Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

These Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are the ultimate fall treat, combining warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor in every bite. Perfect for cozy gatherings, festive celebrations, or just a sweet indulgence on a chilly day, these cookies stand out with their soft centers and delightful spiced sugar topping. You’ll be amazed at how they melt in your mouth!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare Sugar Mixture
• Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
• Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
• Step 5: Scoop and Bake Cookies
• How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
• With a Glass of Milk
• Topped with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Served Warm with Ice Cream
• Accompanied by Hot Coffee or Tea
• Garnished with Whipped Cream
• How to Perfect Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
• Best Side Dishes for Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
• Reheating Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make chewy pumpkin cookies?
• Can I substitute ingredients in chewy pumpkin cookies?
• How should I store chewy pumpkin cookies?
• What makes these cookies chewy?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal fuss, even novice bakers can whip up these chewy pumpkin cookies.
• Irresistible Flavor: The perfect blend of pumpkin spice and brown sugar makes each cookie a delicious treat that warms the soul.
• Versatile Treat: Great for holidays, potlucks, or simply enjoying at home with coffee or tea.
• Perfectly Chewy Texture: These cookies have a wonderful chewy center that balances beautifully with the lightly crispy edges.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it for later baking, ensuring fresh cookies anytime you crave them.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making these chewy pumpkin cookies, gather your tools to make the process smooth. Having the right equipment on hand will help you create perfect cookies every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients evenly without spilling.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Helps achieve a light texture by incorporating air into the batter for chewier cookies.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy surface ensures even baking and easy transfer of cookies from oven to cooling rack.

Ingredients

To make these chewy pumpkin cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 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 cookies bake evenly from the start.

Step 2: Prepare Sugar Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine:
1/4 cup granulated white sugar
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Set aside for sprinkling over the cookies later.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream together:
3/4 cup softened unsalted butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar

Use an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add:
2 egg yolks
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree

Mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto a lined baking sheet. Leave space between each cookie as they will spread. Sprinkle each cookie with the prepared sugar mixture from Step 2.

Bake in preheated oven for about 12 minutes, or until edges are golden but centers remain soft. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy your chewy pumpkin cookies!

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

Chewy pumpkin cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy these delicious cookies.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that enhances the cookie’s flavor and texture. The coolness of the milk complements the warm spices perfectly.

Topped with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top for a rich, creamy addition. This combination adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the chewy cookies.

Served Warm with Ice Cream

• Enjoy these cookies warm from the oven alongside a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The melting ice cream creates a heavenly dessert.

Accompanied by Hot Coffee or Tea

• Pair your chewy pumpkin cookies with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. The warmth of the beverage brings out the spices in the cookies.

Garnished with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra indulgence. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon for added flavor.

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How to Perfect Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

To achieve that perfect chewy texture and rich flavor in your pumpkin cookies, follow these essential tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg yolks are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and evenly mixed ingredients.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to prevent tough cookies. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of chewy.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Chilling helps to control spreading and enhances flavors.

• Use Fresh Spices: Fresh pumpkin pie spice will amplify the flavor. Check expiration dates to ensure maximum potency in your spices.

• Baking Time Is Key: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Remove them as soon as they start to turn golden around the edges but still look soft in the center.

Best Side Dishes for Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

Chewy pumpkin cookies are versatile and can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their fall flavors. Here’s a list of great pairings:

1. Apple Cider: A sweet and tangy drink that pairs well with spiced desserts.
2. Pecan Pie: Offers a nutty crunch that contrasts nicely with soft, chewy cookies.
3. Spiced Hot Chocolate: Rich chocolate flavors combined with warm spices create a cozy treat.
4. Pumpkin Soup: A savory option that enhances the pumpkin flavor in your dessert.
5. Caramel Dip: Drizzling caramel sauce over your cookie adds sweetness and richness.
6. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses provides a savory balance to sweet cookies, making it an interesting pairing.
7. Fall Salad: A salad with roasted squash and cranberries adds lightness while enhancing seasonal flavors.
8. Roasted Nuts: Spiced roasted nuts offer crunch and complement the cookie’s chewiness beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making chewy pumpkin cookies, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Using cold butter: Cold butter doesn’t blend well with sugars, leading to uneven mixing. Always use softened butter for a smooth batter.
• Skipping the chilling step: Skipping this can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Overbaking the cookies: Overbaking will result in hard cookies instead of chewy ones. Keep an eye on them and take them out when they are just set.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store chewy pumpkin cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to one week in the fridge.

Freezing Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the cookies for about 5-7 minutes for best texture.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it as they can become tough.
• Stovetop: Place a skillet over low heat and warm the cookies briefly until they’re soft again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about chewy pumpkin cookies:

How do I make chewy pumpkin cookies?

To achieve chewy pumpkin cookies, use a mix of brown sugar and butter, and ensure you do not overbake them.

Can I substitute ingredients in chewy pumpkin cookies?

Yes, you can substitute some ingredients like using coconut oil instead of butter or gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.

How should I store chewy pumpkin cookies?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze them for longer shelf life.

What makes these cookies chewy?

The combination of brown sugar and egg yolks helps retain moisture, giving these cookies their delightful chewiness.

Final Thoughts

Chewy pumpkin cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly encapsulates fall flavors. Their soft centers and spiced sugar topping make them irresistible. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even a drizzle of icing. Try making them today for a cozy dessert experience!