Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies
The Ultimate Recipe for Fall Comfort
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As the baking season approaches, it's time to explore the delicious world of soft and chewy pumpkin spice cookies. These delightful treats are perfect for those who prefer a cookie with a chewy texture, as opposed to a cakey or crispy one. Offering a pleasant medley of flavors from pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, these cookies will surely be a hit during the fall season.
The secret to achieving the perfect chewiness in these pumpkin cookies lies in the proper balance of wet and dry ingredients. Start by combining the dry ingredients such as all-purpose flour (how long does flour last?), baking soda, (how long does baking soda last?) baking powder (how long does baking powder last?), salt, pumpkin pie spice, and ground cinnamon in a medium bowl. In another mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together unsalted butter, granulated sugar (how long does sugar last?), and brown sugar before adding in the canned pumpkin (how long does canned pumpkin last?), vanilla extract, and other wet ingredients. It's important to blot the pumpkin puree with paper towels to remove excess liquid, as too much moisture can result in cakey cookies instead of the desired chewy texture.
Once the dough is prepared, roll it into balls with a cookie scoop and coat them in a cinnamon sugar mixture for added flavor. Place the dough balls onto prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone baking mats, allowing ample space for them to spread as they bake. Bake at the recommended temperature for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies turn golden brown around the edges. After cooling, store your soft and chewy pumpkin spice cookies in an airtight container to maintain their delightful texture and irresistible taste.
Ingredients
To achieve the perfect soft and chewy pumpkin spice cookies, it's essential to carefully select and measure your ingredients. Start with gathering your wet ingredients, which include pumpkin puree (avoid using pumpkin pie filling as it contains added sugars and spices), unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. For the pumpkin puree, make sure to drain any excess liquid using paper towels before adding it to the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too cakey.
In addition to wet ingredients, the dry ingredients play a crucial role in providing the desired chewy texture. The key dry ingredients in this pumpkin cookie recipe are purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, teaspoon baking soda, and teaspoon baking powder. To enhance the flavor profile further, include teaspoon ground cinnamon and teaspoon salt. By maintaining the right balance between dry and wet ingredients, the cookie dough will produce the desired chewy pumpkin cookies with crisp edges and moist centers.
For sweetness and a hint of caramel-like flavor, mix brown sugar and granulated sugar. It's important to use both kinds of sugar to create the perfect balance between crispiness and chewiness in the cookies. The pumpkin snickerdoodles require a separate cinnamon sugar mixture to roll in the cookie dough balls for added flavor on the outside.
Before you begin the baking process, prepare your baking tools and workspace. Preheat your oven and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking. Have your cookie scoop, electric mixer, rubber spatula, and mixing bowls ready for the making of the dough.
In order to bake the most tender yet chewy pumpkin cookies, use the following measurements for the main ingredients:
1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cup (285g) canned pumpkin puree, drained
4 cups (480g) purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Carefully measure and combine your ingredients into a coherent dough that will be shaped into tasty pumpkin cookies. Monitor the baking temperature and time to ensure perfect golden brown cookies, commonly taking around 10-12 minutes. Following this recipe and paying attention to the details will result in soft and chewy pumpkin spice cookies that are sure to impress.
If you can’t find these ingredients in your local markets, you can order granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, canned pumpkin puree, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, and ground cinnamon online!
Preparation
Prep Time
To make these Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies, you'll need to set aside about 20 minutes to gather your ingredients and prepare the cookie dough.
Cook Time
These delicious cookies will bake for approximately 10-12 minutes in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C). Make sure to keep an eye on them towards the end, as oven temperatures may vary.
Instructions
Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set aside.
Wet Ingredients: With an electric mixer, cream 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup brown sugar at medium speed until light and fluffy. Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Incorporate 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (excluding excess liquid by dabbing with paper towels). Mix on medium speed for a silky texture.
Gradually add the prepared dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, using a rubber spatula to fold the mixture. Be cautious not to over-mix, as this may cause the cookies to lose their chewy texture.
Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough into balls. Roll each ball in a cinnamon sugar mixture (2 tablespoons granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon), then place it on the prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten the cookie dough balls with the back of a spoon or a cup.
Bake the cookies until the edges turn golden brown, which usually takes 10-12 minutes. After removing them from the oven, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack for complete cooling.
Optional: For an extra touch of sweetness, you could consider adding white chocolate chips (how long do chocolate chips last?) to the dough or garnishing the finished cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar.
The best places to get these items are from your local markets, but if you can’t find any nearby, you can easily order mixing bowls, whisks, measuring spoons, electric mixers, spatulas, cookie sheets, parchment paper, silicone baking mats, cookie scoop, and baking sheet with rack online!
Servings and Calories
This pumpkin spice cookie recipe yields approximately 24 cookies, with each serving containing about 130 calories. The yummy cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, ensuring that the chewy texture is maintained.
Baking and Consistency
Texture
Soft and chewy pumpkin spice cookies strike a perfect balance between cakey and crispy textures. These cookies have a slightly crisp edge and a soft, chewy center that make them irresistible. The chewy texture can be largely attributed to the brown sugar, which retains more moisture than granulated sugar and makes the baked cookies softer and denser. On the other hand, the pumpkin puree adds extra moisture, which can sometimes result in cakey cookies. To avoid this, it is essential to remove any excess liquid by gently pressing the pumpkin puree between paper towels before using it in the recipe.
Baking Tips
Dry Ingredients: Begin by whisking the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl to ensure even distribution of these components in the cookie dough.
Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat granulated and brown sugar with unsalted butter using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and room-temperature eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, scraping the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure proper mixing.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Incorporate just until the flour is blended into the dough, avoiding overmixing.
Rest the Dough: Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour. Chilling the dough ensures proper shaping and helps achieve a chewy texture.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). As the dough is chilling, prepare multiple baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This precaution helps the cookies bake more evenly and makes for easy removal.
Scoop and Roll: Use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough into balls. These balls can then be rolled in a cinnamon sugar mixture to enhance the cookies' flavor.
Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 2 inches apart to account for spreading during baking.
Baking Time: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Be mindful not to over-bake, as this can result in overly crisp edges and less chewy centers.
Cool and Store: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For optimal freshness, store your chewy pumpkin cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
Storage and Serving
Soft and chewy pumpkin spice cookies are a popular treat during the baking season, particularly for their warm, fall flavors and delightful texture. To ensure that these cookies maintain their chewy centers and crisp edges, proper storage and serving methods should be followed.
When it comes to storing chewy pumpkin cookies, using an airtight container is a must to prevent them from drying out. Before placing the cookies in the container, allow them to cool completely on the prepared baking sheets. You may also line the container with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture and maintain their crispy edges. Furthermore, it is ideal to store cookies at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat.
To avoid a soggy texture, it's crucial to let the pumpkin puree sit on paper towels to drain out extra moisture before incorporating it into the dough. Combining dry ingredients, such as all-purpose flour, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and baking soda, in a medium bowl, helps to evenly distribute the flavors. Similarly, wet ingredients like unsalted butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract should be mixed separately.
When preparing the cookie dough, be gentle with the dough and use a cookie scoop to ensure evenly sized cookies. Medium-sized cookie sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone baking mats would be apt for baking. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes at the recommended oven temperature. The cookies should be golden brown and have a chewy texture when done.
It is essential to let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows the cookies to set and retain their soft yet chewy characteristics.
In conclusion, soft and chewy pumpkin spice cookies can offer a delightful treat and stay fresh when stored and served correctly. By keeping these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature and using the proper techniques during the baking process, you can enjoy this pumpkin recipe all season long.
Pairing with Other Food
Soft and chewy pumpkin spice cookies are a delightful treat during the baking season. These cookies, made with real pumpkin, offer a moist and chewy texture that makes them perfect for pairing with other food items.
When selecting ingredients, it's essential to start with high-quality dry ingredients such as all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and baking soda. For the wet ingredients, use canned pumpkin puree, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract to create the rich and flavorful base of the cookie dough. It's crucial to mix the dry and wet ingredients in separate mixing bowls before combining them to achieve the desired consistency.
When baking these cookies, line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking. Preheat the oven and place the prepared baking sheets in the oven for 10-12 minutes, until the cookies have a golden brown color with crisp edges and chewy centers.
For a delightful pairing, consider having these cookies alongside other pumpkin-based desserts, such as pumpkin bread, pumpkin scones, or pumpkin snickerdoodles. The similarities in flavor profile and the slight variations in texture make these combinations a great choice for a cohesive dessert spread.
Pairing these chewy pumpkin cookies with drinks can also accentuate their flavors. Some excellent beverage options to consider include:
Warm spiced apple cider
Hot chocolate with a dash of cinnamon
Pumpkin spice latte
Chai tea
Apart from beverages and desserts, these pumpkin spice cookies can also complement a cheese platter or be served alongside a fruit and nut arrangement. The smooth flavors of mild and slightly sweet cheeses like brie, havarti, or gouda will contrast well with the rich and bold taste of the cookies. Fruits with a tangy acidity such as apples, pears, or grapes can also provide a refreshing contrast to the warm spices present in the cookies.
If you prefer to enhance the cookies themselves, consider adding delicious add-ins or toppings like white chocolate chips (how long do white chocolate chips last?), a cinnamon sugar mixture, or a drizzle of caramel. These options will elevate the taste of the already delicious chewy pumpkin cookies without overwhelming their natural flavors.
By carefully selecting items to pair with these scrumptious and chewy pumpkin spice cookies, you can create a well-rounded and delicious dessert experience for yourself and your guests.
Social Media Sharing
In the world of baking, soft and chewy pumpkin spice cookies have been stealing the spotlight on various social media platforms. These mouth-watering cookies are the perfect treat for autumn, combining the delicious flavors of pumpkin pie filling, brown sugar, and a mix of warm spices, all rolled into one scrumptious cookie.
To begin with, make sure to gather all your ingredients. In the realm of dry ingredients, you'll need all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and a selection of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg (how long does nutmeg last?), and cloves (how long do cloves last?). Don't forget the pumpkin pie spice, which gives these cookies their iconic flavor. For the wet ingredients, prepare canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling), unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
When it comes to mixing, you'll need two separate mixing bowls for the dry and wet ingredients. First, whisk together the dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Then, using an electric mixer, cream together the unsalted butter and sugars (granulated and brown) until smooth, before adding in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.
Carefully combine the wet and dry mixtures with a rubber spatula, ensuring to not overmix the dough. To achieve the desired chewy texture, place the cookie dough in plastic wrap and allow it to rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step is crucial for obtaining a well-formed and moist cookie.
Once the dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. To coat each cookie with the cinnamon sugar mixture, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough into balls. Roll the balls in the cinnamon sugar mixture and place them on the prepared baking sheets, allowing space for expansion during baking.
Baking these delightful cookies takes just 10-12 minutes, resulting in golden brown edges and chewy centers, thanks to the rich pumpkin puree. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. For optimal freshness, store your delectable treats in an airtight container.
Sharing your pumpkin spice cookie creations on social media is a great way to showcase your baking skills while spreading the love for this seasonal delight. Remember to tag your favorite baking accounts and use hashtags like #pumpkinspice, #autumnbaking, or #cookies to engage fellow baking enthusiasts. Happy baking!
