Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

If you adore the comforting flavors of fall and crave a dessert that’s both tender and indulgent, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe. These cookies deliver a perfect balance of warm spices, luscious pumpkin, and just the right amount of sweetness, wrapped up in a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or sharing with friends, this recipe will soon become your seasonal go-to treat that feels just like a warm hug in cookie form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together to make this pumpkin cookie magic happen. Each one plays a crucial role, contributing to the cookie’s flavor, moisture, and delightful chewiness.

• Unsalted butter: Softened for easy creaming, it provides rich flavor and a tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with structure and browning.
• Brown sugar: Packed for moisture and a hint of deep molasses flavor that enhances chewiness.
• Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient offering moistness, vibrant color, and that unmistakable pumpkin taste.
• Large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
• Vanilla extract: Brings out the sweetness and spices with a smooth aroma.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone giving structure to the cookies.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to give a gentle lift and perfect texture.
• Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves: A spiced blend that creates that quintessential pumpkin flavor profile.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and elevates all flavors.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional): For a melty surprise that complements the spices beautifully.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare your baking setup

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the tray with ease.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light in color. This process incorporates air, giving your cookies a soft texture you’ll adore.

Step 3: Mix in pumpkin and liquids

Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Beat everything together until it’s fully combined and smooth—this is where the warm pumpkin flavor starts to shine.

Step 4: Combine dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. This mixture ensures your cookies have that classic pumpkin spice taste and a balanced rise.

Step 5: Blend wet and dry ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing here—overworking the dough can make your cookies tough, and we want soft and chewy, remember!

Step 6: Add chocolate chips (optional)

If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them in now with a spatula. They add delightful bursts of melty sweetness that pair perfectly with the spices.

Step 7: Scoop and space the dough

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches between each cookie; they’ll spread a bit but shouldn’t run together.

Step 8: Bake until golden

Bake your pumpkin cookies for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set but still soft.

Step 9: Cool and enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This lets them firm up just enough while keeping that irresistible chewiness intact.

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a tiny dusting of powdered sugar or add a drizzle of white chocolate on top for a pretty presentation that tastes as delightful as it looks. Alternatively, a pinch of cinnamon sugar gives them an extra cozy touch.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a hot cup of chai tea, frothy latte, or even a creamy glass of milk to complement the warm spices and enhance the overall experience. They’re perfect for snack time or dessert with friends.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, sandwich a dollop of maple cream cheese or spiced buttercream between two cookies. Or for parties, offer a platter with a variety of toppings like nuts, caramel drizzle, or mini marshmallows to let everyone customize their own bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your pumpkin cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This helps maintain their softness and chewiness, making sure every bite stays just as delightful as the first.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a resealable bag or airtight container. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months and thaw quickly when you want a sweet treat.

Reheating

Warm your cookies for about 10-15 seconds in the microwave or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to refresh their softness and bring back that freshly baked flavor.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree in this Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and ensures consistent texture and flavor. Just make sure it is pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling which contains added sugars and spices.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as written. However, you can substitute a gluten-free baking blend one-to-one to make them suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I omit the chocolate chips?

Yes, the chocolate chips are completely optional. The spices and pumpkin flavor make the cookies delicious on their own, but the chips add a lovely melty sweet contrast if you want to include them.

How do I make these cookies softer?

To keep them soft, be careful not to overbake and store them in an airtight container as soon as they’ve cooled. Adding brown sugar, as this recipe does, also helps maintain that wonderfully chewy texture.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this recipe?

Definitely! Walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries work well and add texture and flavor to the cookies. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips or on their own before baking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into this Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe. It’s a charming way to celebrate the flavors of the season with a treat that’s simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and cozy moments to any day. So grab your mixing bowl and pumpkin puree, and get ready for some deliciously soft and chewy cookie bliss!

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