Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip Cookies – 5 Easy Steps

Looking for a fall dessert that combines the warmth of pumpkin with the sweetness of white chocolate? These Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect treat for any autumn occasion. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and have a delightful crispy exterior with a chewy interior. Whether you’re preparing for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or just craving something seasonal, these cookies are a must-try!

Why You’ll Love Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are not your typical pumpkin dessert. Unlike many pumpkin treats that turn out cakey, these cookies have a crispy edge with a chewy center. The addition of white chocolate chips complements the pumpkin’s cinnamon flavor perfectly, creating a delicious contrast of sweet and spice. Best of all, these cookies come together quickly with just a 15-minute prep time, making them an ideal choice for busy fall days.

Ingredients

• Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to balance the pumpkin and spices.
• Butter: Unsalted butter creates a rich base for these cookies.
• White Chocolate Chips: These provide a sweet, creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the pumpkin flavor.
• Canned Pumpkin: Always use pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling), which gives the cookies their signature flavor and moisture.
• Flour: Helps to structure the cookies, giving them a chewy texture.
• Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note to the cookies, perfect for the fall season.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Ensure the cookies rise and spread correctly.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor, adding depth to the cookies.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

• Chocolate Chips: If you prefer a different flavor, try semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or even dark chocolate chips.
• Nuts: Add chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans for an added crunch.
• Pumpkin Spice: For extra fall flavor, swap the cinnamon for pumpkin spice.
• Butter: If you only have salted butter, simply reduce the added salt to a ¼ tsp to maintain balance.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pumpkin: Start by removing excess moisture from the canned pumpkin puree. Wrap it in paper towels or a clean tea towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial to prevent overly soft cookies.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer, beat the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, and egg yolk until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing.
5. Fold in White Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the white chocolate chips using a spatula, being careful not to overwork the dough.
6. Chill the Dough: Scoop the dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape during baking.
7. Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chilled cookie dough balls on a baking sheet 2-3 inches apart. Bake for 9-12 minutes until the edges begin to brown. Tap the pan gently on the counter once out of the oven to help the cookies settle.
8. Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy these warm, gooey Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t Skip the Chilling Step: Chilling the dough ensures the cookies don’t spread too much during baking and helps them maintain their shape.
• Measuring Flour: Always fluff up your flour before measuring it to avoid adding too much, which can lead to dense cookies.
• Consistent Size: Use an ice cream scoop for evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly.
• Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. They can also be frozen for up to a month. Simply bake frozen dough balls for a few extra minutes.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

These Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip Cookies are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with a variety of fall favorites. Serve them alongside a warm cup of apple cider or pumpkin spice latte for a complete seasonal experience.

For variations, you can swap the white chocolate chips for dark or semi-sweet chocolate, or even add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra layer of flavor. You can also turn them into pumpkin spice cookies by replacing the cinnamon with pumpkin spice mix or adding caramel pieces for a rich, gooey twist.

Make Ahead and Freezing Tips

These cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days or frozen for up to a month. To freeze, either freeze the dough balls before baking or freeze the baked cookies. When ready to enjoy, simply bake the frozen dough balls for an extra 2-3 minutes.

Seasonal Delight: A Perfect Fall Treat

Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip Cookies are an irresistible treat for fall. Their chewy texture, combined with the warm flavors of cinnamon and pumpkin, make them a perfect choice for cozy gatherings and seasonal celebrations. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just craving a fall snack, these cookies are sure to delight.

Conclusion

Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect autumn treat, blending the rich flavors of pumpkin with the sweetness of white chocolate chips. These cookies offer the ideal balance of crispy edges and chewy centers, making them a delicious snack or dessert for any fall gathering. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply craving a seasonal snack, these cookies are sure to be a hit. With easy-to-follow steps, they make for a simple yet delightful baking project. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or store them for later – these cookies are a timeless addition to your fall recipe collection.

FAQs

More Relevant Recipes

• Decadent Chocolate Banana Bread: If you love baking with sweet ingredients like pumpkin, this rich chocolate banana bread will satisfy your craving. It has the perfect balance of sweetness and moisture, just like the pumpkin white chocolate chip cookies, making it another cozy dessert for fall or any season.
• Soft and Chewy Lemon Raspberry Cookies: These cookies offer a fruity twist, with the bright, tangy lemon and fresh raspberry flavors combining to create a light, soft texture. Like the pumpkin white chocolate chip cookies, they have a chewy center, making them a delightful choice for any cookie lover.
• Snickerdoodle Cobbler: For those who enjoy classic flavors with a twist, this snickerdoodle cobbler is a comforting dessert. With the sweet cinnamon flavor and the soft, cookie-like top, it shares the warm spices and sweetness that make pumpkin desserts so enjoyable.

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