![- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup granulated sugar Canned pumpkin puree is the star here. It gives the cookies a soft texture and a rich flavor. Unsalted butter makes the cookies creamy and adds a nice depth. Brown sugar brings moisture and a hint of caramel, while granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps with that perfect chewy bite. - 1 cup chocolate chips (optional) - 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) Chocolate chips can make the cookies even more fun. They melt in your mouth and add a sweet surprise. Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts bring a nice crunch. You can mix and match these to suit your taste. - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice - 1/2 teaspoon salt All-purpose flour is key for structure. It holds everything together. Baking soda and baking powder help the cookies rise and become soft. Pumpkin pie spice adds those warm, cozy flavors we all love in fall. Lastly, a pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors. For the full recipe, check [Full Recipe]. - Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the cookies not stick. - Creaming Together the Sugars and Butter In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix them until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step adds air and makes your cookies soft. - Mixing in Pumpkin Puree and Egg Next, add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until all the wet ingredients blend well. This adds moisture and flavor to the dough. - Whisking the Dry Ingredients Together In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients. - Gradually Adding Dry Mixture to Wet Ingredients Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix; this helps keep your cookies chewy. - Folding in Optional Ingredients If you want extra flavor, fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts. This step is optional but adds a nice texture. - Dropping Dough onto Baking Sheet Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart for even baking. - Baking Time and Cooling Instructions Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers should look soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up a bit. Follow these steps for perfectly chewy pumpkin spice cookies. For the full recipe, check the details above! - Importance of Softened Butter: Always use softened butter. It helps the cookies spread evenly and stay chewy. Cold butter makes cookies dense and hard. Let your butter sit out for a bit before mixing. - Avoid Overmixing the Dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough. You want a soft, slightly sticky dough for that perfect chew. - How to Check for Perfectly Baked Cookies: Look for lightly golden edges. The centers should still appear soft. They will firm up as they cool. Trust your instincts; they should smell amazing too. - The Role of Parchment Paper in Baking: Parchment paper prevents sticking. This paper helps cookies bake evenly. It also makes cleanup a breeze. Always line your baking sheet with it. - Arranging Cookies for Serving: Stack your cookies on a wooden platter. This adds charm and warmth. You can sprinkle a little extra pumpkin pie spice on top for flair. - Suggested Pairings like Milk or Coffee: Serve your cookies with cold milk or hot coffee. The flavors pair perfectly. It brings out the spices and makes each bite even better. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your cookies in fun ways. Adding different spices or extracts can make a big difference. Try cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for extra warmth. You can also use almond or maple extract for a unique twist. Incorporating dried fruits can add sweetness and texture. Consider adding raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates. These fruits will make your cookies even more delightful. Each bite will surprise you with different flavors. If you want to make vegan pumpkin spice cookies, there are easy swaps. Use plant-based butter and replace the egg with a flax egg. A flax egg is made by mixing one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. For gluten-free options, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for better texture. Your cookies will still be delicious and chewy. You can adapt the recipe for different holidays. For Halloween, add spooky shapes or colored icing. During Thanksgiving, top with a cream cheese frosting. For Christmas, sprinkle crushed peppermint on top for a festive touch. Get creative with toppings and frostings. Try drizzling melted chocolate or caramel over the cookies. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a pretty finish. Each season brings new ways to enjoy these cookies. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section! To keep your cookies fresh, store them at room temperature. Use an airtight container. This keeps them soft and chewy for days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them. Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap to avoid drying out. You can also freeze the cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. They last up to three months in the freezer and taste great after thawing. Chewy pumpkin spice cookies last about one week at room temperature. In the fridge, they can stay fresh for two weeks. Watch for signs of spoilage like a change in smell or texture. If they feel hard or dry, it’s time to toss them. To enjoy cookies warm, reheating works wonders. The best way is to use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet for about five minutes. This keeps them soft. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave is an option. Heat them for about 10-15 seconds. Just be cautious; too long makes them tough. To make your cookies extra chewy, focus on moisture and ingredient ratios. Here are some tips: - Use more brown sugar than white sugar. Brown sugar has molasses, which adds moisture. - Add an extra egg yolk. This gives richness and helps with chewiness. - Avoid overmixing the dough. Mixing too much can make cookies tough. - Use melted butter instead of softened butter. This can also increase chewiness. - Keep an eye on baking time. Take them out when they look soft, not fully baked. Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, but consider texture and consistency. Here are some points: - Fresh pumpkin needs to be cooked and pureed. This takes more time than canned. - Canned pumpkin is thicker and creamier. Fresh may be too watery. - If using fresh, drain excess water after pureeing. This helps keep the cookies chewy. - Test the dough before baking. Adjust flour if needed, based on moisture. You can add many items to boost flavor. Here are some creative options: - Mix in chocolate chips for a sweet touch. - Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. - Try dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist. - A dash of sea salt can enhance sweetness. - Experiment with different spices, like nutmeg or allspice. Each adds unique flavor. - For a fun twist, include a splash of maple syrup for warmth. For the full recipe, check out the Perfectly Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies! These chewy pumpkin spice cookies are simple to make and full of flavor. I shared key ingredients, preparation steps, and baking tips to guide you. Remember to experiment with flavors and variations. Whether you're baking for the holidays or just for fun, these cookies will impress. Store them wisely to keep them fresh. Enjoy your baking journey!](https://flavorsprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/9e8a6991-3856-4550-999c-7be18013ca98-250x250.webp)
Perfectly Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Indulge in the flavors of fall with these perfectly chewy pumpkin spice cookies! Made with canned pumpkin puree, warm spices, and optional chocolate chips or nuts, these cookies are a sweet treat for any occasion. In just 30 minutes, you can bake a batch of delicious cookies that will impress family and friends. Click to discover the step-by-step recipe and enjoy a taste of autumn!