Pumpkin Chip Cookies

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Pumpkin Chip Cookies are a heavenly blend of fall flavors and creamy sweetness, making them a must-try for autumn and holiday baking. These delightful cookies feature pumpkin ‘n spice chips paired with vanilla chips, creating an irresistible combination of warm spices and rich creaminess. Perfectly chewy with a tender crumb, these cookies are ideal for sharing at festive gatherings, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cozy beverage on a crisp day. Let’s dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that will fill your kitchen with the warm aromas of pumpkin spice and vanilla.

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The Appeal of Pumpkin Chip Cookies

Fall is synonymous with comforting spices, pumpkin-flavored delights, and baked goods that fill your home with warmth and nostalgia. Pumpkin Chip Cookies combine the best of these seasonal flavors with the creamy decadence of vanilla chips. The balance of soft, chewy centers and slightly crisp edges ensures each bite is perfection. These cookies are versatile and easy to make, perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 1/2 teaspoons real vanilla extract (avoid imitation for the best flavor)
3 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (bleached flour can toughen baked goods)
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups Tollhouse pumpkin ‘n spice chips
2 cups Tollhouse premier white baking chips (vanilla chips)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures the cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown edge.

2. Cream the wet ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to blend softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no visible lumps of sugar or butter.

3. Combine the dry ingredients
Add sea salt, baking soda, and baking powder to the wet mixture. Gradually incorporate the unbleached all-purpose flour, stirring gently to prevent overmixing. This creates a tender cookie dough base that’s not overly dense.

4. Add the chips
Fold in the pumpkin ‘n spice chips and vanilla chips using a wooden spoon. Stir thoroughly for 4-5 minutes to ensure the chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

5. Shape the dough
Scoop out golf ball-sized portions of dough and shape them with your hands. Place the dough balls onto greased cookie sheets, ensuring there’s enough space between each for spreading.

6. Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes. Look for light browning around the edges as an indicator they’re ready. Rotate the cookie sheets every 6-8 minutes to ensure even baking.

7. Cool the cookies
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the cookie sheets before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps them set and prevents them from breaking apart.

Tips and Tricks

Ingredient Substitutions

• Butter: Swap unsalted butter for margarine or plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free version.
• Pumpkin ‘n Spice Chips: If unavailable, use butterscotch or cinnamon chips for a similar flavor profile.
• Vanilla Chips: White chocolate chips can be a delicious substitute.

Variations

• Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
• Spiced Up: Enhance the fall flavors with an additional teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these cookies warm with a glass of milk or hot apple cider for a comforting treat.
• Use them to create cookie sandwiches with cream cheese frosting in the center.
• Crumble them over vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert topping.

Flavor and Texture Profile

Imagine biting into a Pumpkin Chip Cookie: the initial crunch from the edge gives way to a soft, chewy interior bursting with autumnal spices and creamy vanilla notes. The pumpkin ‘n spice chips provide a hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, creating a cozy, nostalgic flavor. Vanilla chips balance the spice with a velvety sweetness, while the buttery dough ties everything together. The aroma? It’s like fall in your kitchen—a medley of warm spices and baked goods fresh from the oven.

Baking Tips for Success

• Soften Butter Properly: Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the perfect creaming consistency.
• Measure Accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient quantities, particularly for flour and leavening agents.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
• Check for Doneness: The edges should be light brown, and the centers will look slightly underbaked. They’ll firm up as they cool.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Storage
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing
You can freeze the dough balls for up to three months. Simply bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pumpkin Chip Cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of fall flavors in every bite. Easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and irresistibly delicious, these cookies will quickly become a seasonal favorite. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or treating yourself, they’re sure to bring warmth and joy to any occasion.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy the sweet, spiced magic of Pumpkin Chip Cookies. Happy baking!