When fall rolls around, you start craving warm, spiced desserts that fill your home with the aroma of the season. Double Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies deliver that cozy autumn feeling in every bite. These cookies combine the rich flavors of semi-sweet and dark chocolate with the subtle sweetness of pumpkin and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday event, or just for yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to hit the spot.
Why Double Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies Are a Must-Try
Pumpkin is one of the most versatile ingredients in baking, adding moisture and a hint of earthy sweetness to any recipe. Pairing it with double chocolate takes it to a whole new level, creating a dessert that’s soft, gooey, and bursting with flavor. You’ll love how these cookies strike the perfect balance between sweet and spiced, making them a treat that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients for Double Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delectable cookies:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Canned pumpkin puree | 1 cup |
Unsalted butter, melted | 1/2 cup |
Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup |
Brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
Large egg | 1 |
Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
All-purpose flour | 1 1/2 cups |
Baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
Baking powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
Ground nutmeg | 1/4 teaspoon |
Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
Semi-sweet chocolate chips | 1 cup |
Dark chocolate chips (optional) | 1/2 cup |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until well combined, creating a smooth and glossy base. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is fully blended.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This step ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
4. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies dense, so mix only until you no longer see streaks of flour.
5. Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and, if desired, the dark chocolate chips. The combination of two types of chocolate makes these cookies extra indulgent.
6. Shape the Dough
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Top each cookie with a few extra chocolate chips for a picture-perfect finish.
7. Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes. Look for edges that are lightly golden while the centers remain soft. This ensures gooey, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
8. Cool and Serve
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm for the ultimate chocolatey experience or store them for later enjoyment.
Tips for Perfect Double Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the egg and butter are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Measure the Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing the flour, which can lead to dry cookies.
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 180 |
Total Fat | 9g |
Saturated Fat | 5g |
Cholesterol | 20mg |
Sodium | 80mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 24g |
Sugars | 16g |
Protein | 2g |
Variations to Try
- White Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies: Replace the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Spice it Up: Increase the nutmeg and add a pinch of cloves for a spicier, more aromatic cookie.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
What to Serve with Double Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies
- Beverages: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee, spiced chai tea, or hot cocoa.
- Ice Cream: Serve the cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Refrigerate Dough: The cookie dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Let it come to room temperature before baking.
- Store Baked Cookies: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for Later: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven for a fresh-baked taste.
FAQs About Double Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies
1. Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned?
Yes, but make sure to drain the puree well to avoid adding excess moisture to the dough.
2. Why are my cookies not spreading?
If the dough is too cold or too thick, the cookies may not spread. Let the dough warm slightly or press the mounds gently before baking.
3. Can I make these cookies without an egg?
Yes, you can replace the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water).
4. Can I use milk chocolate chips instead?
Certainly! Milk chocolate chips will create a sweeter cookie, which is perfect if you prefer less intense chocolate flavors.
5. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly golden, but the centers should still look soft. They will firm up as they cool.
6. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to mix the dough in batches to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Final Thoughts
Double Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies are the perfect dessert to celebrate the cozy flavors of fall. With a soft, chewy texture and a double dose of chocolate, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
So grab your ingredients and start baking today—you deserve a little chocolatey indulgence!
Print
Double Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies: A Decadent Fall Treat You’ll Love
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
Description
Indulge in the ultimate fall dessert with these Double Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies. Soft, chewy, and packed with the richness of semi-sweet and dark chocolate, combined with the subtle sweetness of pumpkin and warm spices, these cookies are a treat you can’t resist. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday events, or a cozy night in!
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Add chocolate chips: Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips and optional dark chocolate chips.
- Shape cookies: Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Optionally, top with extra chocolate chips.
- Bake: Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden and centers remain soft.
- Cool and serve: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store for later.
Notes
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Chilling dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Customization: Add nuts, spices, or use white chocolate chips for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American