The moment September rolls around, I can’t resist making something warm, cozy, and full of fall flavors. And what better way to kick off the season than with Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Cookies? These cookies are soft, gooey, and packed with spicy chai flavors that pair perfectly with rich, melted dark chocolate. If you’re a fan of pumpkin desserts, this one is a must-try!
Method
Preheat & Prep
Before you begin mixing your ingredients, preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that the oven reaches the right temperature by the time you’re ready to bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the room-temperature butter, brown sugar, and pumpkin puree. Using a whisk or a hand mixer, blend these ingredients together until they form a smooth and creamy mixture. The butter should fully combine with the sugar and pumpkin puree, creating a fluffy base that will help the cookies stay soft and moist.
Add Egg & Vanilla
Crack an egg into the mixture, making sure there are no shell fragments. Add the vanilla extract as well, then whisk everything together until well incorporated. The egg adds structure to the cookie dough, while the vanilla enhances the flavor. Make sure to mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
Spice it Up
Now, it’s time to infuse the cookies with warm fall flavors. Add the cinnamon, allspice, and chai tea concentrate into the wet mixture. Stir well, ensuring that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter. The chai tea concentrate not only enhances the spice factor but also adds a subtle depth of flavor that makes these cookies unique.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent, ensuring that the cookies rise properly while baking. Once mixed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. It’s important to add the flour mixture in batches to avoid clumps and to ensure even mixing. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense cookies.
Fold in the Chocolate
Once your dough is fully combined, it’s time to add the best part – the chocolate chunks! Gently fold in the dark chocolate chunks using a spatula. Be sure to mix just enough to distribute the chocolate evenly throughout the dough without breaking up the chunks too much. This step ensures that every bite is filled with gooey, melted chocolate goodness.
Scoop & Bake
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, portion out the dough into roughly 2-tablespoon-sized balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each dough ball, as the cookies will spread slightly while baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft. Every oven varies, so start checking the cookies at the 12-minute mark to ensure they don’t overbake.
Cool & Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before being transferred to a cooling rack. Let the cookies cool completely or enjoy them while still warm for the ultimate gooey chocolate experience!
Necessary Tools
- Mixing bowls (one for dry, one for wet)
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or spoon
- Cooling rack
Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Cookies – The Ultimate Fall Treat!
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy12
servings10
minutes15
minutes25
minutesIngredients
1/2 cup butter (room temp)
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup pumpkin puree
1.5 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp allspice
3 tbsp liquid chai tea concentrate
1.5 cups chocolate chunks (dark chocolate recommended)
Directions
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the butter, brown sugar, and pumpkin puree until smooth and creamy.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the butter, brown sugar, and pumpkin puree until smooth and creamy.
- Add Egg & Vanilla: Crack in the egg, add the vanilla extract, and whisk again until combined.
- Spice it Up: Stir in the cinnamon, allspice, and chai concentrate, ensuring the flavors are well blended.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flour and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
- Fold in the Chocolate: Gently fold in the chocolate chunks to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
- Scoop & Bake: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to place 2-tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Serve warm for ultimate gooeyness!
Notes
- Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is soft but not melted, or the texture of the cookies will change.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can make the cookies dense instead of light and chewy.
- Spacing is Key: These cookies spread slightly, so give them enough room to expand while baking.
- Watch the Baking Time: Ovens vary, so start checking at 12 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy these cookies warm with a hot cup of chai tea or coffee.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Drizzle some melted dark chocolate on top for an elegant touch.
- Dunk them in a glass of milk for classic comfort!
Fun Fact
Did you know that pumpkin puree not only adds flavor but also makes cookies soft and moist? Plus, it’s packed with vitamin A, making these cookies a tiny bit healthier!
Conclusion
If fall had a taste, it would be these Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Cookies. They’re warm, spiced, and filled with gooey chocolate, basically autumn in every bite! Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a cozy get-together, these cookies are sure to be a hit. So, grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let’s bake up some delicious fall magic!
