Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Soft & Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Autumn whispers sweet secrets through these delightful chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies that promise comfort in every bite.

Crisp mornings call for something magical from the kitchen.

Warm spices dance with rich chocolate, creating a symphony of flavors that feels like a cozy hug.

Soft centers and slightly crisp edges make each cookie an irresistible treat.

Baking these delectable morsels fills your home with an incredible aroma that draws everyone closer.

Unexpected bursts of chocolate nestled within tender pumpkin dough make this recipe a seasonal favorite.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of these irresistible cookies.

Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies: Why You Should Try Them

  • Master Simple Cooking: Newbie-friendly recipe with straightforward steps anyone can follow, perfect for cooking beginners or those wanting a quick delicious meal.
  • Flavor Explosion: Packed with robust seasonings like paprika, thyme, and rosemary, complemented by zesty garlic butter sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality dish.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Requires minimal ingredients and prep time, making it an ideal solution for busy home cooks seeking a satisfying meal without complex techniques or long cooking processes.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup by using a single skillet for cooking chicken and creating the delectable sauce, reducing dish washing and saving precious evening time.

Ingredients Needed For Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

For the Wet Ingredients:
  • Melted Butter: Provides richness and helps create a soft, chewy texture.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture and classic autumn flavor to the cookies.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a crisp exterior.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor and contributes to the chewy texture.
  • Egg Yolk: Binds the ingredients and adds richness to the cookie dough.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
For the Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base structure of the cookies.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light.
  • Baking Soda: Assists in browning and provides additional leavening.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
For the Spices and Mix-Ins:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger: Add warm, seasonal spice notes to the cookies.
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, Dark Chocolate Chips: Provide delicious chocolate bursts throughout the cookies.

How To Prepare Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Cookies

Step 1: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes silky smooth and perfectly combined.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, thoroughly whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Ground ginger (optional)

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix the dough. The key is maintaining a light touch to ensure tender cookies.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Goodness

Gently incorporate:
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • Dark chocolate chips (optional)

Distribute the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

This crucial resting period helps the dough solidify and prevents excessive spreading during baking.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal.

Step 7: Shape and Arrange Cookies

Scoop rounded tablespoons of chilled dough onto the prepared baking sheets.

Place each cookie about 2 inches apart to allow proper spreading during baking.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Look for set edges and slightly soft centers. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, creating that perfect chewy texture.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

This final step ensures the perfect texture and allows the cookies to set properly before devouring.

Helpful Tips For Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

  • Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and enhance flavor complexity.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better cookie texture.
  • Replace egg yolk with a flax egg for a vegan-friendly version of these pumpkin cookies.
  • Experiment with different chocolate chip varieties like milk or white chocolate for unique flavor profiles.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their chewy texture.

Flavorful Twists For Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

  • Nutty Pumpkin Delight: Replace chocolate chips with chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy, earthy flavor profile that complements the pumpkin spice.
  • Maple Pumpkin Crunch: Swap brown sugar with maple syrup and sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top before baking for a rich, caramelized texture.
  • Cream Cheese Swirl Cookies: Add dollops of softened cream cheese on top of each cookie before baking for a tangy, creamy contrast to the spiced pumpkin base.
  • White Chocolate Pumpkin Spice: Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips and add a pinch of extra cinnamon for a sweeter, more decadent version.

Ideal Pairings For Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

  • Autumn Cozy Treat Platter: Arrange cookies on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks, scattered chocolate chips, and a small pottery mug of warm apple cider for a festive fall presentation that captures seasonal comfort.
  • Dessert Charcuterie Twist: Create a delightful spread featuring these pumpkin chocolate chip cookies alongside other bite-sized treats like caramel drizzled brownies, mini pumpkin bread slices, and candied pecans for a stunning sweet display.
  • Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair the cookies with a creamy chai latte or spiced tea, garnishing the plate with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a few whole chocolate chips for an elegant tea-time experience that celebrates subtle autumn flavors.

Proper Storage Advice For Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

  • Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their soft texture.
  • Scoop unbaked cookie dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Keep frozen dough for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to baking time.
  • Wrap completely cooled cookies individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cookies stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

  • Why do I need to chill the cookie dough?

Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more concentrated taste and chewier texture.

  • Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can mix semi-sweet, dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips to create your own unique flavor combination. Just keep the total amount of chocolate chips consistent.

  • What if my pumpkin puree is too watery?

Drain excess liquid using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to ensure your cookies have the right consistency and don’t become too wet. This helps maintain the perfect texture of the cookies.

  • How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for set edges and slightly soft centers. Remember that cookies continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them.

Print
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Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe


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4.6 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Homemade chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies combine autumnal spices with rich chocolate morsels. Warm kitchen memories unfold as bakers craft these delightful seasonal treats you’ll crave all year long.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (85 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup (85 g) dark chocolate chips (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)

Instructions

  1. Whisk melted butter, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, creating a dry ingredient blend.
  3. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to maintain a consistent texture without overmixing.
  4. Delicately fold semi-sweet and dark chocolate chips into the cookie dough, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
  5. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes at 40°F, allowing the ingredients to meld and preventing excessive spreading during baking.
  6. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  7. Using a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, maintaining approximately 2 inches of space between each cookie.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for set edges and slightly soft centers, which will continue to firm as the cookies cool.
  9. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling, ensuring a chewy, delectable texture.

Notes

  • Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and enhance the cookie’s texture, creating a more concentrated flavor profile.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and even distribution of wet and dry components.
  • Try different chocolate varieties like milk chocolate or white chocolate chips for unique flavor combinations.
  • For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the cookie’s chewy texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 137 kcal
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 59 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 14 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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