Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

These chewy pumpkin cookies are a delightful treat for autumn. With their soft and chewy centers combined with a warm pumpkin spice flavor, they’re perfect for cozy gatherings or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. The unique spiced sugar topping adds an extra layer of sweetness that makes each bite irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a fall party or just craving something sweet, these cookies will surely impress your family and friends.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Sugar Topping
• For the Cookie Dough
• How to Make Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
• Step 3: Make the Sugar Topping
• Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
• Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients
• Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients
• Step 7: Scoop Cookies onto Baking Sheet
• Step 8: Sprinkle Sugar Topping
• Step 9: Bake the Cookies
• Step 10: Cool Before Serving
• How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
• With a Warm Beverage
• As a Dessert Platter
• At Gatherings and Parties
• 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
• What makes these Chewy Pumpkin Cookies so special?
• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
• How can I customize my Chewy Pumpkin Cookies?
• Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Make: These cookies come together in just about 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute baking.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice creates a warm, comforting flavor that embodies the essence of fall.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a dessert, snack, or even as gifts during the holiday season; they are loved by all ages!
• Soft and Chewy Texture: The chewy centers give these cookies their signature texture, ensuring they melt in your mouth.
• Great for Baking with Kids: This easy recipe is ideal for involving little ones in the kitchen; they’ll love helping mix and scoop!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your chewy pumpkin cookies, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients without spills.
• Electric mixer: It saves time and energy when creaming butter and sugars together.
• Baking sheet: Using a quality baking sheet ensures even cooking and browning.

Ingredients

These chewy pumpkin cookies have the perfect amount of pumpkin spice and each bite truly melts in your mouth. With chewy centers and spiced sugar topping, you will not believe how delicious these fall cookies are!

For the Sugar Topping

• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

For the Cookie Dough

• 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 will ensure your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 3: Make the Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, combine the granulated white sugar with pumpkin pie spice. Set aside for later use.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients

Add egg yolks, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree to the butter mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 7: Scoop Cookies onto Baking Sheet

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Sprinkle Sugar Topping

Sprinkle the spiced sugar mixture generously over each cookie dough ball before baking.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.

Step 10: Cool Before Serving

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious chewy pumpkin cookies!

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

These chewy pumpkin cookies are perfect for sharing and enjoying with friends and family. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Warm Beverage

• Coffee – Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee for a comforting treat.
• Hot Chocolate – The sweetness of hot chocolate complements the spices in the cookies beautifully.
• Chai Tea – Enjoy the warm spices in chai tea alongside these delicious cookies.

As a Dessert Platter

• Mixed Baked Goods – Create a dessert platter that includes chewy pumpkin cookies along with other fall treats like apple pie or pecan bars.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches – Use two cookies to make an ice cream sandwich with your favorite flavor.

At Gatherings and Parties

• Dessert Bar – Set up a dessert bar featuring chewy pumpkin cookies along with toppings like whipped cream or caramel sauce for guests to customize their treats.
• Gift Bags – Package these cookies in festive bags as sweet gifts for friends during the fall season.

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How to Perfect Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

To ensure your chewy pumpkin cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients – Ensuring your butter and eggs are at room temperature will help the dough mix more evenly, leading to better texture.
• Don’t overmix the dough – Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for the best results.
• Chill the dough briefly – Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes helps improve the cookie’s texture and prevents spreading too much while baking.
• Experiment with spices – Feel free to adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice based on your personal preference. Adding nutmeg or allspice can enhance the flavors.
• Watch baking time closely – Every oven is different; check your cookies around 10 minutes to ensure they don’t overbake and lose their chewiness.

Best Side Dishes for Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

Chewy pumpkin cookies can be enjoyed alongside various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Spiced Apple Slices – Fresh apples sautéed in butter and cinnamon add a delightful crunch and balance to the soft cookies.
2. Cream Cheese Frosting – A dollop of this rich frosting pairs beautifully, enhancing each bite of cookie.
3. Pumpkin Soup – A warm bowl of creamy pumpkin soup makes for a comforting appetizer before diving into dessert.
4. Candied Pecans – These sweet nuts provide a crunchy contrast that pairs well with the soft texture of the cookies.
5. Maple-Glazed Carrots – Sweet, roasted carrots bring out the natural sweetness of pumpkins while adding color to your plate.
6. Cheese Board – Create a cheese board featuring sharp cheddar or creamy brie to balance the sweetness of chewy pumpkin cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking chewy pumpkin cookies, it’s easy to make simple mistakes that can ruin your delicious creation. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature eggs and butter. Cold ingredients don’t blend well, affecting the cookie’s texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired chewiness.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour for accuracy. Too much flour can make cookies dry rather than chewy.
• Skipping the resting time: Allowing dough to chill helps develop flavors and improves texture. Don’t rush this step!
• Ignoring oven temperature: Ensure your oven is properly calibrated. An incorrect temperature can lead to uneven baking.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will remain fresh for up to one week.

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 to 350°F (175°C), warm cookies for 5-10 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering with a lid for 2-3 minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about chewy pumpkin cookies:

What makes these Chewy Pumpkin Cookies so special?

These chewy pumpkin cookies combine rich pumpkin flavor with warm spice, creating a delightful treat that’s perfect for fall.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just ensure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the dough.

How can I customize my Chewy Pumpkin Cookies?

Add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture variations. Experiment with spices too!

Are these cookies suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! These chewy pumpkin cookies freeze well and maintain their delicious texture when reheated properly.

Final Thoughts

Chewy pumpkin cookies are a delightful treat that embodies the flavors of fall. Their soft, chewy centers and spiced sugar topping make them irresistible! Feel free to customize them with your favorite add-ins or spices. Try making them today for a cozy dessert that everyone will love!