As autumn approaches and the leaves begin to crunch underfoot, there’s nothing quite like indulging in the warm, inviting flavors of fall. Enter the **Chewy Pumpkin Cookies**—a delightful treat that combines the essence of pumpkin with a symphony of spices. These cookies are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration of the season, perfect for everything from cozy gatherings to afternoon snacks. The soft, chewy texture will surely satisfy your sweet tooth, while the rich spices evoke the comforting atmosphere of fall.
This recipe showcases pumpkin purée, making it a fantastic choice for those who want to incorporate this nutritious vegetable into their diets. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, pumpkin is not just for pies; it transforms these cookies into a delightful and somewhat healthier treat! So grab your mixing bowl, and let’s dive into this easy and satisfying **Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe**!
Why You’ll Love This Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Each bite melts in your mouth, providing that perfect balance of softness and chewiness.
- Rich Pumpkin Flavor: The use of pumpkin purée delivers a unique twist that elevates ordinary cookies into something special.
- Spiced Perfection: Enhanced with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, these cookies are infused with warm spices that embody fall.
- Simple Ingredients: With common pantry items, whipping up these cookies is a breeze, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Great for Sharing: Yielding 18 cookies, they are perfect for autumn gatherings or sharing with neighbors and friends.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before delving into the recipe, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen for an efficient baking session. Start by gathering all of your ingredients and measuring them out to ensure a smooth workflow. Here’s a list of tools and items you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls: Use one large bowl for the wet ingredients and a medium bowl for the dry ingredients.
- Whisk: Essential for mixing wet ingredients and combining dry components.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: Perfect for combining the wet and dry mixtures.
- Baking sheets: Line these with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Oven thermometer: Always check your oven temperature to ensure perfectly baked cookies.
- Cooling rack: Allow your cookies to cool properly once removed from the oven, maintaining their texture.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup pumpkin purée, blotted with paper towel
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin the process by taking a large mixing bowl and whisk together the melted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar. This step is crucial as it helps to blend the sweetness and create a consistent base for your cookies. Next, introduce the pumpkin purée and vanilla extract to the mixture. It’s essential to ensure that the pumpkin purée is blotted with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, keeping the cookie dough from becoming too wet. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients. Combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and the wonderful warming spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Mixing the dry elements separately helps ensure that all ingredients are evenly distributed, allowing the flavors to meld seamlessly in the final product.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Now that both wet and dry components are combined, it’s time to bring it together. Slowly incorporate the dry mixture into your pumpkin mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing as this can lead to tough cookies. Once mixed, transfer the dough to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes. Chilling enhances the flavors and helps with the handling of the dough.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Once the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While waiting for the oven, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. Now, roll the chilled dough into small balls, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the baking sheet, being sure to leave adequate space between them, as they will spread during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are light golden brown and the centers look set but soft. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Variations
- Protein: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch or consider using chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
- Vegetables: For a nutrient boost, you can incorporate grated zucchini or carrots into the dough.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or allspice, or reduce the amounts for a milder flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure that your butter isn’t too hot when mixing with sugars; slightly warm is ideal to avoid cooking the mixture.
- If your dough feels sticky after chilling, it may need a little extra flour—consider adding a tablespoon at a time.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Chewy Pumpkin Cookies with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
- These cookies make an excellent addition to any autumn celebration such as Halloween parties or Thanksgiving gatherings.
Tips
- Storing cookies in an airtight container will keep them soft and chewy for several days.
- Feel free to freeze the dough for later use; simply roll into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then store in a zip-lock bag for future baking.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes (includes chilling)
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 150 per cookie
- Protein: Approximately 2 grams
- Sodium: Approximately 120 mg
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Yes, canned pumpkin is perfect for this recipe. Just be sure to blot it with a paper towel to reduce excess moisture before adding it to the dough.
How do I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
What can I add to the cookies for extra flavor?
You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried cranberries for a delightful twist!
Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the sugar to your preference; just keep in mind that it may affect the texture slightly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these **Chewy Pumpkin Cookies** are a must-try for anyone who adores the comforting flavors of fall. They are incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize them to your liking while maintaining that delightful moistness and chewiness we all love. Whether you bake them for yourself or share them with friends and family, these cookies are sure to impress. Don’t forget to let us know how your baking adventure turns out by leaving a comment below! Happy baking!
Print
Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
Description
As autumn approaches and the leaves begin to crunch underfoot, there’s nothing quite like indulging in the warm, inviting flavors of fall.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup pumpkin purée, blotted with paper towel
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Begin the process by taking a large mixing bowl and whisk together the melted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar. This step is crucial as it helps to blend the sweetness and create a consistent base for your cookies. Next, introduce the pumpkin purée and vanilla extract to the mixture. It’s essential to ensure that the pumpkin purée is blotted with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, keeping the cookie dough from becoming too wet. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients. Combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and the wonderful warming spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Mixing the dry elements separately helps ensure that all ingredients are evenly distributed, allowing the flavors to meld seamlessly in the final product.
- Chill the Dough: Now that both wet and dry components are combined, it’s time to bring it together. Slowly incorporate the dry mixture into your pumpkin mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing as this can lead to tough cookies. Once mixed, transfer the dough to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes. Chilling enhances the flavors and helps with the handling of the dough.
- Bake the Cookies: Once the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While waiting for the oven, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. Now, roll the chilled dough into small balls, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the baking sheet, being sure to leave adequate space between them, as they will spread during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are light golden brown and the centers look set but soft. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and chewy for several days. Feel free to freeze the dough for later use; simply roll into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then store in a zip-lock bag for future baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 150 kcal per cookie
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Protein: 2 g