Ah, fall is in the air, and you know what that means? It’s pumpkin season! I swear, there’s something about the cozy vibes of autumn that makes me want to whip up a batch of delicious cookies, and these Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies have become my go-to! Every time I make them, the whole house fills with that mouthwatering aroma of warm spices and sweet pumpkin. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds!
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a pumpkin-loving friend’s gathering a few years back. Let me tell you, I was skeptical at first. Pumpkin in cookies? But after my first bite, I was hooked! The combination of pumpkin and melty chocolate is pure bliss—perfectly chewy with just the right amount of spice. Now, I make them every fall, and they never fail to put a smile on my face—and the faces of everyone who gets to taste them!
What’s in Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Let’s break down the star players in this cookie recipe!
Pumpkin Puree: This is the superstar ingredient! Pumpkin puree gives the cookies their fantastic flavor and keeps them wonderfully moist. I usually opt for canned pumpkin because it’s super convenient, but if you have fresh pumpkin, go for it!
Unsalted Butter: A classic ingredient, softened butter makes the dough creamy and adds richness. I find that using unsalted butter gives you better control over the overall flavor.
Brown Sugar: The brown sugar not only sweetens the cookies but also adds a bit of caramel flavor and helps retain moisture, making the cookies chewy.
Granulated Sugar: Just a bit of granulated sugar balances out the brown sugar’s depth and keeps the sweetness in check.
Egg: The egg acts as a binder, helping to create that lovely chewy texture.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth. Trust me, don’t skip it!
All-Purpose Flour: This is the structure of the cookies. It helps hold everything together.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These two are the leavening agents that give your cookies a little rise and help them bake to perfection.
Salt: A little salt enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, & Cloves: These spices are like an instant autumn vibe! Honestly, they’re the magic that brings the pumpkin flavor to life.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The chocolate brings everything together! I like to use semi-sweet for that delightful contrast with the pumpkin and spices. Yum!
Sea Salt: If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of sea salt on top just before baking takes these cookies to another level of deliciousness!
Is Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Good for You?
Ah, the age-old question of indulgence! While these cookies are indeed a treat, they also bring some nutritional benefits:
Pumpkin Puree: Packed with vitamins A and C, pumpkin is a nutritious superstar that supports your immune system and eye health. The fiber content helps keep your tummy happy!
Baking Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves not only add flavor but also come with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
However, remember that these cookies do have sugars and fats, so moderation is key. They’re perfect for a cozy autumn evening snack, but maybe not for every day.
Ingredients for Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
This recipe makes about 24 delicious cookies, perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself, no judgment here!). Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Sea salt for sprinkling (optional)
How to Make Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Ready to bake? Let’s do this! Follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy. You’ll want it fluffy and light!
3. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until everything is beautifully combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies!
6. Fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. If desired, sprinkle a little sea salt on top of each cookie before baking—this part is optional, but highly recommended!
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers appear set but still soft.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Delicious Tidbits for Making the Best Cookies
– For best texture, let the cookies sit for a day in an airtight container. They stay chewy for longer!
– You can also freeze the dough for future cookie cravings—just scoop out your desired amount and bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
– Serve these cookies warm with a glass of milk, hot chocolate, or your pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall experience.
I hope you give these Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies a try. They’re perfect for gatherings, cozy nights in, or whenever you need a little pick-me-up. I’d love to hear how they turn out for you! Happy baking! 🍂👩🍳
