As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, it’s time to embrace the flavors of fall. One delightful way to do that is by whipping up a batch of pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. This heavenly combination of seasonal spices and rich chocolate is sure to become your new favorite autumn treat.
Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie bursting with the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, perfectly complemented by the sweet, creamy goodness of chocolate chips. Learn why these cookies are a must-try this season and the tips for making the perfect batch.
The Perfect Marriage of Flavors
Pumpkin and chocolate may seem like an unlikely pair, but they work together in perfect harmony. The subtle earthiness of pumpkin is enhanced by the addition of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, creating a flavor profile that screams “fall.”
When you add in the rich, indulgent taste of chocolate chips, you get a cookie that satisfies both your sweet tooth and your craving for cozy, comforting flavors. The chocolate adds a delightful contrast to the pumpkin, making each bite a delicious adventure for your taste buds.
Achieving the Ideal Texture
One common complaint about pumpkin cookies is that they can often turn out cakey and dry. However, with the right techniques and ingredients, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies can be soft, chewy, and irresistibly moist.
The key is to use less pumpkin puree than most recipes call for and to blot the puree with paper towels to remove excess moisture. By following these tips, you’ll end up with cookies that have crispy edges and gooey, fudgy centers.
Endless Possibilities for Customization
While the classic combination of pumpkin and chocolate chips is undeniably delicious, there’s plenty of room for experimentation and customization. You can mix things up by using different types of chocolate, such as white chocolate or dark chocolate chunks, or by adding in other mix-ins like chopped nuts or dried cranberries.
For a fun twist, try drizzling the cooled cookies with melted white chocolate or sprinkling them with a dusting of cinnamon sugar. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make these cookies your own.
A Crowd-Pleasing Treat for Any Occasion
Whether you’re baking for a fall-themed party, a school event, or just for your enjoyment, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are sure to be a hit. Their warm, inviting aroma will fill your kitchen and entice everyone who catches a whiff.
These cookies also make a thoughtful gift for friends, family, or coworkers. Package them up in a festive tin or cellophane bag tied with a ribbon, and you’ve got a homemade treat that’s sure to brighten anyone’s day.
So what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven and get ready to indulge in the ultimate fall cookie experience.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- silicone baking mats/parchment papers
- electric stand mixer
- paper towels or clean kitchen towel
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light-brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line your baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Whisk these together for about 20 seconds to ensure they are well-mixed, then set the bowl aside.
- Using an electric stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture, and mix until incorporated.
- Before adding the pumpkin puree to the mixture, place it on a layer of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel and gently blot it to remove excess moisture. This step will help prevent the cookies from becoming too cakey or moist.
- After blotting the pumpkin puree, blend it into the sugar and egg mixture until smooth and homogeneous.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, mixing on low speed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all the ingredients are well incorporated. The batter will be quite wet, but don’t worry – this is normal.
- Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter until they are evenly distributed throughout.
- Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets using a medium cookie dough scoop or two spoons, dropping about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the cookies are almost set and the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for several minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For best results, store the cooled cookies in a single layer in an airtight container. After a few hours in the container, they will soften and develop an even better texture.
Notes
- For the best and most consistent results, canned pumpkin puree is recommended for this recipe. Canned pumpkin has a reliable texture and moisture content, which will help ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
- If you have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can simplify the recipe by replacing the individual spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves) with 2 1/2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice. This pre-mixed blend of spices will give your cookies the same warm, autumnal flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of spices in the recipe to suit your personal taste preferences. If you love a more pronounced spice flavor, consider increasing the amount of cinnamon to 2 teaspoons. This will give your cookies an extra kick of warmth and depth, perfect for crisp fall days.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.