Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nothing says fall quite like the warm, inviting aroma of pumpkin spice. Combine that with the classic comfort of chocolate chip cookies, and you have a winning combination: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies! These cookies are the perfect treat for a cozy autumn evening, a festive fall gathering, or just a simple after-school snack.

This recipe offers a delightful twist on a traditional favorite. You get all the gooey, chocolatey goodness of a classic chocolate chip cookie, but with the added warmth and spice of pumpkin. It’s the best of both worlds! For another delicious fall treat, try our easy pumpkin muffins recipe.

Why this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe is Special

This recipe stands out for its perfect balance of flavors. The pumpkin spice isn’t overpowering, letting the chocolate chips shine through. The cookies bake up soft and chewy, with just the right amount of moisture. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make! You’ll be enjoying warm, delicious Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies in no time.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. Be sure to gather all your ingredients before you begin!

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the structure for your cookies. You can also use a gluten-free all-purpose blend if needed.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps the cookies rise and gives them a light texture. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Warms up the flavor of the cookie with a touch of spice.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a subtle zing to complement the cinnamon.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Adds depth to the spice blend.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Because what’s a chocolate chip cookie without the chocolate? Feel free to use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. Looking for another chocolate treat? Try our Chocolate Covered Strawberries.

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter is key to creating a smooth, creamy dough. Don’t melt it completely!
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• 1 cup packed brown sugar: Gives the cookies a chewier texture and a hint of molasses flavor.
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned): Not pumpkin pie filling! Make sure you grab plain pumpkin puree. This adds moisture, flavor, and that beautiful pumpkin color.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookie.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s get baking! These instructions are easy to follow, even for beginner bakers. You can also find delicious crockpot chicken recipes on our site.

Preparing the Dough

1. Cream together the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest to do with an electric mixer, but you can also use a wooden spoon and some elbow grease.
2. Beat in the pumpkin and eggs: Add the pumpkin puree and eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure everything is fully incorporated.
3. Stir in the vanilla: Add the vanilla extract and mix until just combined.
4. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed.

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
2. Fold in the chocolate chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
3. Chill the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too thin during baking. Chilling for longer, even overnight, will enhance the flavors.

Baking the Cookies

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
3. Scoop the dough: Drop rounded tablespoons of chilled dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
4. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
5. Check for doneness: You can test for doneness by gently pressing the center of a cookie. If it springs back slightly, they are ready.

For tips on baking with pumpkin, check out this helpful article: Healthline’s Guide to Pumpkin.

Cooling and Serving

1. Cool on the baking sheet: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Serve and enjoy: These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are delicious on their own, or you can serve them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. If you’re looking for a fun twist on a classic dessert, try our Fried Twinkies recipe! They’re the perfect fall treat!

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you customize your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies and achieve the perfect texture and flavor. For some savory options, explore our collection of ground chicken recipes.

Achieving the Perfect Texture

• For chewy cookies: Use more brown sugar than granulated sugar. Slightly underbake the cookies and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
• For soft cookies: Use more butter and less flour. Don’t overmix the dough, and be sure to take the cookies out of the oven when the edges are just starting to turn golden brown.
• For crispy cookies: Use more granulated sugar than brown sugar. Bake the cookies for a few minutes longer, until they are golden brown and firm to the touch. Using a lower amount of butter can also result in a crispier cookie.

Flavor Variations

• Different chocolate chips: Try using milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even a combination of different types of chocolate.
• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts add a delicious crunch and nutty flavor. Fold them in with the chocolate chips.
• Spice it up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
• Extracts: Add a teaspoon of maple extract or almond extract for a unique flavor twist.
• Dried cranberries or raisins: Add a handful of dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy, fruity addition.

Want to learn more about the health benefits of pumpkin? Visit: Pumpkin Nutrition on Healthline.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Cookies spreading too thin: This usually means the butter was too soft or the dough wasn’t chilled long enough. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
• Cookies are too dry: Try reducing the baking time or adding a tablespoon or two of extra pumpkin puree to the dough. Make sure your oven temperature is accurate, as a too-hot oven can also lead to dry cookies.
• Cookies are too cakey: Too much flour can make the cookies cakey. Make sure you’re using the correct measurements, and use a spoon to level off the flour in your measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the bag.

FAQ

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about pumpkin chocolate chip cookies:

Can I add pumpkin to chocolate chip cookie mix?

Yes, you can definitely add pumpkin puree to a chocolate chip cookie mix! Start by adding 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree per bag of mix. You may need to reduce the amount of oil or other wet ingredients called for on the package to achieve the desired cookie dough consistency. Taste and adjust as needed – you might find you enjoy even more pumpkin flavor!

What makes cookies chewy instead of crispy?

Chewy cookies have a higher moisture content. Using more brown sugar than granulated sugar helps achieve this chewiness. A longer baking time at a slightly lower temperature also contributes to a softer, chewier texture.

Why did dads stop making chocolate chip cookies?

This is a funny question! Dads haven’t stopped making chocolate chip cookies. Many dads still enjoy baking and sharing cookies with their families. Maybe this question comes from a nostalgic feeling or a shift in family routines over time. Either way, dads and cookies still go great together!

Why are my pumpkin cookies so moist?

Pumpkin puree naturally contains a lot of moisture. If your pumpkin cookies are too moist, you can try reducing the amount of pumpkin puree in the recipe by a tablespoon or two. Alternatively, try adding a tablespoon or two of extra flour to absorb some of that excess moisture. This should help achieve a better texture.

Storing Your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Properly storing your freshly baked Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies will help keep them delicious for longer. Here are a few simple storage tips:

Room Temperature: Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. A cookie jar or a well-sealed plastic container works perfectly. They should stay fresh for about 3-5 days. Layering parchment paper between the cookies will prevent them from sticking together.

Freezing the Dough: You can also freeze the cookie dough for later. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls onto a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Freezing Baked Cookies: Already baked cookies can also be frozen. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven.

Conclusion

Baking and sharing homemade treats is such a joy, especially when it comes to something as delicious as Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. This recipe is easy to follow and delivers a perfectly balanced flavor that captures the essence of fall. The warm spices and melty chocolate chips make these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies a true comfort food. I encourage you to try this recipe and share the warmth and deliciousness with your family and friends. They’re perfect for any autumn occasion, or just a sweet treat any day of the week!

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