Soft and chewy pumpkin cookies

Get ready for sweater weather with these homemade chewy pumpkin cookies. If you’re looking for a cozy treat to enjoy as the leaves change and the air gets crisp, these soft and chewy pumpkin cookies are just what you need! They bring the warm flavors of fall right to your kitchen and make the perfect addition to any gathering or a special weeknight dessert. Plus, they’re quick to whip up, making them an ideal choice for busy days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just one bowl needed, clean-up is a breeze! You can have these cookies mixed and chilling in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves pumpkin cookies! They’re soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, making them a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Dough can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Bake fresh cookies whenever you crave something sweet!
• Deliciously Spiced: The combination of pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon adds a warm aroma that fills your home with comfort.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or just a cozy night in, these cookies fit right in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that this recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to gather. Let’s take a look at what you need to create these delightful treats!

For the Cookie Dough

• ¾ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• ¼ cup pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

For Rolling

• ½ cup white sugar
• ½ tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat.
• Mix in Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch and enhance the flavor profile.
• Use Different Spices: Try adding nutmeg or ginger for a different twist on the classic spice blend.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend for gluten-free cookies everyone can enjoy.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

Step 1: Brown the Butter

In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, increase the heat to medium and let it foam. Keep cooking and stirring until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma—this will take about 2-3 minutes. Pour it into a mixing bowl and let it cool completely. Brown butter adds such depth of flavor to these cookies!

Step 2: Mix the Sugars

Once your browned butter has cooled down, whisk in both sugars—the granulated sugar and light brown sugar—along with the maple syrup. This mixture will be sweet and deliciously smooth.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Next, add in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree. Whisk everything together until it’s nice and smooth. The pumpkin puree not only gives moisture but also contributes that wonderful fall flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and ground cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps ensure even distribution of leavening agents.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Now it’s time to fold those dry ingredients into your wet mixture until a dough forms. Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps prevent spreading while baking!

Step 6: Preheat Your Oven

While your cookie dough chills, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so they’re ready for those delicious cookie dough balls.

Step 7: Shape Your Cookies

Use a large cookie scoop or spoon to portion out about two tablespoons of dough per cookie. Roll each ball in the mixture of white sugar and pumpkin pie spice before placing them on the prepared sheets—keep them spaced about 3-4 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake Them Up!

Pop those trays into your preheated oven and bake for 10-14 minutes. You want the edges set but still slightly underbaked in the centers—this will ensure they stay soft and chewy!

With this recipe for soft and chewy pumpkin cookies, every bite will remind you of cozy autumn afternoons spent at home! Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Soft and chewy pumpkin cookies

Baking these delightful cookies is a breeze, especially with a few insider tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with ingredients like the egg yolk and pumpkin puree at room temperature helps create a smoother batter and better texture in your cookies.
• Don’t skip the chilling step: Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, resulting in those soft, chewy centers we all love.
• Monitor baking time closely: Since ovens can vary, keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. You want them to have set edges while still being slightly underbaked in the middle for that perfect chewiness.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste! Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger can give your cookies a unique flavor twist that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
• Store properly for freshness: To maintain their softness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper!

How to Serve Soft and chewy pumpkin cookies

Presenting these soft and chewy pumpkin cookies is as fun as baking them! Whether enjoyed solo or alongside other treats, they’re sure to impress.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and elegance, making these cookies look even more inviting.
• Chopped nuts: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking gives a delightful crunch and enhances the fall flavors.

Side Dishes

• Apple cider: The sweet and tangy notes of apple cider pair wonderfully with pumpkin flavors, making it a refreshing beverage choice for enjoying alongside your cookies.
• Cream cheese frosting: A dollop of cream cheese frosting can take these cookies over the top—its creamy richness complements the spices perfectly.
• Warm chai tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea enhance the cozy vibes of these pumpkin cookies, creating a comforting pairing ideal for chilly evenings.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that contrasts beautifully with the warm flavors of pumpkin.

Enjoy your baking adventure with these soft and chewy pumpkin cookies—they’re sure to become a favorite fall treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

These soft and chewy pumpkin cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch in advance, making them a delightful treat to have on hand whenever you crave something sweet.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them, where they can last for about a week.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy your stored cookies warm, preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

If you have questions about making these delightful treats, you’re in the right place!

How do I achieve soft and chewy pumpkin cookies?

To ensure your cookies are soft and chewy, be careful not to overbake them. The middles should look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven; they will continue cooking on the baking sheet while they cool.

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree for my soft and chewy pumpkin cookies?

Absolutely! Fresh pumpkin puree works wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure it’s well-drained if it’s homemade, as excess moisture can affect the texture of your cookies.

How do I make my pumpkin cookies even more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavor by adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries to the dough. Mix-ins add both texture and taste!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these soft and chewy pumpkin cookies as much as I do! They’re not only deliciously comforting but also easy to prepare—all in one bowl! Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or sharing with friends, these cookies are sure to bring warmth to any occasion. Happy baking!