These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate fall treat! Soft, chewy, and packed with warm pumpkin spice flavors, they’re enhanced with gooey chocolate chips for a perfect balance of sweet and spiced. Whether you’re making these for a holiday gathering or just to enjoy the cozy flavors of autumn, these cookies are easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Let’s dive into this simple recipe!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups)
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon)
- Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon)
- Ground Cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons)
- Ground Nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon)
- Ground Ginger (1/4 teaspoon)
- Ground Cloves (1/4 teaspoon)
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened)
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup)
- Brown Sugar (1/2 cup, packed)
- Pumpkin Puree (3/4 cup)
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
- Egg (1 large)
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 1/2 cups)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Pumpkin and Vanilla: Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 3: Combine and Add Chocolate Chips
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
- Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Duration Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per cookie, based on 24 cookies)
- Calories: 170
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugars: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! If you prefer to use fresh pumpkin, roast the pumpkin, then puree it. Make sure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
2. How do I store leftover cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. Ensure that the rest of the ingredients, especially baking powder and chocolate chips, are gluten-free.
4. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries to add extra texture and flavor.
5. Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative, and use dairy-free chocolate chips to make the cookies dairy-free.
6. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! You can easily double the recipe to make more cookies. Just be sure to bake them in batches to avoid overcrowding the baking sheets.
7. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before baking for best results.
8. Why are my cookies too cakey?
Pumpkin cookies tend to be softer and more cake-like due to the moisture from the pumpkin. If you want firmer cookies, reduce the amount of baking powder slightly and flatten the cookies before baking.
Conclusion
These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect balance of autumn spices and rich chocolate. Soft, chewy, and easy to make, they’re a fantastic treat to bake during the fall season. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of coffee or share them with friends and family, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
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