Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Craving something sweet and spiced this fall? These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect balance of seasonal flavor and indulgent sweetness. With rich pumpkin puree, warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, and the delicious addition of semi-sweet chocolate chips, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite.

Easy to make and absolutely delicious, these cookies are the ideal treat to enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients List

To bake the perfect Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll need a few key ingredients that bring together the perfect blend of fall flavors and a chewy texture. Here’s the list of everything you’ll need:

Cookie Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Required Kitchen Tools

Before diving into the preparation of these scrumptious cookies, make sure you have the following tools handy to make the process smoother and more enjoyable:

1. Stand Mixer with Paddle Attachment: This will help you efficiently mix the wet ingredients like oil, sugars, egg, vanilla, and pumpkin.
2. Medium Mixing Bowl: Used for combining the dry ingredients such as flour and spices.
3. Silicon Lined Baking Sheet: Provides a non-stick surface for baking your cookies without needing to grease the pan.
4. Wire Rack: Essential for cooling your cookies after baking, ensuring they stay crisp and maintain their shape.

Having these tools ready will ensure your pumpkin chocolate chip cookies turn out perfectly every time.

Mixing the Dough

Creating the perfect dough for your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies is all about combining the right ingredients in the right order. This simple process will ensure you have a cookie dough that’s perfectly mixed, smooth, and ready for baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake your cookies.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, and ground cloves. This mixture of dry ingredients provides the perfect spiced base for the cookies. Set it aside for later.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the canola oil and both sugars (light brown sugar and regular sugar). Use the paddle attachment to mix them together until fully combined. The oil and sugars should form a smooth, creamy mixture.
4. Add Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla:
   Add the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree to the wet mixture. Blend on low speed until all the ingredients are well incorporated. The pumpkin gives these cookies their signature moisture and flavor, while the egg adds structure.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two parts. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is evenly mixed. The dough should be slightly thick and sticky—perfect for scooping.
6. Fold in the Chocolate Chips:
   Finally, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips by hand using a spatula. This step ensures the chocolate chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough, so every bite has that chocolatey goodness.

Your cookie dough is now ready to be portioned and baked!

Shaping and Baking the Cookies

Now that you’ve prepared the dough, it’s time to shape the cookies and bake them to golden perfection. Follow these simple steps to ensure your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies bake evenly and achieve the perfect chewy texture.

Shaping the Cookies

1. Portion the Dough:
   Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough into equal-sized balls. About 2 tablespoons per cookie is a good amount. Gently roll the dough into balls using your hands, but don’t worry about making them perfectly round. The cookies will spread slightly during baking.
2. Place on the Baking Sheet:
   Line your baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. Space the cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread without merging together.
3. Flatten Slightly (Optional):
   If you prefer slightly flatter cookies, you can gently press down on the dough balls with your fingers or the back of a spoon. This helps them bake evenly, especially if you want them to be slightly crisp on the edges.

Baking the Cookies

1. Bake at 350°F:
   Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 12 minutes. The cookies should be slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. If you pull them out too soon, they may be undercooked on the inside, so be sure to give them the full time to bake.
2. Cool Before Transferring:
   Once the cookies are done baking, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes. This helps them firm up and makes it easier to transfer them to a wire rack without breaking. After a few minutes, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and Storing Your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Once your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are baked and cooled, it’s time to enjoy them! These soft, spiced cookies pair wonderfully with a warm drink or as a sweet treat to share with friends and family.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect as a cozy fall snack, but they can also be dressed up for special occasions. Here are some ideas for serving:

• With a Hot Drink: Pair your cookies with a cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a warm apple cider for the ultimate fall experience.
• Top with a Dollop of Whipped Cream: For a special touch, add a dollop of homemade whipped cream on top of each cookie.
• Serve as a Dessert: These cookies make a great addition to a dessert platter for holiday gatherings or as part of a bake sale.

How to Keep Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Fresh

After you’ve made your batch of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll want to keep them fresh for as long as possible. Here are some tips to ensure they stay soft and delicious:

1. Storing at Room Temperature:
   Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days, making them a great option for a week’s worth of sweet snacking.
2. Freezing the Cookies:
   If you want to enjoy these cookies later, you can freeze them! Simply place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh for up to 1 month. To enjoy them again, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them up in the oven for a few minutes.

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect fall treat, combining the rich flavors of pumpkin and warm spices with the indulgence of chocolate chips. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a fall celebration, or simply as a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to delight everyone.

With easy-to-follow steps, you can create these delicious cookies in no time and enjoy the cozy flavors of the season. Don’t forget to store any extras for later or freeze them for future enjoyment!