Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are the perfect combination of warm spices and rich chocolate, creating a cozy and decadent treat. These cookies are soft, moist, and packed with delicious flavors, making them ideal for autumn baking or any time you crave a sweet, spiced delight. The addition of pumpkin butter brings a unique twist, adding extra moisture and depth to the cookies.
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Warm and Cozy Flavors: The blend of pumpkin, spices, and chocolate makes these cookies incredibly comforting.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: With the perfect balance of softness and chewiness, they melt in your mouth.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with easy-to-find pantry staples and pumpkin butter.
- Festive and Versatile: Perfect for autumn gatherings, holidays, or just a sweet treat any time of the year.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults, these cookies are sure to impress.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature – Adds richness and helps the cookies stay soft and chewy.
- 1/3 cup dark brown sugar – Provides deep sweetness and moisture for a soft texture.
- ½ cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and a slight crispness on the edges.
- 1/3 cup pumpkin butter (homemade or store-bought) – Gives the dough a rich pumpkin flavor and moisture.
- 1 large egg, at room temperature – Binds the ingredients together and contributes to a tender texture.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor and adds a subtle sweetness.
Dry Ingredients
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure and helps form the cookie dough.
- 1/3 teaspoon baking soda – Acts as a leavening agent to make the cookies rise slightly.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice – Adds warmth and complements the pumpkin flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Mix-ins & Coating
- 2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – Adds melty, gooey chocolate in every bite.
- 1/3 cup cinnamon sugar – For rolling the dough and giving the cookies a sweet, spiced crust.
Optional Add-Ons
- Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) – Adds crunch and a nutty flavor to the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder – Enhances the chocolate flavor with a touch of coffee depth.
- A drizzle of melted white chocolate – Adds a sweet and creamy finish to the cookies.
- 1 tablespoon molasses – Deepens the flavor with a rich, caramel-like taste.
- A sprinkle of coarse sea salt – Offers a sweet-and-salty contrast for an added twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat & Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure even baking and prevent sticking. - Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, beat room temperature butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat for 3-5 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step helps create a soft texture by incorporating air into the dough. - Add Pumpkin Butter, Egg, and Vanilla:
Mix in the pumpkin butter, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined. The pumpkin butter adds moisture and flavor, while the egg helps bind everything together. - Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice), and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before being added to the wet mixture. - Form the Dough:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough. The dough should be thick but soft. - Fold in the Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. If you’re using optional add-ins like chopped nuts or espresso powder, add them at this stage. Stir just enough to evenly distribute the chocolate and nuts.
Step 2: Shape & Coat the Cookies
- Roll in Cinnamon Sugar:
Place cinnamon sugar in a shallow dish. Scoop the dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, forming balls about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar until fully coated. - Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each ball. This gives the cookies room to spread as they bake.
Step 3: Bake & Cool
- Bake the Cookies:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still look soft, but they will firm up as they cool. - Cool on a Wire Rack:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing air to circulate around the cookies for the best texture.
Storage and Serving
- Storage: Store the pumpkin chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, place the cookies in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to maintain freshness and texture.
- Serving: These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature and pair wonderfully with a cup of tea, coffee, or a mug of hot cocoa. Perfect for a cozy autumn afternoon or as a delightful treat any time of the year.
Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, egg, and pumpkin butter are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Proper measurement of ingredients is key to achieving the perfect dough consistency. Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate results.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling. This helps control spreading and produces thicker cookies.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake and remove them from the oven when the edges are just set. They will continue to cook slightly as they cool, ensuring a soft and chewy texture.
- Add Mix-ins Carefully: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chunks to avoid overmixing the dough, which can result in tougher cookies.
Variations
- Nutty Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Double Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies: Use white chocolate chips in addition to the semi-sweet chocolate for an extra chocolatey twist.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the dough to enhance the chocolate and pumpkin flavors.
- Pumpkin Cranberry Cookies: Substitute half of the chocolate chips with dried cranberries for a tangy and sweet combination.
- Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add 1 cup of rolled oats to the dough for a hearty and chewy texture.
Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are the perfect cozy treat, blending the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices with the rich taste of chocolate. These cookies are a breeze to make and loved by everyone, making them ideal for any occasion, from autumn gatherings to festive celebrations. Enjoy the delightful process of baking and savoring these spiced, chocolatey cookies. Bon apetit!