Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
These Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall. With their soft and chewy centers, spiced sugar topping, and rich pumpkin flavor, they are ideal for cozy gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply as a comforting snack at home. Each bite melts in your mouth, making them an irresistible choice for cookie lovers everywhere.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Chewy Texture: These cookies boast a soft and chewy center that keeps you coming back for more.
- Rich Pumpkin Flavor: The use of canned pumpkin puree ensures every bite is packed with authentic pumpkin taste.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up effortlessly.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party or a casual gathering, these cookies fit right in.
- Deliciously Spiced: The blend of pumpkin pie spice adds warmth and flavor that encapsulates the spirit of fall.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Helps in achieving the perfect creamy texture when mixing butter and sugars.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate measurements for consistent results every time.
- Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking your cookies to perfection.
Ingredients
These chewy pumpkin cookies have the perfect amount of pumpkin spice and each bite truly melts in your mouth. With chewy centers and spiced sugar topping, you will not believe how delicious these fall cookies are!
For the Sugar Topping
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
For the Cookie Dough
- 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 cup (122 g) canned pumpkin puree (Libby’s works best)
- 1 3/4 cups (219 g) all purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
How to Make Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Baking Sheet
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 3: Mix Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, combine granulated white sugar and pumpkin pie spice. Set aside for later use.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a stand mixer bowl, beat together softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Use medium speed for about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla
Add egg yolks one at a time along with the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 6: Incorporate Pumpkin Puree
Stir in the canned pumpkin puree until fully incorporated into the mixture.
Step 7: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, additional pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Step 8: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 9: Scoop Cookies onto Baking Sheet
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each cookie as they will spread during baking.
Step 10: Sprinkle Sugar Topping
Generously sprinkle the spiced sugar topping over each cookie before baking.
Step 11: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers are still soft.
Step 12: Cool Before Serving
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy your homemade chewy pumpkin cookies!
How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
Chewy pumpkin cookies are delightful on their own, but there are many ways to enhance your cookie experience. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate these tasty treats.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic pairing that never fails. The creaminess of milk complements the spiced flavors of the cookies perfectly.
Warm with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top for an extra indulgent dessert. This adds a rich and tangy flavor that balances the sweetness.
As a Dessert Sandwich
- Create cookie sandwiches by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies. This makes for a delicious and fun treat!
Paired with Hot Apple Cider
- Serve your cookies alongside warm apple cider for a cozy fall snack. The sweet and spicy notes match beautifully together.
With Whipped Cream Topping
- Top each cookie with a dollop of whipped cream. This adds lightness and enhances the pumpkin flavor.
How to Perfect Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
To achieve the ultimate chewy pumpkin cookies, follow these tips for perfect results every time.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter and eggs to come to room temperature before mixing. This ensures better blending and helps cookies rise evenly.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to keep your cookies tender. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of chewy ones.
- Chill the Dough: For best results, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and improves texture.
- Check Your Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures. An oven that’s too hot can make cookies dry.
Best Side Dishes for Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
Pairing side dishes with chewy pumpkin cookies can make your dessert spread even more enjoyable. Here are some great options:
- Spiced Tea: A warm cup of spiced tea complements the flavors in the cookies beautifully while adding warmth to your meal.
- Pumpkin Soup: Start your meal with a creamy pumpkin soup that echoes the flavors of your dessert, creating a cohesive dining experience.
- Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp offers fruity sweetness that pairs well with the spices in the chewy pumpkin cookies, making for a comforting dessert duo.
- Cheese Platter: Include varieties like sharp cheddar or goat cheese for a savory contrast against the sweet cookies, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Roasted Nuts: Serve roasted cinnamon-spiced nuts on the side for an added crunch that complements the soft texture of the cookies.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is always a crowd-pleaser and adds extra creaminess next to your chewy pumpkin treats.
- Candied Pecans: These add sweetness and crunch, creating a delightful combination when enjoyed alongside your baked goods.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides freshness and balances out the richness of the pumpkin cookies, offering a refreshing end to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When baking chewy pumpkin cookies, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few pitfalls to watch for:
- Incorrect Measuring: Using too much or too little flour can affect the cookie’s texture. Always spoon and level your flour for accuracy.
- Overmixing Dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep your chewy pumpkin cookies soft.
- Skipping Chilling Time: Not chilling the dough can result in spread-out cookies. Chill for at least 30 minutes before baking for best results.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Cold butter and eggs can affect how well the ingredients blend. Ensure all components are at room temperature.
- Not Preheating Oven: Baking in an unpreheated oven can lead to unevenly baked cookies. Always preheat your oven before placing the dough inside.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- These chewy pumpkin cookies can last up to 1 week in the fridge.
Freezing Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
- Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.
Reheating Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 5–7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick pan on low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about chewy pumpkin cookies:
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, but ensure it is well-purged of moisture. Canned pumpkin is more consistent in texture and flavor.
How do I make chewy pumpkin cookies gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for elasticity.
Can I add chocolate chips to chewy pumpkin cookies?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips pair wonderfully with the spices in these cookies. Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate for extra richness.
How long do chewy pumpkin cookies last?
In an airtight container, they will stay fresh for about a week at room temperature or longer if refrigerated or frozen.
Final Thoughts
These chewy pumpkin cookies are a delightful treat perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights at home. Their soft texture and warm spices make them irresistible! Feel free to customize with nuts or chocolate chips to suit your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of chewy pumpkin cookies, a delightful treat that embodies the essence of fall. These cookies feature a soft and chewy texture, enhanced by a spiced sugar topping that adds just the right amount of sweetness. Made with rich pumpkin puree and aromatic pumpkin pie spice, each bite is a delicious reminder of cozy gatherings and holiday celebrations. Whether enjoyed with a glass of milk or paired with warm apple cider, these irresistible cookies are perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and sure to impress, they are a must-try for cookie lovers everywhere.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar with pumpkin pie spice; set aside.
- In a stand mixer, cream butter and sugars until fluffy.
- Add egg yolks and vanilla; mix well.
- Stir in pumpkin puree until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, remaining pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients into wet mixture; mix until just combined.
- Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheet; sprinkle with spiced sugar topping.
- Bake for about 12 minutes or until edges are golden but centers remain soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (28g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
