Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
These Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect treat for fall! Their moist texture and rich pumpkin flavor, paired with sweet chocolate chips, make them an irresistible dessert. Ideal for gatherings, cozy nights in, or even as a delicious snack, these cookies will surely delight everyone who tries them. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, you can whip up a batch quickly to enjoy all season long.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple steps and common ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.
- Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of pumpkin and chocolate creates a delightful taste that’s perfect for autumn.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as an afternoon snack or serve at parties; they fit any occasion beautifully.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies are soft and chewy, ensuring each bite is comforting and satisfying.
- Nutritious Twist: With pumpkin as a main ingredient, these cookies offer some nutritional benefits while still being a treat.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience smooth, having the right tools is essential. Below are some must-have items that will help you create these delicious cookies effortlessly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining your wet and dry ingredients without spilling.
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking multiple cookies at once.
- Cooling rack: Allows air circulation around the cookies so they cool evenly without becoming soggy.
Ingredients
These homemade pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are a fall must have dessert!
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup butter (melted)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup cane sugar or white sugar
Add-Ins
- 12 oz semi sweet chocolate chips
How to Make Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures the cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the following:
1. 2 cups all purpose flour
2. 1 teaspoon baking soda
3. 1 teaspoon baking powder
4. 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
5. 1 teaspoon salt
Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined before moving on.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, cream together:
1. 1 cup cane sugar or white sugar
2. 1 cup canned pumpkin
3. 1/3 cup melted butter
4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5. 1 egg
Mix until smooth and well blended.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the 12 oz semi sweet chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Form Cookies
Drop spoonfuls of batter onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For an extra touch, top with additional chocolate chips if desired.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft.
Step 8: Cool
Once baked, transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely before serving.
Enjoy these delightful soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, perfect for sharing with family and friends!
How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Serving your Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies can enhance their delightful flavors and make them an even more enjoyable treat. Here are some creative ideas on how to serve these cookies that will impress your friends and family.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pairing soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookies with a cold glass of milk is a classic choice that complements the rich chocolate and warm pumpkin flavors.
Warm with Ice Cream
- Serve the cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a delicious dessert experience. The combination of warm cookies and cold ice cream is simply irresistible.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- Add an extra layer of sweetness by drizzling caramel sauce over the cookies. This makes for a decadent treat perfect for special occasions.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Create a dessert platter featuring your soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, along with other seasonal treats like mini pies and cheesecakes. This variety will please any crowd.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- For an indulgent twist, top each cookie with a dollop of whipped cream. This adds a light, airy texture that balances the richness of the cookie.
With Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these cookies alongside your favorite coffee or tea. The flavors of pumpkin spice pair beautifully with both beverages, making for a cozy snack time.
How to Perfect Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
To achieve the best results when making soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, follow these helpful tips that will elevate your baking game.
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Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your baking soda, baking powder, and spices are fresh for optimal rise and flavor.
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Scoop evenly: Use a cookie scoop to portion out uniform amounts of dough. This ensures even baking and consistent sizes.
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Chill the dough: If time permits, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
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Don’t overbake: Remove the cookies from the oven when they are just set in the center. They will continue cooking on the baking sheet as they cool.
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Store correctly: Keep leftover soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness.
Best Side Dishes for Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
While soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are delightful on their own, pairing them with side dishes can create an even more satisfying experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Cream Cheese Frosting: A sweet and tangy frosting that can be spread on top of each cookie for added flavor.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: A warm beverage that echoes the flavors in your cookies, making for a comforting pairing.
- Apple Cider: This seasonal drink adds a fruity note that complements the spices in pumpkin cookies beautifully.
- Cheese Board: Include some sharp cheeses like cheddar or gouda alongside fruits for a savory contrast to sweet cookies.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides brightness and balances out the richness of the cookies.
- Nuts and Dried Fruits Snack Mix: A crunchy mix can add interesting textures when enjoyed alongside your soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into melted chocolate for an extra decadent treat.
- Chai Tea: The spiced flavors in chai tea harmonize perfectly with pumpkin, enhancing every bite you take.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookies can be a delightful experience, but mistakes can happen. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using the wrong type of pumpkin: Ensure you use canned pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains extra sugar and spices.
- Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements are crucial. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for the best results.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Combine just until the ingredients are blended.
- Skipping the cooling step: Allowing cookies to cool on a rack helps them set properly and enhances their texture.
- Inaccurate oven temperature: Always preheat your oven and consider using an oven thermometer to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 1 week in the fridge.
Freezing Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
- Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a skillet for about 2 minutes, flipping once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.
How do I make my Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies fluffier?
Adding more flour or ensuring your baking powder is fresh can help achieve fluffier cookies.
Can I substitute butter with oil in Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Yes, you can substitute melted butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil, but the texture may slightly change.
What if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, add a bit more flour until it reaches a manageable consistency.
How long do these Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies last?
When stored properly, they will stay fresh for about one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
These soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Their warm flavors make them perfect for fall gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or swapping in different types of chocolate chips for your personal twist!
Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the warmth of fall with these soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookies! These delightful treats combine the rich flavors of pumpkin and chocolate, creating a moist and chewy texture that melts in your mouth. Perfect for cozy gatherings, afternoon snacks, or just a sweet pick-me-up, this easy recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have at home. Whip up a batch and let the comforting aroma fill your kitchen as you enjoy these seasonal delights throughout the autumn months!
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup cane sugar or white sugar
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
- In another bowl, cream together sugar, pumpkin, melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet mixture until just blended.
- Fold in chocolate chips evenly.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are set; centers should remain soft.
- Transfer cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
