Embrace the cozy season with a delightful batch of pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. These cookies blend warm spices and rich chocolate chunks, making them perfect for any fall gathering.
Crafted with a homemade pumpkin spice mix and crunchy pecans, this recipe brings together all the comforting flavors of autumn. Follow this guide for a delicious and festive treat.
Ingredients for the Perfect Fall Cookies
To start, gather all the essential ingredients. You’ll need 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1¼ teaspoons of baking soda, and either 1 teaspoon of Diamond Crystal or ½ teaspoon of Morton kosher salt. The key spice mix includes ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Together, these ingredients lay the foundation for a flavorful cookie.
Creating the Pumpkin Spice Mix
Begin by whisking 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, 1½ teaspoons of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ¾ teaspoon of ground cloves. This homemade mix can be prepared up to three months in advance and stored at room temperature. It’s versatile enough for other autumn recipes like pies and quick breads.
Preparing the Cookie Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and the prepared pumpkin spice mix. In another bowl, beat 1¼ cups of softened unsalted butter with 1½ cups of light brown sugar and 1 cup of granulated sugar until fluffy. Add 3 large eggs, one at a time, followed by ¼ cup of canned pumpkin purée and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender cookie texture. Fold in chopped semisweet chocolate and dark chocolate chips, along with coarsely chopped pecans, to enhance the cookies’ flavor and texture.
Forming and Baking the Cookies
Using a No. 20 cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 4 inches apart. Gently press some reserved chocolate and nuts into the tops of the dough balls. Bake the cookies, rotating the pans halfway through, until the edges are golden brown, about 11-13 minutes.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This ensures the cookies set properly and achieve the desired chewy texture.
Storing and Freezing Tips
These pumpkin chocolate chip cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They remain soft and delicious, making them perfect for make-ahead holiday treats.
For longer storage, freeze the cookie dough balls on baking sheets until solid, then transfer them to resealable freezer bags or airtight containers. The dough can be frozen for up to three months and baked whenever you crave fresh cookies.
Alternative Add-ins and Serving Suggestions
Feel free to customize this recipe based on your preferences. Substitute pecans with walnuts or pistachios, or use a mix of milk and white chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate.
These cookies are ideal for gift-giving or sandwiching with cream cheese frosting for an extra-special treat. Their versatility and flavor make them a holiday favorite.
Expert Baking Tips
For the best results, ensure your butter is softened but not too warm. This allows for better incorporation with the sugars, resulting in a fluffy batter.
When baking, keep an eye on the cookies in the last few minutes to prevent over-browning. Rotating the pans helps achieve even baking.
Conclusion
There you have it! This pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe combines the warmth of fall spices with the richness of chocolate, creating a delightful treat for the season.
Perfect for cozy gatherings or as a festive gift, these cookies are sure to become a fall favorite.
In conclusion, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are a fantastic way to embrace the flavors of fall. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can create this delicious treat.
Whether you enjoy them fresh or make them in advance, these cookies offer a comforting and festive addition to any autumn celebration.
Source: Bonappetit