Indulge in the comforting flavors of fall with these Chewy Pumpkin Cookies. This recipe masterfully combines the rich taste of pumpkin with classic autumn spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, resulting in a cookie that’s not only soft and chewy but also bursting with seasonal flavor. Whether you’re curling up with a good book or looking for the perfect treat to share at a fall gathering, these cookies are sure to satisfy.
Perfectly Spiced, Wonderfully Soft
These Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are a delightful treat for anyone who loves the taste of pumpkin pie but craves the satisfying texture of a soft, chewy cookie. The addition of pumpkin puree not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the moist, tender texture of these cookies.
Tips for Baking the Best Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
- Creaming Butter and Sugar: Start by thoroughly creaming together butter and sugars. This process incorporates air into the batter, helping create a light, chewy texture.
- Egg Temperature: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature before adding them to the mixture to achieve a smoother batter.
- Gradual Dry Ingredient Addition: When adding the flour mixture, do it gradually to avoid over-mixing, which can lead to tougher cookies.
- Even Spacing on Baking Sheets: Drop the cookie dough in tablespoonfuls onto your baking sheets, leaving enough space between them for slight spreading.
- Watch the Baking Time: The cookies should be just set around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.
Recipe for Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 12-14 minutes per batch
- Serving: Makes about 36 cookies
- Equipment: Baking sheets, parchment paper, mixing bowls
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually beat the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just combined.
- Shape and Bake: Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Enjoy Your Festive Treats
Serve these Chewy Pumpkin Cookies as a delightful snack, a treat for a fall party, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift. Their rich flavor and soft texture make them a hit with cookie lovers of all ages. Enjoy the taste of fall with every bite!