Are you craving the perfect fall cookie that’s chewy, not cakey? Look no further! This foolproof pumpkin chocolate chip cookies recipe will help you achieve bakery-quality results every time. With carefully tested techniques and simple ingredients, you’ll be enjoying perfectly chewy, pumpkin-spiced cookies in no time.
Why Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?
These aren’t your typical cakey pumpkin cookies. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Chewy texture unlike traditional cake-like pumpkin cookies
- Perfect balance of pumpkin spice and chocolate
- Quick 30-minute chill time
- No mixer required – just a whisk and bowl
Essential Tools
For the best results, have these kitchen tools ready:
- Glass mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheets
- Silicone baking mats or parchment paper
- Medium cookie scoop
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, melted & slightly cooled
- 1/4 cup (50g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 6 Tablespoons (86g) pumpkin puree (blotted dry)
- 1 and 1/2 cups (188g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon each: salt, baking powder, baking soda
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the wet ingredients: Whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until no lumps remain. Add vanilla and blotted pumpkin.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Make the dough:
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients
- Mix with a spoon or spatula
- Fold in chocolate chips
- Chill for 30 minutes
- Bake the cookies:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C)
- Scoop 1.5 Tablespoon balls onto lined baking sheets
- Slightly flatten each ball
- Bake for 11-12 minutes
- Cool and enjoy: Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies
Pumpkin Preparation
- Squeeze out excess moisture from pumpkin puree using paper towels
- Measure 6 Tablespoons AFTER blotting
- Use only 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling
- Less moisture equals chewier cookies
Pumpkin Pie Spice Options
- Store-bought pumpkin pie spice works great
- Make your own blend: 1/4 teaspoon each of ground ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice
- Don’t skip the additional 1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon
Dough Chilling Tips
- Minimum chill time: 30 minutes
- For longer chills (up to 3 days), let dough sit at room temperature before scooping:
- 15 minutes if chilled for a few hours
- 30 minutes if chilled for 24 hours
- Dough will be sticky before chilling but firms up nicely
Scaling the Recipe
- Double all ingredients for a bigger batch
- Increase chill time to 45 minutes for doubled recipe
- Use multiple baking sheets for efficient baking
Make-Ahead & Storage Options
Dough Storage
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days
- Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months
- No need to thaw before baking
- Add 1 minute to bake time when baking from frozen
Baked Cookie Storage
- Room temperature: Up to 1 week in airtight container
- Freezer: Up to 3 months in freezer-safe container
- Best flavor develops after 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?
A: No, use only 100% pure pumpkin puree. Pie filling contains added ingredients that will affect the recipe.
Q: Why do I need to blot the pumpkin?
A: Removing excess moisture ensures a chewy texture instead of a cakey one.
Q: Can I skip the chilling time?
A: The 30-minute chill is crucial for the best texture and prevents excessive spreading.
Q: What if my cookies don’t spread in the oven?
A: Gently flatten the dough balls before baking. If they still don’t spread, flatten them slightly with the back of a spoon right after taking them out of the oven.
By following this tested recipe, you’ll create perfectly chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies every time. Whether for a fall gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite. Happy baking!