Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Perfect Blend of Fall Flavors

As the leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, there’s no better way to celebrate autumn than with these delightful Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. These cookies combine the cozy flavors of pumpkin and warm spices with gooey chocolate chips for a soft, chewy texture that’s irresistibly comforting. Browning the butter adds a nutty depth, while the pumpkin keeps them perfectly moist. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or just to enjoy a cozy treat, these cookies will hit the spot.

These chewy pumpkin cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make with simple pantry staples. Plus, they’re a great way to use up some leftover pumpkin puree!

Ingredients:

• Wet Ingredients:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (cold)
  • ⅔ cup Libby’s Pumpkin Puree (room temperature)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 large egg yolks (room temperature)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Dry Ingredients:
  • 1 ⅔ cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (properly measured by spooning and leveling)
  • 2 ½ teaspoons pumpkin spice
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• Chocolate:
  • 1 cup finely chopped chocolate bar or chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Brown Butter

1. Brown the Butter:
   In a large stainless steel pan, melt the cold unsalted butter over medium heat. As it melts, it will begin to foam, pop, and crackle. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn. Once the butter turns golden brown and you see brown bits forming on the bottom of the pan, remove it from the heat. The butter will have a nutty aroma. You should have just under 1 cup (184g) of browned butter.
2. Cool the Brown Butter:
   Transfer the browned butter to a glass measuring bowl and place it in the refrigerator for about 50-60 minutes. Stir it every 10-15 minutes. Use a thermometer to check the temperature—it should cool to about 75°F (still liquid but cool). This step is crucial for the right texture.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

3. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cooled brown butter, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, and fine sea salt.
6. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
7. Fold in Chocolate:
   Gently fold in the finely chopped chocolate or chocolate chips, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dough.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

8. Shape the Cookies:
   Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If desired, press a few extra chocolate chips or chopped chocolate pieces onto the tops of the dough for presentation.
9. Bake the Cookies:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and slightly golden, but the centers remain soft and slightly underdone. The cookies will continue to cook as they cool.
10. Cool the Cookies:
    Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cooking Tips:

• Properly Measuring Flour: Always spoon and level your flour to prevent adding too much, which can lead to dense cookies.
• Pumpkin Puree: Use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the pumpkin puree and egg yolks are at room temperature to ensure even mixing and a better texture.
• Cooling Brown Butter: Cooling the brown butter to the right temperature is key to achieving the perfect chewy texture in these cookies. Too warm, and the cookies will spread too much; too cool, and they’ll be too stiff.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Pumpkin: A rich source of fiber, beta-carotene (which converts to vitamin A), and antioxidants, pumpkin adds not only flavor but also some nutrition to these cookies.
• Dark Chocolate: Full of antioxidants, dark chocolate adds a touch of indulgence while offering heart-healthy benefits.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Perfect Fall Flavor: The blend of pumpkin, warm spices, and chocolate creates a cozy and festive treat for the fall season.
• Chewy and Moist Texture: Thanks to the browned butter and pumpkin puree, these cookies have the perfect chewy and moist texture.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These cookies stay soft for days and can be easily stored or frozen for later enjoyment.
• Chocolate Lovers’ Dream: The addition of chopped chocolate or chocolate chips gives every bite a gooey, chocolatey delight.

Dietary Information:

• Vegetarian-Friendly: These cookies are suitable for vegetarians.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make these gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative, and opt for dairy-free chocolate chips to make these cookies dairy-free.

Why This Recipe Works:

The combination of browned butter and pumpkin puree creates a moist, chewy cookie with a rich, nutty flavor that complements the warm pumpkin spices perfectly. The chopped chocolate melts into pockets of gooey goodness, while the spices add just the right amount of warmth to the dough. The key steps of browning the butter and cooling it to the right temperature ensure that these cookies bake up with the ideal chewy texture. These cookies are soft, but not cakey, striking the perfect balance between light and chewy.

Conclusion:

Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate autumn treat, bringing together all the best flavors of the season in a cookie that’s perfectly soft and chewy. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea on a crisp fall afternoon or sharing them at a festive gathering, these cookies are sure to be a hit. With their simple ingredients and delicious flavor, they’re easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy. Try them today, and taste the magic of pumpkin and chocolate in every bite!

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