Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
These Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect treat for fall! With their warm spices and rich chocolate flavor, these cookies are a delightful addition to any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a cozy get-together or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to impress. They stand out with their soft texture and the irresistible combination of pumpkin and chocolate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This cookie recipe uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
- Delicious Flavor: The blend of pumpkin and chocolate creates a sweet, rich taste that’s perfect for fall.
- Versatile Treat: These cookies are great for parties, family gatherings, or as a special snack at home.
- Perfectly Soft Texture: Each bite offers a cake-like softness that melts in your mouth.
- Great for Meal Prep: You can make them ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into baking these delicious cookies, it’s essential to gather the right tools. Having the right equipment will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: These allow you to combine wet and dry ingredients thoroughly without making a mess.
- Whisk: A whisk helps to incorporate air into the batter, ensuring your cookies come out light and fluffy.
- Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even cooking and easy transfer of cookies from oven to cooling rack.
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: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the following:
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
Make sure everything is well combined.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, cream together:
– 1 cup cane sugar or white sugar
– 1 cup canned pumpkin
– 1/3 cup melted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 egg
Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture. Beat them together until fully combined.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in:
– 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Drop Cookies onto Baking Sheet
Using a spoon, drop the batter by spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet. If desired, top each cookie with additional chocolate chips.
Step 7: Bake Until Perfectly Soft
Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 12 – 15 minutes. Watch closely; you want them soft but set.
Step 8: Cool on Rack
Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before serving.
Enjoy your deliciously soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookies!
How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are a delightful fall treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s for a gathering or a cozy night at home, these cookies can be paired with other delicious items or served in unique ways.
With a Warm Beverage
- Coffee: A rich cup of coffee complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
- Hot Chocolate: For extra indulgence, serve with creamy hot chocolate topped with whipped cream.
- Chai Tea: The spices in chai tea pair perfectly with the pumpkin pie spice in the cookies.
As a Dessert Platter
- Cheese Board: Include soft cheeses like Brie for a savory contrast to the sweet cookies.
- Fruit Salad: Fresh fruits like apples and pears add a refreshing touch alongside these cookies.
For Special Occasions
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Sandwich your soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookies with vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.
- Party Favors: Package them in cute boxes to give as favors at fall celebrations or potlucks.
How to Perfect Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
To achieve the best texture and flavor, follow these tips for perfect soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.
- Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your baking soda, baking powder, and spices are fresh for optimal flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies; remove them from the oven when they are just set but still soft in the center.
- Store Properly: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness.
Best Side Dishes for Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
These soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookies can be wonderfully complemented by side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here’s a list of great pairings:
- Apple Cider: The sweet and spiced notes of apple cider make it an ideal beverage choice.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: This seasonal favorite is perfect alongside your pumpkin-themed treats.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel over the cookies for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream turns each cookie into a mini dessert delight.
- Roasted Nuts: Crunchy roasted pecans or walnuts provide a nice texture contrast.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combo.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are some pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using the wrong type of pumpkin: Ensure you use canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices. This will keep your cookies true to the recipe.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for that soft texture.
- Not measuring ingredients correctly: Use proper measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients to maintain the right balance in your cookie dough.
- Skipping the cooling step: Allowing cookies to cool on a wire rack helps them set properly. Skipping this can result in overly soft or gooey cookies.
- Not checking oven temperature: Always use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for baking. An inaccurate temperature can lead to undercooked or overcooked cookies.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 1 week in the fridge.
Freezing Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer 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°F (175°C) and warm the cookies for about 5-7 minutes for a fresh taste.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a quick snack.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, flipping them occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies.
How do I make Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?
To make these delicious cookies, mix together wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them. Don’t forget the chocolate chips!
Can I substitute butter with oil in Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Yes, you can use vegetable oil instead of butter, but it may change the texture slightly. The cookies may not be as rich.
What makes these Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies so soft?
The combination of canned pumpkin and careful mixing keeps the moisture level high, resulting in soft and chewy cookies.
How long do Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies last?
When stored properly, these cookies can last up to one week in the refrigerator and three months if frozen.
Final Thoughts
These Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights at home. Their delightful flavor and soft texture make them irresistible! Feel free to customize with nuts or different types of chocolate chips for variety. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every bite!
Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the warmth of fall with these Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. These irresistible treats blend rich pumpkin flavor with gooey chocolate chips, creating a delightful cookie that’s soft and chewy in every bite. Perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home, they are not just delicious but also incredibly simple to make. With a hint of warm spices, these cookies capture the essence of autumn and are sure to impress family and friends alike. Whip up a batch today and enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness and seasonal flavors!
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1 cup cane sugar or white sugar
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
- In another bowl, mix together sugar, canned pumpkin, melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth.
- Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients until just mixed; fold in chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until cookies are set but soft. Cool on a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
