Soft, chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies with warm spices and gooey chocolate chips. Perfect for cozy fall days!
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies bring the best flavors of fall into every bite. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, which pair perfectly with gooey chocolate chips. Whether you're enjoying these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or as an afternoon treat, they are sure to become a fall favorite!
INGREDIENTS
- All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups, for structure
- Baking soda: ½ tsp, helps the cookies rise
- Baking powder: ½ tsp, ensures a light texture
- Salt: ½ tsp, balances the sweetness
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp, for warm spice flavor
- Ground nutmeg: ¼ tsp, adds depth of flavor
- Ground cloves: ¼ tsp, enhances the fall spice blend
- Unsalted butter: ½ cup, softened, for richness and texture
- Packed brown sugar: ½ cup, adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor
- Granulated sugar: ¼ cup, for sweetness
- Canned pumpkin puree: 1 cup, for moisture and flavor
- Large egg: 1, binds the ingredients together
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, enhances the flavor
- Chocolate chips: 1 cup, adds gooey, melty goodness
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
- Step 3:
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 4:
- Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Step 5:
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Step 6:
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Step 7:
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Step 8:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are soft.
- Step 9:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving and Storage Tips
- These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Helpful Notes
- If you prefer a softer texture, slightly underbake the cookies, removing them when the centers are still slightly soft.
- You can add nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Sprinkle a little sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
How to Make Perfect Pumpkin Cookies
The key to perfect pumpkin cookies is balancing the moisture from the pumpkin puree with the right amount of flour. Make sure to measure your flour correctly and avoid overmixing the dough to keep the cookies light and fluffy.
Creative Variations for Pumpkin Cookies
Try adding white chocolate chips or even dried cranberries for a fun twist on these classic fall cookies.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, but be sure to drain any excess liquid as canned pumpkin is more concentrated.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. The texture may vary slightly, but they will still be delicious.
What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to firm it up before baking.
Can I add other spices to these cookies?
Yes, feel free to adjust the spice mix to your liking. Adding ginger or allspice can enhance the fall flavors even more.
Summary
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are a must-try for the fall season! These soft, chewy cookies are loaded with the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, perfectly complementing the richness of gooey chocolate chips. Made with real pumpkin puree, these cookies are a great way to enjoy the comforting flavors of autumn. The recipe is simple and can be made in under 30 minutes, making it a great go-to for when you're craving a sweet treat. Pair them with a warm beverage like coffee or hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy fall experience.