Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

These chewy pumpkin cookies are the perfect treat for fall. With their warm spices and soft texture, they make an ideal dessert for gatherings, cozy nights at home, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth. The delightful combination of pumpkin and spices will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Melt-in-your-mouth texture: Each cookie is chewy in the center, offering a satisfying bite.
• Burst of flavor: The addition of pumpkin pie spice brings warmth and richness to every cookie.
• Quick and easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s Halloween, Thanksgiving, or just a rainy day, these cookies fit right in.
• Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for an extra twist!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking your chewy pumpkin cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready helps make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows for easy mixing of ingredients without spills.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even cooking and prevents warping in the oven.

Ingredients

For these delicious chewy pumpkin cookies, you will need:

For the Sugar Coating

• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

For the Cookie Dough

• 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). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, combine the granulated white sugar with 1/2 tsp of pumpkin pie spice. Set this aside as you’ll use it later for topping.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Beat together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Add in the egg yolks and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Add Pumpkin Puree

Gently fold in the canned pumpkin puree into the butter mixture until well incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and remaining pumpkin pie spice.
2. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Scoop and Coat Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon:
1. Drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet.
2. Sprinkle each cookie with the spiced sugar mixture you prepared earlier.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Enjoy your freshly baked chewy pumpkin cookies! They’re sure to be a hit!

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

Chewy pumpkin cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with various accompaniments to enhance their flavor and presentation.

With a Warm Beverage

• Coffee: The rich, bold flavors of coffee pair beautifully with the spiced sweetness of pumpkin cookies.
• Hot Chocolate: A creamy hot chocolate complements the chewy texture and pumpkin flavor, making for a cozy treat.
• Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea match perfectly with the pumpkin spice in these cookies.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Mini Cheesecakes: Add mini cheesecakes to your platter for a creamy contrast to the chewy cookies.
• Brownies: The fudgy texture of brownies pairs well with the soft chewiness of pumpkin cookies.
• Fruit Tart: A fresh fruit tart adds a refreshing element that balances the sweetness of the cookies.

For Special Occasions

• Halloween Party: These cookies make great treats for Halloween gatherings, adding festive flair to your dessert table.
• Thanksgiving Feast: Serve chewy pumpkin cookies as a fun alternative to traditional pies during Thanksgiving dinner.
• Fall Gatherings: Perfect for any fall event, these cookies bring warmth and comfort to your seasonal celebrations.

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How to Perfect Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

To ensure your chewy pumpkin cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing butter and eggs to room temperature helps create a creamier batter, leading to chewier cookies.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined to maintain a tender texture. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes can enhance flavor and improve cookie texture by preventing spreading during baking.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping it directly from the bag. This prevents overly dense cookies.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature; this helps achieve perfect baking results.
• Add Extra Spice if Desired: Feel free to adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice based on your personal taste preferences for added warmth.

Best Side Dishes for Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

Chewy pumpkin cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Consider serving these alongside them for an even more enjoyable dessert experience.

1. Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, whipped cream adds a delightful creaminess that pairs wonderfully with spiced cookies.
2. Ice Cream: Vanilla or caramel ice cream serves as a sweet contrast, creating an indulgent dessert combination.
3. Cream Cheese Frosting: A dollop of cream cheese frosting brings tangy sweetness that enhances the cookie’s flavors beautifully.
4. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over your cookies offers a rich, buttery sweetness that elevates each bite.
5. Nutella: For chocolate lovers, Nutella provides a smooth, hazelnut spread that complements the warm spices in each cookie.
6. Candied Pecans: Crunchy pecans add texture and nutty flavor, making them an excellent crunchy side dish option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chewy pumpkin cookies can be easy, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using cold butter: Cold butter can prevent the cookies from becoming chewy. Always use softened butter for the best texture.
• Skipping the egg yolks: Using whole eggs instead of just yolks can lead to a cakier texture. Stick to the recipe’s egg yolks for chewiness.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can dry out your cookies. Use a spoon to lightly scoop flour into your measuring cup and level it off.
• Overbaking the cookies: Overbaking leads to hard cookies instead of chewy ones. Keep an eye on them and take them out as soon as they’re golden.
• Ignoring resting time: If you rush the dough, your cookies might not spread properly. Allowing the dough to rest enhances flavor and texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Keep layers of cookies separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

• Freeze for up to three months in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Label containers with date and contents.

Reheating Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a soft bite.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, flipping once.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about chewy pumpkin cookies, we have answers!

How do I make chewy pumpkin cookies?

To make chewy pumpkin cookies, ensure you use softened butter and only egg yolks. This helps achieve that perfect chewy texture.

Can I substitute canned pumpkin puree?

Yes! You can substitute homemade pumpkin puree if you prefer. Just make sure it’s well-drained for similar consistency.

Why are my chewy pumpkin cookies flat?

Flat cookies may result from too much sugar or not enough flour. Ensure accurate measurements for the best results.

How long do these cookies last?

Chewy pumpkin cookies last about one week in the fridge or up to three months in the freezer when stored properly.

Final Thoughts

These chewy pumpkin cookies are perfect for any fall gathering or cozy night at home. Their delightful flavor and soft texture make them irresistible! Feel free to customize with chocolate chips or nuts; there’s no wrong way to enjoy them!