Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
These Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are the ultimate fall treat, perfect for cozy evenings or festive gatherings. With a delightful blend of pumpkin spice and a chewy texture that melts in your mouth, these cookies will quickly become a favorite. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply enjoying an afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to impress with their rich flavor and comforting aroma.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spices creates a warm, inviting taste that embodies the essence of fall.
- Easy Preparation: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy these cookies as a dessert, snack, or even as a unique addition to your holiday cookie platter.
- Perfectly Chewy: Each cookie has a soft center that provides a delightful chewiness in every bite.
- Homemade Goodness: Feel good about baking from scratch with simple ingredients that are often found in your pantry.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure everything goes smoothly. Having the right equipment makes preparing your chewy pumpkin cookies easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl helps combine ingredients evenly, ensuring consistent flavor throughout your cookies.
- Baking sheet: A quality baking sheet ensures even heat distribution while baking, leading to perfectly baked cookies.
- Parchment paper: Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup after baking.
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 Cookies
- 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 chewy pumpkin cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and allows for easy removal of the cookies once they are baked.
Step 3: Make the Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated white sugar and pumpkin pie spice. Set aside for later use.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated white sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add in the egg yolks one at a time along with the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 6: Incorporate Pumpkin Puree
Gently fold in the canned pumpkin puree until fully incorporated into the mixture.
Step 7: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 8: Scoop and Top Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet spacing them about two inches apart. Sprinkle each cookie with the spiced sugar topping.
Step 9: Bake
Bake in preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
Step 10: Cool
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your homemade chewy pumpkin cookies!
How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
Chewy pumpkin cookies are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Whether you want to impress guests or enjoy them at home, here are some serving suggestions.
With a Cup of Coffee
- Enjoy these cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee for a cozy afternoon break. The flavors complement each other perfectly.
As a Dessert Platter
- Create a dessert platter by pairing chewy pumpkin cookies with other fall-themed treats like apple pie or pecan bars. This makes for an inviting display.
Warm with Ice Cream
- Serve the cookies warm and top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warmth of the cookie paired with cold ice cream is simply irresistible.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the cookies for an extra touch of sweetness. This enhances the fall flavors and adds a beautiful presentation.
Packaged as Gifts
- These chewy pumpkin cookies make great gifts! Place them in decorative bags or boxes to share with friends and family during the holiday season.
How to Perfect Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
To achieve the perfect chewy texture in your pumpkin cookies, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix your dough just until combined to keep the cookies tender and chewy.
- Chill Your Dough: For best results, chill your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to enhance flavors and prevent spreading.
- Watch Your Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated correctly, as even slight variations can affect cookie texture.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to taste; adding more pumpkin pie spice can intensify that warm flavor.
- Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain their chewiness for longer.
Best Side Dishes for Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
Chewy pumpkin cookies pair well with various side dishes that enhance their flavor. Here are some great options to consider.
- Spiced Hot Cider: A warm drink flavored with cinnamon and cloves complements the spices in the cookies beautifully.
- Creamy Pumpkin Soup: This savory dish offers a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, making it perfect for a fall gathering.
- Maple Glazed Pecans: Crunchy nuts coated in maple syrup bring added texture and flavor that pairs well with pumpkin.
- Cranberry Scones: These scones add a tartness that balances out the sweetness of chewy pumpkin cookies while maintaining the autumn theme.
- Apple Salad: A fresh apple salad with walnuts provides crunch and freshness, making it a light side option.
- Chocolate Chip Muffins: Sweet muffins add another layer of indulgence that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin flavors.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide a savory balance to your sweet dessert spread.
- Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt parfaits offer creaminess and freshness, making it an elegant addition next to your chewy pumpkin cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making chewy pumpkin cookies, it’s easy to encounter a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Using cold butter – Cold butter does not cream well with sugars, leading to a denser cookie. Always use softened butter for the best texture.
- Not measuring flour correctly – Too much flour can make cookies dry. Spoon and level your flour for accurate measurements.
- Skipping the chilling time – Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking. Always refrigerate your dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Overbaking – Overbaked cookies can turn hard rather than chewy. Keep an eye on them and remove them while they are still soft in the center.
- Ignoring ingredient temperatures – Room temperature eggs and other ingredients mix better, resulting in a smoother dough. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
Freezing Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), 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 on medium power.
- Stovetop – Place cookies in a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for 2-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about chewy pumpkin cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries:
How do I make my Chewy Pumpkin Cookies softer?
To achieve softer chewy pumpkin cookies, ensure you don’t overbake them and add an extra egg yolk for moisture.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! You can use fresh pumpkin puree; just make sure it’s well drained to avoid excess moisture.
What can I add to Chewy Pumpkin Cookies for extra flavor?
Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries. These additions enhance both flavor and texture!
How long do Chewy Pumpkin Cookies last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, they last about five days at room temperature or three months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
These chewy pumpkin cookies are perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights in. Their delightful texture and warm spices make them irresistible. Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. Enjoy baking these delicious treats!
Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with these Chewy Pumpkin Cookies. With a delightful blend of pumpkin puree and warm spices, each bite offers a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth. Perfect for festive gatherings or a comforting snack at home, these cookies are easy to prepare and sure to impress everyone. The irresistible aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste right out of the oven. Whether paired with coffee or served warm with ice cream, these cookies bring warmth and joy to any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in egg yolks one at a time along with the vanilla extract.
- Fold in canned pumpkin until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Scoop rounded balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, spacing them two inches apart; sprinkle with spiced sugar topping.
- Bake for about 12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
