Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

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If you’ve ever dreamed of a cookie that combines the warm, cozy spices of fall with rich, melty chocolate chips and a satisfyingly chewy texture, then you’re about to fall in love. This Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is a total game-changer — it skips eggs, uses melted butter, and cleverly blots the pumpkin puree to lock in that perfect chewiness. Soft but substantial, sweet but balanced, these cookies bring pumpkin flavor front and center without overpowering the chocolatey goodness. I promise, once you bake a batch, they’ll be your new go-to treat for chilly afternoons and festive gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the richness of melted butter to the aromatic spices that scream autumn, every item is carefully chosen to make this recipe stand out.

• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted & slightly cooled): Provides rich moisture and helps create the signature chewy texture.
• Light or dark brown sugar (1/4 cup, packed): Adds depth and caramel notes while keeping cookies soft.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Balances sweetness and helps with structure and spreading.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the warm spices and pumpkin flavor.
• Pumpkin puree (6 tablespoons, blotted): The star ingredient, adding moistness and that unmistakable fall flavor without watering down the dough.
• All-purpose flour (1 and 1/2 cups, spooned & leveled): Forms the base of the dough, keeping cookies tender yet sturdy.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavors.
• Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Gives just enough lift for a soft, cakey interior.
• Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): Helps with rise and chewiness.
• Ground cinnamon (1 and 1/2 teaspoons): Infuses classic pumpkin spice warmth.
• Store-bought or homemade pumpkin pie spice (1 teaspoon): Elevates the pumpkin with a blend of complementary spices.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup plus extra): Adds pockets of gooey, melty sweetness throughout the cookie.

How to Make Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Start by whisking together the melted butter with both the brown and granulated sugars until everything is smooth and no brown sugar lumps remain. This step is crucial because it ensures even sweetness and moisture. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and blotted pumpkin puree. Blotting the pumpkin removes extra moisture, which is the secret to achieving that wonderful chewy texture we all crave.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. This combo of leavening and spices will give your cookies their perfect rise and that unmistakable pumpkin spice flavor that melts in your mouth. Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures even distribution throughout the dough.

Step 3: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry bowl and gently fold everything together with a spoon or rubber spatula. The dough will be very soft, but that’s exactly what you want! Now fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Since the dough is rich with melted butter, the chips might try to slide around, but do your best to fold them in evenly so every cookie has sweet chocolatey pockets.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the cookie dough and chill it for at least 30 minutes, though you can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Chilling is absolutely imperative; it firms up the dough so the cookies don’t spread too thin in the oven and it helps the flavors deepen. Trust me, this step cannot be skipped if you want that perfect chewy consistency and rich taste.

Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie and roll each into a ball. Place them roughly 3 inches apart because these little beauties will spread just enough! Flatten each dough ball slightly with the back of a spoon or measuring cup to encourage even spreading. Bake for 11-12 minutes until the edges are set but centers still look soft — that’s the sweet spot! If needed, gently flatten them again right after baking to help spread out. Press a few extra chocolate chips on top for that perfect picture-perfect look.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy the Magic

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This resting time lets the flavors meld and the texture build into that superb chewiness we all adore. These cookies get even better after a few hours, and day two is when the pumpkin notes really shine. If you can wait that long to taste them, you’re in for a treat!

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate your cookies from homemade delight to stunning treat. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a snowy, festive look, while a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on warm cookies intensifies the chocolate flavor. For a little extra flair, drizzle some melted white chocolate or caramel over the cooled cookies for a stunning finish that tastes as good as it looks.

Side Dishes

Pairing these Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe treats with a warm cup of spiced chai, hot apple cider, or rich coffee takes the experience to a whole new level. For a truly indulgent dessert, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream—the cool creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warm spices and chewy texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation makes all the difference when sharing your favorite recipe. Arrange the cookies in a festive tin lined with parchment paper to gift friends or family. You can also sandwich two cookies with cream cheese frosting or pumpkin butter for a decadent twist. Another fun idea is to crumble a cookie over whipped cream or pudding for a textured topping that offers a delightful crunch and flavor burst.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, store your Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to one week. Keeping them uncovered for a few hours before sealing actually helps enhance the chewy texture, so give them a few breaths of fresh air if you can!

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls (before baking) for up to three months. Just portion, roll into balls, and freeze on a tray before transferring to a container or zip-top bag. When ready, bake from frozen by adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, bake the cookies fully and freeze them. Thaw at room temperature for a quick treat anytime.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe warm after storage, simply microwave a cookie for 10-15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and melty chocolate chip magic without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly. Just make sure to blot it with a paper towel or kitchen cloth to remove extra moisture for the best chewy texture in your cookies.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling lets the fats solidify, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much and helps develop the flavors. It also thickens the dough so you get that soft-center chewiness without ending up with thin, crispy cookies.

Can I substitute the chocolate chips with something else?

Yes! You can swap the semi-sweet chips for dark or milk chocolate chips, white chocolate, or even butterscotch chips. For a nutty twist, toss in chopped walnuts or pecans, but keep in mind it will change the texture slightly.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as written. However, you can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just be sure to check the blend’s measuring instructions for best results.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay soft and delicious for up to one week. Their flavor and chewiness often improve a day or two after baking, so patience pays off!

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a cookie that’s soft, chewy, and bursting with the flavors of pumpkin and chocolate. This Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe isn’t just a recipe — it’s a warm hug on a chilly day and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or just because, these cookies deliver that perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and chewy every single time. Grab your ingredients and get ready to bake a batch that you’ll want to make again and again!

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