Introduction
As the leaves turn golden and the air gets a little crisp, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen. These chewy pumpkin spice cookies are a warm hug in cookie form, blending the comforting flavors of fall into a delightful treat. Each bite captures the essence of pumpkin and spices, making these cookies perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet personal indulgence. Get ready to bring the flavors of autumn into your home!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep those cookies from sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set this fragrant mixture aside for now.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, inviting a sense of warmth and comfort.
- Beat in the velvety pumpkin puree, the egg, and the rich vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This should look and smell heavenly!
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined—don’t overdo it; the cookies will thank you.
- If you’re feeling indulgent, fold in those chocolate chips to add a delightful burst of sweetness.
- Using a tablespoon, drop cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one for their perfect rise.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully set and the tops are just slightly golden.
- Once they’re done, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This will help them firm up to that ideal chewy texture.
Notes or Tips
For an extra touch of fall flavor, consider adding some chopped nuts or dried cranberries to the cookie dough. These additions can provide a delightful contrast to the softness of the cookies. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain their chewy goodness.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe combines both wet and dry ingredients to create a great texture. Make sure to cream the butter and sugars thoroughly to incorporate air, which helps the cookies rise. The key to chewy cookies lies in not overmixing once the dry ingredients are added and underbaking them just a tad; they will continue to set while cooling on the wire rack!
FAQ
- Can I use pumpkin spice mix instead of individual spices? Absolutely! If you have pumpkin spice mix on hand, about 2 teaspoons should work well in place of the individual spices for convenience.
- Can I freeze these cookies? Yes! You can freeze the dough before baking—just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
These chewy pumpkin spice cookies are sure to become a beloved recipe in your fall baking rotation. With their delicious spices and inviting sweetness, they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying all by yourself with a cozy cup of tea. Embrace the flavors of the season and let these cookies warm your heart and home!