Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Cookies - The Perfect Blend of Fall Flavors

Ready in: 30 minutes · Serves: 24 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Airtight container for up to 1 week

Quick Answer

Delicious pumpkin spice chocolate chip cookies come together in one bowl, with a delightful chewy texture and warmth from fall spices.

Introduction

As the leaves turn golden and the air gets that familiar crispness here in New York City, I find myself drawn to the warmth of my kitchen, where the scents of baking fill the air. There's something magical about the combination of pumpkin spice and chocolate that brings a sense of comfort and nostalgia. This season has me sculpting my pumpkin spice chocolate chip cookies, a treat that quickly became a favorite in my home and among friends. Whether you're gearing up for Thanksgiving gatherings or preparing holiday treats for Christmas, these cookies offer a delightful blend of flavors that are sure to impress.

A Cozy Holiday Treat

These Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just ordinary cookies-they're a cozy celebration of autumn's flavors, perfect for sharing with loved ones. They're soft, perfectly spiced, and studded with rich chocolate, making them an irresistible addition to your holiday dessert table.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Made in a single bowl, meaning less cleanup while still crafting a treat that shines.
• Irresistible Flavor: The warm spices and chocolate create a harmonious balance that dances on your palate.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for a cozy night in, holiday gatherings, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Bake Ahead: Prepare dough in advance, making it easy to bake fresh cookies on demand!
• Customizable: Substitute your favorite mix-ins for endless variations.

Ingredients

To create these delightful cookies, you'll need just a handful of common ingredients:

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix-Ins

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work beautifully)

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Cookies (Step-by-Step)

Creating these cookies is straightforward and comforting, making the process as pleasurable as eating them.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. You'll know it's ready when it resembles a light caramel color and has a slightly glossy appearance. Add in the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until evenly mixed. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. The batter will be soft and slightly sticky, but that's exactly what we want!

Step 3: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips (and nuts, if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough. The sweet aroma of fall spices begins to waft through your kitchen-what a treat!

Step 4: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing: Mixing your dough too long can lead to tough cookies.
• Using Pumpkin Pie Filling: Ensure you use pure pumpkin puree for the best flavor and texture.
• Not Chilling the Dough: While not essential, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can enhance the flavors and prevent cookies from spreading too much.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Resting the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes can help with the texture.
• Use Parchment Paper: This prevents sticking and keeps cookies from browning too much on the bottom.
• Don't Overbake: Cookies should look slightly underdone when you take them out; they will firm up while cooling.

Variations

• Swap out semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
• Use white chocolate chips and add a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-savory twist.
• Substitute half of the flour with oat flour for a heartier texture.

How to Serve

• Serve warm with a glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee.
• Offer alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
• Arrange them on a festive platter with seasonal decorations for holiday gatherings.
• Serve with my Simple Garlic Roasted Green Beans for a delightful dinner ensemble!

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: Prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• Reheating: Microwave each cookie for about 5-10 seconds for a just-baked feel.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months; bake directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.

Recipe Notes / What I Learned

These cookies are a reminder of the joys of simple ingredients coming together to create something beautiful. I learned that not all pumpkin spice cookies need to be overly sweet; balancing the chocolate with spices brings out the flavors in a truly delightful way.

Yield and Serving Size

Yield: 24 cookies · Serving Size: 1 cookie

Nutrition Snapshot

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~120 calories · 2g protein · 18g carbs · 5g fat

FAQs

Q: Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?
A: Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a great addition for added crunch and flavor.

Q: How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Q: What's the best way to store these cookies?
A: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their chewy texture.

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I hope these Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Cookies bring joy to your holiday season as they have to mine! Happy baking!