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
Scale
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
