Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a truly comforting treat that captures the essence of autumn, look no further than these beloved Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies. Loaded with warm spices, rich molasses, and that cozy pumpkin flavor, every bite promises a deliciously soft, chewy texture that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. This recipe combines simple yet impactful ingredients to create a cookie that balances sweetness and spice perfectly, making it a go-to for pumpkin lovers everywhere. Trust me, once you try these Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies, they’ll become a seasonal staple you’ll want to bake again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing the perfect Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies. Each component plays a crucial role, from the browned butter adding depth to the dough, to the blend of spices that infuse every bite with classic autumn flair.

• Unsalted butter (226 g): Brown it gently to bring out a nutty, caramel flavor that sets these cookies apart.
• Light brown sugar (200 g): Adds moisture and enhances chewiness with its subtle molasses notes.
• Granulated sugar (150 g): Provides balanced sweetness and a slight crispness on the exterior.
• Large egg (1): Binds everything together and gives structure to the cookies.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors with its sweet, floral notes.
• Molasses (35 g): Contributes rich depth and that beautiful dark color characteristic of pumpkin spice treats.
• Canned pumpkin puree (56 g): Adds moisture, tenderness, and classic pumpkin flavor without overpowering the cookies.
• Cinnamon (1 1/2 tsp): The cornerstone of pumpkin spice, imparting aromatic warmth.
• Salt (3/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances the spices’ brightness.
• Allspice (3/4 tsp): Brings complexity with its sweet and peppery notes.
• Cloves (1/4 tsp): Offers a hint of spicy sweetness, perfect for that autumn vibe.
• Ginger (1/4 tsp): Adds a subtle zesty kick that wakes up the palate.
• Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise and spread just right.
• All-purpose flour (295 g): Forms the base of the cookie dough, providing structure and chewiness.
• Sugar (50 g) and cinnamon (2 tsp) for coating: This simple cinnamon sugar mixture creates a delightful crackly, sweet crust on the outside.

How to Make Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Step 1: Brown the Butter

The magic begins with browning the butter. Melt it gently in a small pot and keep whisking as it changes color. Once you smell that toasty, nutty aroma and see browned bits at the bottom, remove it from heat. This step unlocks a deep, caramel flavor that transforms ordinary cookies into something extraordinary. Let the butter cool to slightly warm or room temperature before using it in your dough.

Step 2: Mix Sugars and Brown Butter

In a large bowl, stir together the browned butter with light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This ensures your cookies will be sweet but also irresistibly moist and chewy on the inside.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add the egg, vanilla, and molasses to your sugar and butter mixture. Stir these in thoroughly before folding in the pumpkin puree. This combination keeps the cookies tender while giving that unmistakable pumpkin spice charm.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Dough

Whisk together all your dry ingredients — flour, cinnamon, salt, allspice, cloves, ginger, and baking soda — then gradually add them to your wet mixture. Stir gently until the dough forms a cohesive ball. Resist overmixing here to maintain that soft, chewy texture.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or roughly 2 tablespoons to portion the dough, rolling each into a smooth ball weighing about 28-29 grams. Place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This chilling step is essential to develop flavors and prevent cookies from spreading too thin while baking.

Step 6: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the coating. Just before baking, roll each chilled dough ball in this cinnamon sugar mixture, then arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the tops look set but moist cracks peek through. The cookies will finish firming up as they cool, giving you that perfect chewy texture.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and let them settle. These cookies are absolutely divine fresh from the oven or cooled—each bite delivers that cozy pumpkin spice warmth combined with a soft chew that melts in your mouth.

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top right after baking for added sparkle and sweet crunch. For a festive touch, drizzle some melted white chocolate or cream cheese glaze over the cooled cookies. Toasted pumpkin seeds also make a fun, crunchy garnish that complements the spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies with a cozy mug of spiced chai tea or a rich latte to enhance the warming spices. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream alongside can turn your cookie snack into an indulgent dessert. Even a cup of hot apple cider works wonders as a fall-inspired combo.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your cookies stacked with layers of cream cheese frosting for a crowd-pleasing dessert platter. Alternatively, sandwich a bit of pumpkin butter or marshmallow fluff between two cookies for a whimsical treat. Arrange them on a rustic wooden board with fall leaves and small gourds when hosting friends — presentation really elevates the cozy vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and chewy for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead treat to enjoy throughout the season.

Freezing

You can freeze the dough balls before baking or freeze fully baked cookies. Just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months, while baked cookies will stay fresh in the freezer for about 2 months.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked warmth and softness, reheat cookies in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes, or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This refreshes the delightful chewy texture and fragrant spices, making each bite feel freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Using fresh pumpkin requires cooking and pureeing it first to achieve the right moisture level and smooth texture. Canned pumpkin puree is already cooked and drained, so it’s more convenient and consistent for this recipe.

What if I don’t have all the spices for pumpkin spice?

You can still make delicious cookies using just cinnamon along with ginger and a pinch of cloves if available. While the full spice blend adds complexity, the cookies will still taste warm and comforting with a simplified spice mix.

How do I make sure the cookies turn out chewy and not cakey?

Using brown sugar and melted browned butter helps retain moisture for chewiness, and chilling the dough prevents excess spreading that leads to cakey cookies. Also, avoid overbaking — remove cookies as soon as the tops look set but the cracks remain moist.

Can I substitute molasses with something else?

Molasses adds a unique depth and moisture to these cookies. If you don’t have molasses, you can try using dark corn syrup or maple syrup as alternatives, but the flavor and texture might be slightly different.

Is it okay to use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Unsalted butter is preferred here so you can control the salt level precisely, but if salted butter is all you have, reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting the cookies.

Final Thoughts

Baking these Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of autumnal flavors and warmth. From the rich browned butter to the mingle of fragrant spices and soft pumpkin-infused dough, they offer comfort and joy in every bite. Whether for a family gathering, a gift basket, or just a sweet treat to brighten your day, these cookies are sure to become an adored favorite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into baking your own batch of Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies—you won’t regret it!

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