Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
These Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect treat for fall! With their moist texture and rich flavor, they are sure to delight everyone at your table. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a cozy night in, or simply craving something sweet, these cookies fit right in. What sets them apart is the combination of warm pumpkin spices with luscious chocolate chips, making each bite a delightful experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have cookies ready in no time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are great for parties, holidays, or just an afternoon snack.
- Deliciously Moist: Thanks to the pumpkin, these cookies stay soft and chewy longer than traditional cookies.
- Versatile Flavor: Enjoy them as-is or customize with nuts or extra spices for added depth.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the chocolate chips, making this a fun recipe to involve the whole family.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools will help make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter by blending wet ingredients evenly.
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking multiple cookies at once.
Ingredients
These homemade pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are a fall must have dessert!
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup butter (melted)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup cane sugar or white sugar
Add-Ins
- 12 oz semi sweet chocolate chips
How to Make Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients
First, whisk together the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Combine:
1. 2 cups all purpose flour
2. 1 teaspoon baking soda
3. 1 teaspoon baking powder
4. 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
5. 1 teaspoon salt
This helps ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
Step 2: Cream Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, cream together your wet ingredients:
1. 1 cup cane sugar or white sugar
2. 1 cup canned pumpkin
3. 1/3 cup melted butter
4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5. 1 egg
Beat until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Combine Mixtures
Now it’s time to combine the mixtures:
1. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
2. Beat until just combined; do not overmix.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in:
– 12 oz semi sweet chocolate chips
This adds bursts of chocolate in every bite!
Step 5: Prepare Baking Sheet
Drop spoonfuls of your cookie batter onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper if desired. Optionally top with additional chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
Step 6: Bake
Bake your cookies at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 12 to 15 minutes or until they are set around the edges but still soft in the center.
Step 7: Cool
Transfer your freshly baked Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before serving.
Enjoy these delightful treats at any occasion!
How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are delightful and versatile. They can be enjoyed in various ways to enhance your dessert experience.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic pairing, the coolness of milk complements the warm spices in the cookies perfectly.
As a Dessert Sandwich
- Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a delicious cookie sandwich.
Topped with Ice Cream
- Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Sprinkled with Nuts
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans on top for an extra crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the soft texture.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
- Elevate your cookies by drizzling melted chocolate on top for a rich and decadent finish.
How to Perfect Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
To achieve the perfect soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, consider these helpful tips.
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Use fresh pumpkin – While canned pumpkin works well, using fresh pumpkin can enhance the flavor and moisture content.
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Chill the dough – Refrigerating the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
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Don’t overmix – Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender. Overmixing can make them tough.
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Check doneness – Bake until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after removal.
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Store properly – Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain their softness.
Best Side Dishes for Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookies pair well with several delightful side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great suggestions:
- Spiced Hot Cider – A warm, spiced apple cider enhances the fall flavors of these cookies.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte – This coffee drink brings out similar spices found in the cookies, making it a cozy pairing.
- Chocolate Fondue – Dip pieces of cookie into melted chocolate for a fun dessert experience.
- Fruit Salad – Fresh fruit adds brightness and balance alongside the rich sweetness of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses can offer a savory contrast to sweet cookies, making for an interesting snack board.
- Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and cookie pieces for a delicious twist on breakfast or dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookies can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.
- Using the wrong flour – Always use all-purpose flour as specified in the recipe. Substituting with whole wheat or other flours can change the texture and moisture content.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately – Use proper measuring cups and tools. Incorrect measurements can lead to cookies that are either too dry or too moist.
- Overmixing the batter – Mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies instead of soft and tender ones.
- Skipping the cooling time – Allow your cookies to cool on a wire rack. This helps them firm up and enhances their flavor.
- Ignoring oven temperature – Ensure your oven is preheated to 350 degrees. Baking at incorrect temperatures can lead to uneven baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 350 degrees, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
- Stovetop – Place a cookie in a covered skillet over low heat for about 1 minute, checking frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.
How do I make my Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies extra soft?
To enhance softness, add an extra tablespoon of butter or replace some of the white sugar with brown sugar, which contains molasses for added moisture.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! If using fresh pumpkin, make sure it is well-pureed and drained of excess moisture to maintain the right consistency.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
You can create your own blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. A mix of these spices will give you a similar flavor profile.
How long will Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies will last up to one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.
Can I customize this Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, dried fruits, or swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate chips based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
These soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. Their cozy flavors make them perfect for fall gatherings or any time you’re craving something sweet. Feel free to customize your batch with various add-ins like nuts or different types of chocolate chips. Enjoy baking!
Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with these Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. Combining the warm spices of pumpkin pie with rich chocolate chips, this delightful recipe results in cookies that are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for any occasion—whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening at home or hosting a festive gathering—these cookies are sure to be a hit. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, you’ll have a batch ready in no time!
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup butter (melted)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup sugar
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the sugar, pumpkin, melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Let cool on a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
