chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop dough into balls and roll in a mixture of white sugar and pumpkin pie spice; space on sheets.
- Bake for 10-14 minutes until edges are set but centers appear slightly underbaked.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (38g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
