If you’re craving a treat that perfectly balances the warmth of fall spices with the irresistible allure of melting chocolate, then you absolutely must try this Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together tender, moist pumpkin puree and richly browned butter, creating a chewy texture that hugs every bite. Sweet pockets of finely chopped chocolate contrast with the spicy, cozy notes of pumpkin spice, making each mouthful a celebration of flavor and comfort. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or just to brighten your day, these cookies deliver that homemade magic that keeps you coming back for more.

The image shows two golden-brown chocolate chip cookies on white crinkled parchment paper with a white marbled surface beneath. The front cookie has a bite taken out of it, revealing a soft inside filled with melted dark chocolate chunks. The cookie surface is textured with little cracks and sprinkled with coarse salt flakes, adding a contrast of white dots on the warm brown cookie. Crumbs are scattered around the cookies, giving a fresh and homemade feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe lies in its thoughtfully simple ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: the browned butter offers a deep nutty flavor, pumpkin puree adds moisture and earthiness, and pumpkin spice brings all those cozy fall vibes to life. Paying attention to details like room temperature eggs and carefully measured flour makes all the difference in perfecting texture and taste.

Cold unsalted butter: You’ll brown this to develop a rich, nutty flavor that’s the foundation of the cookie’s depth.
Libby’s Pumpkin Puree (room temperature): Essential for moistness and that signature pumpkin taste, drained to avoid soggy dough.
Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps create a slight crisp edge.
Light brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and subtle caramel notes for chewiness.
Large egg yolks (room temperature): Provide richness and help bind the dough without extra liquid.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and brings warmth to the cookie’s profile.
All-purpose flour: Carefully measured for structure without toughening the cookie.
Pumpkin spice: The aromatic blend that infuses the cookie with comforting spice flavor.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for softness and spread.
Fine sea salt: Elevates sweetness and balances flavors perfectly.
Finely chopped chocolate bar or chocolate chips: Provide melty, sweet pockets that contrast beautifully with the spiced dough.

How to Make Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter to Perfection

Start by gently browning the cold, unsalted butter in a stainless steel pan. This process brings out a fragrant, nutty flavor that is the heart and soul of your cookies. It’s normal for the butter to foam and sizzle—just keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to avoid burning. When you see golden brown bits forming and a heavenly aroma fills the air, remove the pan from heat.

After browning, cool the butter in the fridge until it reaches about 75°F while stirring every 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect dough texture.

Step 2: Dry Out the Pumpkin Puree

Next, take your pumpkin puree and spread it on a plate. Press it with paper towels to soak up excess moisture, repeating until the pumpkin feels dense yet soft, like playdough. This drying step ensures your cookies stay chewy without turning runny. You want around a third of a cup of this dried pumpkin for ideal consistency.

Step 3: Mix the Sugars and Butter

Whisk together the cooled browned butter with both granulated and brown sugar for exactly one minute. You’ll notice the mixture looks like pale wet sand. This creaming-like step gives your cookies a light but chewy crumb.

Step 4: Add Egg Yolks, Vanilla, and Pumpkin

Incorporate the egg yolks and vanilla extract, then whisk in your prepared pumpkin. This combination adds moisture and richness, building layers of flavor and moistness.

Step 5: Stir in Dry Ingredients and Chocolate

Fold in the flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, sea salt, and chocolate chips. Mix gently just until combined—overmixing can toughen the cookies. Using finely chopped chocolate allows for evenly distributed melts that enhance every bite.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Use a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough, rolling each ball between your palms for smooth edges. Place dough balls on parchment-lined trays spaced 2-3 inches apart. Bake each tray at 350°F for 9 to 13 minutes until the edges turn golden but the centers stay slightly soft. For thicker, perfectly round cookies, use a large round cookie cutter right out of the oven to gently push edges inward.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool completely on the pan sitting on a wire rack before transferring to storage. This resting time helps set their chewy texture and maximizes flavor intensity.

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of white chocolate can elevate the look and add a contrasting sweetness. Toasted pecans or a sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top right after baking can also add delightful texture and flavor pops.

Side Dishes

These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies pair wonderfully with a warm mug of spiced chai, hot cocoa, or a creamy latte. For a more indulgent treat, a scoop of cinnamon ice cream served alongside makes a perfect autumnal dessert ensemble.

Creative Ways to Present

Try sandwiching two cookies with a cinnamon cream cheese frosting or pumpkin spice buttercream for a luscious twist. Arrange them in a gift box tied with a rustic ribbon for charming homemade gifts. You can also crumble them over vanilla pudding or yogurt for an easy, flavorful parfait topping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain fresh and chewy for 2 to 3 days, making them a wonderful grab-and-go snack or dessert.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring to a sealed freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough at room temperature for about 2 hours. Cookies baked from frozen dough come out just as delicious and chewy!

Reheating

If you want to enjoy these cookies warm after storage, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes or microwave briefly in 10-second intervals. This refreshes their soft, melty texture perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! In fact, canned pumpkin puree like Libby’s is recommended here for consistent moisture content and rich flavor. Just make sure to dry it properly with paper towels as described for best results.

Why do I need to brown the butter?

Browned butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that regular melted butter can’t deliver. It enhances the cookie’s complexity and chewiness, making the taste richer and more distinctive.

What if I don’t have pumpkin spice?

No worries! You can create your own blend using ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Mixing these spices in similar proportions will give you that classic pumpkin spice flavor your cookies crave.

How do I make sure my cookies stay chewy?

Several steps help: browning the butter, drying the pumpkin puree, using egg yolks instead of whole eggs, and baking until edges are just golden but centers are still a bit underbaked. Also, don’t overmix the dough to avoid a tough texture.

Can I substitute the chocolate chips with something else?

Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even white chocolate chunks work wonderfully. Just be mindful of their texture and sweetness levels to maintain balance in the cookie’s flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe, it’s sure to become one of your most beloved fall baking staples. With its warm spices, luxurious chewy texture, and pockets of melted chocolate, it’s the kind of treat that brings smiles and cozy moments at every bite. So tie on your apron, and give these cookies a whirl—you’ll love the comfort and joy they deliver!