Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

Introduction

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m excited to share with you a delightful recipe for Chewy Pumpkin Cookies. These cookies are a perfect melding of warm, seasonal flavors and a chewy texture that will keep you coming back for more. With just the right balance of pumpkin spice and sweetness, these cookies are sure to become a fall favorite in your home. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for fall baking
• Chewy and delicious
• Great for sharing with friends and family

What Is Chewy Pumpkin Cookies?

Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are soft, moist cookies packed with the flavors of pumpkin and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. They’re perfect for enjoying with a cup of hot tea or coffee on a crisp autumn day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

1. Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

1. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
2. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set.
3. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overmix the cookie dough to ensure a chewy texture.
• For extra flavor, add a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Recipe Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, try these fun variations:

• Add a cream cheese frosting drizzle on top for an extra decadent treat.
• Substitute the pumpkin puree with mashed sweet potato for a different twist.

What to Serve With It

Enjoy your Chewy Pumpkin Cookies with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk. These cookies are perfect for dessert or as a sweet snack any time of day.

Meal Prep & Storage

To meal prep, you can bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like to freeze them, place the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use freshly cooked and mashed pumpkin instead of canned puree. Make sure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the cookie dough.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy baking and savoring these Chewy Pumpkin Cookies as much as I do. They’re a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of fall and make any day a little sweeter. Happy baking!