Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect blend of flavors and textures, making them a must-have for any fall gathering. With a soft and chewy texture that never turns cakey, these cookies are infused with cozy pumpkin spice. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a cozy evening at home, or looking for a sweet treat to share with friends, this no-chill, no-mixer recipe will impress everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and no chilling required, you can whip these cookies up in no time.
• Deliciously Chewy: The unique combination of pumpkin puree and chocolate creates a chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Versatile Flavor: Perfect for fall gatherings or as an everyday treat, these cookies fit any occasion.
• No Special Equipment Needed: You can prepare the dough without mixers—just your hands and a bowl!
• Great for Sharing: Bake a batch to share with family and friends; they’ll be begging for the recipe!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to streamline the process. Having everything ready will make baking these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Whisk
• Cookie scoop
• Parchment paper
• Baking trays

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients easily without spills.
• Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Base

• 1 cup cold unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup Libby’s Pumpkin Puree (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 2 large egg yolks (room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For Dry Ingredients

• 1 2/3 cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (See notes below for measuring)
• 2 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin spice
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

For Chocolate

• 1 cup finely chopped chocolate bar or chocolate chips

How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 F (180 C). Line two baking trays with parchment paper and set them aside to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

Brown the butter in a large stainless steel pan. It will foam, pop, and crackle—this is normal! Stir occasionally to avoid burning. Once it smells nutty and has brown bits at the bottom, remove from heat. Transfer just under 1 cup of browned butter into a glass measuring bowl. Chill in the fridge for about 50-60 minutes until it reaches around 75°F.

Step 3: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree

Spread the pumpkin puree on a plate. Use paper towels to soak up excess liquid by pressing down on it. Repeat until the pumpkin feels dry like soft playdough, measuring roughly 1/3 cup (75 grams).

Step 4: Mix Sugars with Butter

Once cooled, whisk together the brown sugar and granulated sugar with the browned butter for exactly one minute until it resembles pale wet sand.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

Whisk in the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and dried pumpkin puree until fully combined.

Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, salt, and chocolate until just combined.

Step 7: Scoop Cookie Dough

Using a 3 tbsp cookie scoop, roll dough balls between your palms. Place them on prepared trays spaced about 2-3 inches apart. For extra chocolatey goodness, press larger pieces of chocolate on top before baking!

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake one tray at a time for about 9-13 minutes or until edges are golden but centers are slightly underbaked. After removing from oven, use a large round cookie cutter to shape them into perfect rounds while they’re still warm.

Step 9: Cool and Store

Allow cookies to cool completely on wire cooling racks before enjoying! Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also refrigerate or freeze cookie dough balls—just bring them back to room temperature before baking.

Now you’re ready to indulge in these delicious Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies! Enjoy every bite of this fall treat!

How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These delightful pumpkin chocolate chip cookies can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply indulging yourself, here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that never goes out of style—enjoy these cookies with cold milk for a comforting treat.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange cookies on a decorative platter alongside other treats like brownies and bars for an inviting dessert spread.

Warm with Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies topped with scoops of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent dessert that’s perfect for fall.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pair your cookies with a cup of hot coffee or spiced tea to complement the cozy flavors of pumpkin and chocolate.

As Party Favors

• Wrap individual cookies in clear bags and tie them with twine for thoughtful party favors that guests will love.

Crumbled Over Yogurt

• Add crumbled cookies to your morning yogurt or oatmeal for a delicious twist that combines flavors and textures.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

To make sure your pumpkin chocolate chip cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter, pumpkin puree, and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure even blending.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
• Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help enhance the flavor and improve the texture of the cookies.
• Watch Baking Time Closely: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them when the edges are golden but the center looks slightly underbaked for that perfect chewy texture.
• Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruit alongside chocolate chips for added flavor and texture variations in your cookies.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

While these pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Spiced Apple Cider: A warm beverage with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg that complements the flavors of pumpkin perfectly.
2. Cheese Platter: Include a selection of cheeses like sharp cheddar or creamy brie to contrast the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Pumpkin Soup: A savory option that pairs beautifully with sweet treats; serve it as an appetizer before diving into dessert.
4. Caramel Dip: Drizzle caramel sauce over warm cookies for an extra layer of sweetness and richness that enhances both flavor profiles.
5. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances out the richness of the cookies.
6. Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream can be served alongside or atop warm cookies, adding a creamy touch that’s irresistible.
7. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a fondue station where guests can dip pieces of cookie into melted chocolate for an interactive dessert experience.
8. Nut Brittle: Provide crunchy nut brittle as an alternative texture that contrasts nicely with soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, avoiding common mistakes ensures the best results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Always use the proper measuring techniques for dry and wet ingredients to achieve the right cookie texture.
• Using warm butter: Cold butter is essential for creating the perfect chewy texture. Ensure your butter is cold before beginning the recipe.
• Skipping the pumpkin puree drying step: Properly drying your pumpkin puree ensures that your cookies don’t turn out too cakey. Take time to soak up excess moisture.
• Overmixing cookie dough: Mix until just combined to keep your cookies soft and chewy. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Not watching baking time closely: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. The edges should be golden, but the centers should appear slightly underbaked for the best texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
• Use parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Place cookie dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Dough can be frozen for up to 3 months; label with the date for reference.

Reheating Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate in short bursts of 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a skillet over low heat, add a cookie and cover with a lid for about 1-2 minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies:

How do I ensure my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are chewy?

To achieve chewiness, avoid overmixing the dough and ensure you’re using cold butter.

Can I substitute chocolate chips in these cookies?

Yes! You can use chopped dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even butterscotch chips for variety.

How long do Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies last?

Baked cookies will stay fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough and freeze it. When you’re ready, simply bake them directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to baking time.

What can I use instead of pumpkin spice?

You can create your own blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice if you don’t have pumpkin spice on hand.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or switching up the chocolate types. Perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights in, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!