Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect treat for fall! Soft and chewy, they blend the warm flavors of pumpkin spice with rich chocolate. Great for gatherings, cozy evenings, or just a sweet snack, this no-chill, no-mixer recipe makes it easy to whip up a batch in no time. You’ll love how these cookies capture the essence of autumn while satisfying your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and no mixer required, you can bake these cookies without any hassle.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and chocolate creates a delightful taste that everyone will enjoy.
• Perfect Texture: These cookies are soft and chewy, ensuring a satisfying bite every time.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for holiday gatherings, lunchboxes, or just an afternoon snack with coffee or tea.
• Quick Prep Time: Ready in under two hours from start to finish, making them a great last-minute dessert option.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started on your delicious pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking trays
• Parchment paper
• Large stainless steel pan
• Glass measuring bowl
• Whisk
• Cookie scoop
• Wire cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking trays: Essential for even baking. Using multiple trays allows you to bake several batches at once.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly without clumps.
• Cookie scoop: Ensures uniformity in cookie size for consistent baking results.

Ingredients

To make these delectable pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, you will need:

For the Cookie Dough

• 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 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 2/3 cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin spice
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 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.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

Brown the butter in a large stainless steel pan. Watch as it foams and crackles. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once it’s nutty-smelling with brown bits at the bottom, remove from heat. Transfer the butter to a glass measuring bowl and chill in the fridge for about 50–60 minutes until it reaches 75°F while stirring every 10–15 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree

Spread Libby’s pumpkin puree on a plate. Use paper towels to absorb excess liquid by pressing down on it repeatedly until it feels dry like soft playdough; aim for roughly 1/3 cup (75 grams).

Step 4: Mix Sugars with Butter

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

Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients

Incorporate egg yolks, vanilla extract, and dried pumpkin puree into the mixture until combined well.

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 7: Shape Cookies

Using a 3 tbsp cookie scoop, portion out dough onto prepared trays spaced about 2–3 inches apart. For extra melted chocolate pools, chop some chocolate into larger pieces for topping before baking!

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake one tray at a time for about 9–13 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain slightly underbaked. After removing from oven, use a large round cookie cutter to reshape edges if necessary. Cool completely on a wire rack before enjoying!

Step 9: Store Your Cookies

Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Cookie dough balls can be refrigerated or frozen; let them come to room temperature before baking—this may take about an hour for refrigerated dough or two hours for frozen dough.

How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a quiet evening at home, or looking for a sweet treat to accompany your coffee, these cookies will delight your taste buds.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair your cookies with cold milk for a classic combination that enhances the flavors of both the pumpkin and chocolate.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a beautiful dessert platter alongside other fall treats like apple cider donuts and mini pumpkin pies for an inviting display.

Crumbled Over Ice Cream

• Crumble the cookies over vanilla or caramel ice cream to create a delightful sundae that combines warmth from the cookies with the coolness of ice cream.

As Part of a Gift Basket

• Package the cookies in a decorative box or basket with other homemade goodies to share with friends and family during the fall season.

With Hot Beverages

• Enjoy your cookies alongside hot beverages such as pumpkin spice lattes or chai tea for a cozy experience during chilly autumn evenings.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making perfect pumpkin chocolate chip cookies is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your cookies turn out soft and chewy every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients – Room temperature butter and eggs help create a better texture by ensuring even mixing.
• Don’t overmix the dough – Gently fold in dry ingredients to prevent tough cookies. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to less tender results.
• Chill your dough if possible – If time allows, refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps enhance flavors and improve texture.
• Watch baking times closely – Every oven is different. Start checking your cookies at the lower end of the baking time range to avoid overbaking them.
• Experiment with spices – Adjust the pumpkin spice level according to your taste. Adding extra cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate flavor complexity.
• Use quality chocolate – Invest in good-quality chocolate chips or bars for richer flavor. The chocolate should complement rather than overpower the pumpkin.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies can be paired with various side dishes that enhance their delicious flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Cream Cheese Frosting – A rich and tangy frosting that adds decadence when dolloped on top of each cookie.
2. Spiced Apple Cider – Warm spiced apple cider complements the pumpkin flavor while providing cozy warmth on crisp fall days.
3. Whipped Coconut Cream – A dairy-free alternative that adds lightness and sweetness when served alongside or atop the cookies.
4. Caramel Sauce – Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cookies for an indulgent treat that balances sweetness and richness.
5. Maple Syrup Drizzle – A touch of maple syrup enhances the autumnal flavors, making each bite even more delightful.
6. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides balance to the rich flavors of pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using warm butter: Warm butter can lead to cookies that spread too much. Always ensure your butter is cold before starting.
• Not measuring pumpkin correctly: Too much pumpkin can make cookies soggy. Use paper towels to absorb excess moisture from the puree.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can create tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
• Skipping the cooling step: Not allowing browned butter to cool can negatively affect the dough consistency. Be patient and let it cool to 75°F.
• Ignoring baking time: Baking for too long can result in dry cookies. Keep an eye on them and pull them out when they’re slightly underbaked.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to one week.

Freezing Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Freeze cookie dough balls on a baking tray until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Dough can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake cookies for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covered, for a couple of minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies:

Can I use other types of chocolate?

Yes! You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips according to your preference.

How do I make gluten-free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?

To make gluten-free versions, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.

Can I add nuts to the cookie recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a wonderful crunch and flavor complementing the pumpkin and chocolate.

What makes these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies chewy?

The combination of brown sugar and the right mixing technique creates that soft, chewy texture you’re looking for!

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly, these cookies can last at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just delicious; they capture the essence of fall with their rich flavors and delightful chewiness. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding nuts or using different types of chocolate. Enjoy baking and sharing these treats with friends and family!