Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Introduction
Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are the perfect treat to embrace the warmth and coziness of fall. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with the rich flavors of pumpkin and chocolate. Whether you’re a fan of all things pumpkin or just looking for a new twist on a classic chocolate chip cookie, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
Flour
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
Baking Soda
½ teaspoon baking soda
Baking Powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
Salt
¼ teaspoon salt
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pumpkin Pie Spice
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Butter
½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
Brown Sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
Granulated Sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pumpkin Puree
½ cup pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
Egg Yolk
1 large egg yolk
Chocolate Chips
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Prep Time
Making these delicious cookies only takes 15 minutes of prep time. With simple steps to follow, you’ll have the cookie dough ready in no time.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cookies bake in about 10-12 minutes, turning golden brown with melted chocolate in every bite. Total time for the entire process, including baking, is approximately 37 minutes. The recipe yields about 20-24 cookies, perfect for sharing with friends or family—or saving a sweet stash for yourself on those fall evenings!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Wet Ingredients
1. Begin by browning the butter. Use a medium saucepan over medium heat to melt the butter. Stir consistently until the butter foams, turns golden brown, and develops a nutty aroma. Once browned, transfer it to a large mixing bowl and allow it to cool completely for about 15-20 minutes.
2. Once the brown butter has cooled, add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Whisk until the mixture is fully blended and smooth.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
1. In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Ensure the mixture is evenly combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to fold the ingredients together until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
2. Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Chill the Cookie Dough
1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
Form the Cookie Dough
1. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out portions of the chilled dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake the Cookies
1. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 10-12 minutes or until the edges look set and lightly golden.
2. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Using Brown Butter
Ensure the brown butter has completely cooled before mixing. Adding the sugar to hot melted butter can result in a thin, runny dough.
Pumpkin Puree Preparation
Pat dry your pumpkin puree with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Too much water in the puree can make the dough too wet and affect the cookies’ texture.
Chilling the Dough
Don’t skip the chilling step. It enhances the cookie texture and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
Storage
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Chocolate Chip Options
Feel free to use a mix of milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate chips depending on your taste preference.
Cook Techniques
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Starting with room temperature butter and eggs helps achieve a smoother and creamier batter, ensuring the ingredients mix together properly for the best cookies.
Chill the Dough
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking prevents the cookies from spreading too much and results in a chewier texture.
Measure Flour Correctly
Make sure to spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off. Over-measuring flour can lead to dense cookies.
Use a Cookie Scoop
Using a cookie scoop helps maintain uniform cookie sizes, which ensures even baking.
Don’t Overbake
Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are just set and the centers look slightly underdone. The residual heat will finish baking them after removal.
FAQ
Why do I need to chill the cookie dough?
Chilling the dough solidifies the butter and allows the flavors to develop. It also helps prevent the cookies from overspreading during baking.
What can I substitute for chocolate chips?
You can use chopped chocolate bars, white chocolate chips, or a mix of your favorite types of chips.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can try substituting the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for a gluten-free version.
How do I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe. Just ensure you have enough baking sheets and space to chill the dough.
Why are my cookies too flat?
This could happen if the butter was too warm or not enough flour was used. Chilling the dough before baking typically prevents this issue.
How can I make the cookies softer?
For softer cookies, make sure not to overbake them and store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them moist.
Conclusion
These pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are the perfect balance of soft, chewy, and packed with warm fall flavors. With the delightful combination of pumpkin and melty chocolate chips, they make a great treat for the cozy season or any time you’re craving something sweet yet comforting. This recipe is simple to make and a true crowd-pleaser, offering a delicious twist on classic chocolate chip cookies.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
Try combining the warm spice flavors of snickerdoodles with the rich taste of pumpkin for a soft and chewy fall cookie.
Oatmeal Pumpkin Cookies
Combine the hearty texture of oatmeal cookies with pumpkin puree for a wholesome and flavorful treat.
Double Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies
Pair pumpkin with cocoa for a rich, chocolatey twist that takes pumpkin cookies to the next level.
Pumpkin and White Chocolate Chip Cookies
Add creamy sweetness to your pumpkin cookies with white chocolate chips for a decadent pairing.
Pumpkin Spice Biscotti
For a crunchy option that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea, try making pumpkin spice biscotti with a light drizzle of icing.
Pumpkin and Pecan Cookies
Introduce some crunch to your cookies by adding chopped pecans that complement the pumpkin flavor beautifully.
