Name: Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies for Cozy Fall Nights
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 28 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Melted and browned); 1 cup Pumpkin Puree (Blotted well to avoid a cakey texture); 1 cup Brown Sugar (Packed); 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar; 3 large Egg Yolks; 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Measured accurately); 2 teaspoons Pumpkin Spice (Can substitute with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1/2 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt; 1 cup Chocolate Chips (Can swap with white chocolate for a twist)

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As the leaves turn and autumn settles in, the air is filled with warm, inviting scents that beckon us to the kitchen. One of my absolute favorite ways to embrace the season is by baking a batch of Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. This scrumptious recipe combines the comforting essence of pumpkin with delectable pockets of melty chocolate, ensuring that every bite feels like a cozy hug. Not only are these cookies quick to whip up, but their chewy texture and rich flavor make them the perfect addition to any gathering or a delightful treat for yourself on chilly evenings. Plus, I’ve included gluten-free options and creative variations for those who want to switch things up! So, are you ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of fall baking? Let’s dive in!

Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?

Chewy Texture: The combination of blotted pumpkin puree and brown butter ensures a wonderfully chewy cookie that won’t disappoint.

Fall Flavors: Infused with classic pumpkin spice, each bite evokes the essence of autumn, making them perfect for seasonal enjoyment.

Customizable: Mix things up by adding nuts or substituting chocolate chips, accommodating diverse tastes and preferences. Try adding dried cranberries for a sweet-tart twist!

Quick to Make: With simple instructions, you can whip up a batch in no time, making them great for unexpected guests.

Perfect Pairing: Serve these delightful cookies alongside a spiced chai latte or hot cocoa for a cozy fall treat everyone will love.

Get ready to bake something extraordinary, like these Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake bars or some creative Peanut Butter Cookies!

Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients

• A delightful mix of flavors awaits!

For the Batter

Unsalted Butter – Adds essential richness; for a salted alternative, reduce added salt.
Pumpkin Puree – Contributes moisture and flavor; be sure to blot it well to avoid a cakey texture.
Brown Sugar – Enhances sweetness and moisture, making for a delectably chewy bite.
Granulated Sugar – Balances the sweetness perfectly to complement the flavors.
Egg Yolks – Provides fat and richness, contributing significantly to chewiness.
All-Purpose Flour – Creates the cookie’s structure; measure accurately for best results.
Pumpkin Spice – Infuses warm, autumn flavors; can substitute with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent, aiding in spread and texture.
Fine Sea Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Chocolate Chips – The star of the cookie, delivering rich chocolatey goodness; feel free to swap with white chocolate for a twist!

These Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect treat for those chilly fall evenings!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lining two baking trays with parchment paper. This sets the stage for your Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, ensuring an even bake. Make sure to have all your ingredients measured and ready, as this will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Step 2: Brown the Butter
In a medium stainless steel pan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir frequently until the butter turns a golden brown and emits a nutty aroma, about 5–7 minutes. Once browned, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool to around 75°F. This crucial step adds depth of flavor to your cookies and helps achieve a chewy texture.

Step 3: Blot the Pumpkin
While the butter cools, take your pumpkin puree and lay it on several layers of paper towels. Blot the puree thoroughly until it resembles soft playdough, removing excess moisture. This ensures that your Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies won’t turn out cakey but rather delightfully chewy, keeping all that pumpkin goodness intact.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled brown butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar, whisking them together for about 1 minute. Once blended, add in the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and the blotted pumpkin. Stir until everything is smooth and well combined. This mixture is the base for your cookies, bursting with warm, comforting flavors.

Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Next, fold in your measured all-purpose flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, and fine sea salt until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this helps maintain the cookie’s tender texture. Finally, gently stir in the chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough, adding pockets of rich flavor to each cookie.

Step 6: Scoop and Shape
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop the dough onto the prepared baking trays, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Press some extra chocolate chips on top of each mound to enhance the visual appeal. This final touch not only looks inviting but ensures every bite is packed with that delicious chocolatey goodness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the trays in the preheated oven and bake for 9–13 minutes. You’ll want to remove the cookies when the edges are golden brown and the centers are slightly underbaked, giving them that chewy texture. Keep an eye on them during the final minutes, as oven temperatures can vary; the aroma will guide you!

Step 8: Cool and Store
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool completely on the trays for about 10 minutes. This helps them set and enhances their chewy texture. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container for storage. Your Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are now ready to be savored, bringing the essence of fall into your home!

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Make Ahead Options

Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just remember to scoop the dough onto baking trays before refrigerating to help maintain its shape. Additionally, the baked cookies can be stored at room temperature for 2–3 days in an airtight container, allowing you to grab a delicious treat anytime. When you’re ready to enjoy your cookies, simply bake them straight from the dough after refrigerating or reheat any leftovers for that freshly-baked taste, ensuring every bite remains just as delightful!

What to Serve with Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Indulge your senses by creating a warm and inviting autumn meal that perfectly complements the cozy flavors of these delightful cookies.

Spiced Chai Latte: The warming spices in chai echo the pumpkin spice in the cookies, creating a harmonious, comforting experience.
Hot Cocoa: Rich and creamy, a cup of hot cocoa pairs beautifully with the chewy texture of the cookies for that classic fall treat.
Apple Cider: Serve warm, spiced apple cider alongside your cookies to enhance the feeling of autumn and offer a sweet, fruity contrast.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a chilly, creamy contrast to warm cookies, making each bite a texture dream.
Pecans or Walnuts: Toss in some toasted nuts for a crunch that complements the soft, gooey centers of the cookies, enhancing the chewiness with some nutty goodness.
Dried Cranberries: Offering a tart bite, dried cranberries add a pop of flavor that resonates with the sweet pumpkin and chocolate notes in the cookies.
Maple Glaze: A drizzle of maple glaze over the cookies brings an extra layer of sweetness and a beautiful finish that echoes fall flavors.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: Bring a touch of café vibes home! The coffee’s richness combined with pumpkin spice will elevate your cookie experience.
Chai-Spiced Poached Pears: For an elegant dessert, serve spiced poached pears; their soft texture and aromatic spices harmonize perfectly with the cookies.

Embrace the flavors of fall and enjoy dipping and pairing these comforting treats for the ultimate cozy experience!

Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine while making these delightful cookies—there’s so much room for delicious personalization!

Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, ensuring everyone can enjoy their chewy goodness.
Nutty Goodness: Add toasted pecans or walnuts for a lovely crunch! Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor, bringing a warm, nutty essence to the cookies.
Sweet and Tart: Try using white chocolate chips with dried cranberries for a lovely sweet-tart contrast. The tartness of the cranberries perfectly balances the rich sweetness of chocolate.
Espresso Infusion: Mix in 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor. This little addition will elevate your cookies, making your taste buds sing!
Maple Drizzle: Drizzling cooled cookies with a homemade maple glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness. Just mix powdered sugar with pure maple syrup for a simple, delicious topping.
Pumpkin Variation: If you’re craving extra pumpkin flavor, fold in extra pumpkin puree (up to an additional half cup)—just remember to blot it well to avoid a soggy cookie.
Spicy Kick: Spice things up with a touch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for an unexpected heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness. Go easy; a little goes a long way!
Mini Cookie Sandwiches: Create cookie sandwiches by filling two cookies with cream cheese frosting or a chocolate spread. Add a dollop of your favorite topping for an indulgent treat!

For even more delightful options, why not try whipping up some Cinnamon Sugar Chips or dive into a batch of Butter Toffee Chocolate cookies? Your loved ones will appreciate your culinary adventure, and you’ll have a blast experimenting!

Tips for the Best Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Blot Thoroughly: Always blot the pumpkin puree well to avoid excess moisture, which can lead to cakey cookies instead of the desired chewiness.
Cool Butter: Ensure your brown butter is cooled to around 75°F before mixing; this prevents spreading and helps achieve that perfect chewy texture.
Avoid Overmixing: When adding flour, mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender. Overmixing can result in a tough texture.
One Tray at a Time: Bake cookies one tray at a time for even browning; this allows heat to circulate properly, making sure all cookies turn out perfect.
Customizable Mix-ins: Feel free to add nuts or change the type of chocolate chips used to create your own twist on these chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies!

How to Store and Freeze Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy texture.

Fridge: If you prefer a longer storage time, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week. Just be aware that chilling may slightly change the texture.

Freezer: For longer preservation, freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, or bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating: To enjoy your cookies warm, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back that delightful gooeyness to every bite!

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Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of pumpkin puree should I use?
Absolutely! For the best results, use canned pumpkin puree that is 100% pure, not the spiced pumpkin pie filling. If using homemade puree, ensure to thoroughly blot it to achieve the right consistency, resembling soft playdough. This prevents excess moisture and keeps the cookies beautifully chewy.

How should I store my cookies?
To keep your Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them longer, refrigerate them, where they will stay good for up to a week. Just remember, refrigeration may slightly alter their chewy texture.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze your cookie dough! Scoop the dough into individual balls and place them on a baking tray to freeze for about an hour. Once firm, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag and store them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, allow them to thaw overnight in the fridge, or bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

What can I do if my cookies come out cakey?
If you find your cookies turning out cakey, it could be due to excess moisture from the pumpkin puree. Make sure to blot it thoroughly before mixing. Additionally, using a kitchen scale to measure your flour can help ensure you aren’t adding too much. If you’re still struggling, slightly reduce the amount of pumpkin puree next time for a chewier texture.

Are there any dietary considerations for these cookies?
Absolutely! If you have gluten sensitivities, you can easily substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For those avoiding refined sugars, consider swapping brown sugar with coconut sugar. Always check for any allergens in chocolate chips or other mix-ins, and feel free to customize the recipe to suit your dietary needs!

Can I customize the flavors of these cookies?
Very much so! These Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are extremely versatile. You can mix in chopped nuts for crunch, swap out chocolate chips for white chocolate, or even add dried fruits like cranberries for a tangy twist. Get creative and tailor the flavors to your liking!