Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Name: Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 large egg; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; 1/2 teaspoon salt

If you’re anything like me, the moment pumpkin spice starts making its annual debut, you can’t help but get excited. These chewy pumpkin spice cookies are my ultimate go-to, warm and oh-so-satisfying, especially with a cozy cup of tea in hand. Trust me, you’ll want to whip these up as soon as possible. They’re not just cookies; they’re a little hug in dessert form.

What Are Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies?

Chewy pumpkin spice cookies are the perfect combination of seasonal flavors and comforting textures. They’re moist thanks to the pumpkin puree and have just the right amount of sweetness from the sugars, giving you that ooey-gooey cookie feel. The warm spices—think cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove—bring a sense of joy that makes every bite feel like a little celebration of fall. Picture a cookie that takes you to your favorite pumpkin patch, and you’ll get the vibe of these delightful treats!

Ingredients Overview for Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Before you dive in, let’s chat about what you’ll need. You probably have most of these ingredients hanging out in your pantry. Here’s the run-down:

1 cup pumpkin puree: This adds moisture and that delicious pumpkin flavor.
1/2 cup brown sugar: For that rich caramel taste which blends perfectly with the spices.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: A little sweetness to balance out the flavors.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
1 large egg: Helps bind everything together, making the cookies chewy.
2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to your cookies.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps them rise and contributes to texture.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives an extra lift!
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: The star of the show! This blend gives your cookies that quintessential fall flavor.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Now that you know what you need, it’s time to get baking! Let’s turn that pumpkin puree into delicious cookies.

Preheat the oven: Get things sizzling by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup later.
Cream the butter and sugars: In a big mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until it’s all light and fluffy. Seriously, it should look like little clouds of happiness.
Add the pumpkin and egg: Spoon in that lovely pumpkin puree and crack in the egg. Stir it up until everything is well combined and dreamy.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. The scent will whisk you away into autumn bliss!
Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. No overmixing, please!
Scoop the dough: Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, dollop the dough onto the lined baking sheet, leaving plenty of space in between for spreading.
Bake your cookies: Slide that baking sheet into the oven and let them bake for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want the edges to be lightly golden but the centers to look a bit soft.
Cool down: After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

These chewy pumpkin spice cookies are delightful on their own, but you can totally get creative! Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert sundae or crumble them over yogurt for a yummy breakfast treat. They also make a fantastic addition to cookie gift bags for friends and family, especially around the holidays. Definitely spreads the cheer!

Tips For The Perfect Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Make sure butter is softened: This is key to achieving that light texture!
Use fresh pumpkin pie spice: This enhances the overall flavor and gives you a fresher taste.
Chill the dough: If you have time, chill your dough for 30 minutes before baking. It helps prevent spreading and creates a thicker cookie.
Don’t skip the parchment paper: It prevents sticking and helps with an even bake.

Q&A Section

1. Can I use canned pumpkin?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

2. Can I substitute the brown sugar?
You can use coconut sugar or even a mix of white and brown sugar if you’re looking for flexibility.

3. How do I store these cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.

4. What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried cranberries for a unique twist.

Why You’ll Adore It

Trust me, once you take a bite of these chewy pumpkin spice cookies, you’ll be hooked. They’re perfect for cozy evenings, fall gatherings, or even just when you need a little pick-me-up. The warm spices mixed with that soft, chewy texture will tug at your heartstrings and make your house smell heavenly.

Recipe Development Journey

Let me tell you, these cookies did not come together overnight! The first few batches were a little too cakey for my taste. I wanted chewy, not cake-like! After some trial and error with butter amounts and baking times, I finally nailed it. You’ll definitely want to pay attention to the baking times, as that’s where the magic happens. Nothing beats that satisfied feeling when you finally figure out the right balance of ingredients!

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