If you are craving the perfect fall treat that melts in your mouth with just the right balance of spice and sweetness, then this Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies boast a tender, chewy texture thanks to pumpkin puree and a delightful mix of warm spices that evoke cozy autumn evenings. Whether you are baking for a crowd or just want a comforting snack, these cookies bring together familiar flavors in a way that’s irresistibly delicious, making them a fast favorite in any household.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step towards cookie bliss. Each component in this list plays an important role, from the pumpkin puree providing moisture and earthiness, to the spices that awaken your senses and the sugars that ensure a perfectly chewy bite.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Gives richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps with spreading during baking.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup, packed): Brings moisture and a subtle molasses flavor for chewiness.
- Pumpkin puree (1/3 cup): Infuses the dough with natural moisture and that quintessential fall flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors with a smooth, aromatic hint.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The sturdy base that holds everything together beautifully.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise slightly for just the right texture.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Works with the soda to ensure a soft and fluffy chew.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): A warm spice that’s evocative of pumpkin pie traditions.
- Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a nutty, slightly sweet warmth to the flavor profile.
- Ground ginger (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a subtle hint of zest and heat.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and heightens the spices.
- Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a deep, aromatic punch that rounds out the spices.
- White chocolate chips or chopped nuts (1/2 cup, optional): For those who love an extra layer of texture or a touch of sweetness.
How to Make Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, making cleanup easier and your cookies picture perfect.
Step 2: Whisk Together Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter with the granulated and brown sugars until silky smooth and combined. Next, stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, blending until the wet mixture is uniform and glossy. This combination is the backbone of your chewy texture and that beloved pumpkin taste.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and cloves. Whisking these together ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed, which gives your cookies consistent flavor and the perfect rise.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Carefully add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir just until combined—you don’t want to overmix, or the cookies might turn tough. If you’re adding white chocolate chips or nuts, gently fold them in now to spread them evenly without breaking the dough’s delicate consistency.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover your cookie dough and pop it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors meld and prevents spreading during baking, so each cookie keeps a lovely shape and chewy texture.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Use a tablespoon to scoop the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie about two inches apart to allow room for gentle spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Let the cookies rest on the pan for five minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period is the secret to that signature chewiness you crave.
How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your chewy pumpkin cookies, consider sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon sugar right after baking for an extra sparkle and flavor pop. A light drizzle of melted white chocolate adds a tempting sweetness and visual appeal, making them perfect for gifting or special occasions.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced chai tea or a creamy latte, creating a comforting, cozy snack duo. For a fun twist, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add a creamy contrast to the chewy texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack a few of these pumpkin wonders on a festive plate and tie them with a rustic ribbon to surprise a friend or family member. You can also sandwich softened cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a delightful pumpkin cookie sandwich that doubles as party treats or after-school snacks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover chewy pumpkin cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This will maintain their moist, tender texture and prevent them from drying out. Adding a slice of bread in the container helps keep them soft by releasing moisture.
Freezing
If you want to stash these treats for later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months and you can enjoy fresh-tasting cookies anytime you like.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop the cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes. This will soften them up and make them taste like they just came out of the oven, a perfect treat any time of day.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and provides consistent moisture and flavor. Just be sure to use plain pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, to avoid extra spices and sweetness.
What if I don’t have all the spices listed?
You can simplify the spice blend if needed—cinnamon and nutmeg are the most essential for that classic pumpkin cookie flavor. If you’re missing ginger, cloves, or others, the cookies will still be delicious, just a bit less complex.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking can work well. Consider adding a bit more moisture if the dough feels too dry, and avoid skipping the leavening agents for the best texture.
How chewy are these cookies compared to other pumpkin cookie recipes?
This Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe is designed to be wonderfully tender and soft with a delightful chew, but not cakey or dry. The combination of brown sugar, pumpkin puree, and chilling the dough ensures that perfect chewy bite every single time.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! White chocolate chips or chopped nuts provide extra texture and flavor dimension. Feel free to customize by swapping white chocolate for dark or milk chocolate chips, or try your favorite variety of nuts like pecans or walnuts.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making and sharing this Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe—it’s not just a cookie, it’s an experience that warms your heart and kitchen alike. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned pumpkin spice fan, these cookies are easy, delightful, and ready to become your new go-to fall favorite. Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and prepare for some serious fall cookie bliss!
Print
Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are a delightful fall treat, perfectly soft and packed with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. With a tender crumb and optional white chocolate chips or nuts, they offer a delicious balance of sweetness and seasonal pumpkin flavor. Perfect for holiday baking or a cozy afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Optional
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, salt, and ground cloves ensuring even distribution of the spices and leavening agents.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing the dough. Fold in white chocolate chips or chopped nuts if using.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with the dough and refrigerate it for 30 minutes to firm up, which helps in easier handling and better cookie texture.
- Shape and Bake: Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading during baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential for chewy texture and to prevent spreading.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to avoid sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- White chocolate chips or nuts add texture and flavor but are optional.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute melted butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
