Decadent Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies

When it comes to fall baking, few things are as delightful as the perfect blend of chocolate and pumpkin in these delectable Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies. Imagine sinking your teeth into a cookie that boasts a fudgy texture from pumpkin puree and dark cocoa powder, studded with three kinds of chocolate chips for an explosion of flavors in every bite. These cookies are not your average pumpkin spice treat; they’re a unique and irresistible twist that will have everyone asking for more.

The beauty of these Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies lies in their simplicity and speed of preparation. In just about twenty minutes, you can go from craving a sweet treat to pulling a batch of these heavenly cookies out of the oven. Perfect for fall gatherings, Halloween parties, or simply as a cozy snack at home, these cookies are bound to become a seasonal favorite. Delight your taste buds with the richness of white chocolate, the creaminess of milk chocolate, and the intensity of dark chocolate, all harmonizing with the earthy notes of pumpkin in every mouthwatering bite.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary adventures, these Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies are sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters. The combination of pumpkin and chocolate creates a symphony of flavors that will leave your family and friends craving more. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible cookies that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Quick Benefits

• Fudgy texture from pumpkin puree and dark cocoa powder
• Three different kinds of chocolate chips provide a variety of flavors in every bite
• Quick and easy to make, ready in just 20 minutes
• Versatile for various occasions like Halloween parties, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or fall potlucks

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

• Incredible Flavor Fusion: The combination of fudgy texture from pumpkin puree and dark cocoa powder, along with three different types of chocolate chips, creates a decadent treat with a perfect balance of sweetness and richness.
• Quick and Easy: These cookies come together in just twenty minutes, making them a convenient option for satisfying your sweet cravings or preparing a last-minute dessert for gatherings.
• Unique Twist on Fall Favorites: Move over traditional pumpkin spice cookies—these chocolate pumpkin cookies offer a refreshing and unexpected take on classic fall flavors that will stand out at any seasonal event.
• Impressively Popular: These cookies have earned a reputation as a crowd-pleaser, with people specifically requesting them at parties and eagerly awaiting their arrival during the fall season.
• Picky Eater Approved: Even those who are skeptical about homemade cookies will be won over by the irresistible taste of these cookies, as evidenced by the transformation of an initially doubtful family member into a devoted fan.
• Consistency Tips: The recipe provides helpful insights, such as the importance of using canned pumpkin for optimal results and the significant impact of dark cocoa powder on enhancing the chocolate flavor and appearance of the cookies.
• Versatile Presentation: Whether served at Halloween parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, or given as festive gifts, these cookies can be beautifully displayed and paired with hot apple cider or cold milk for a delightful treat suitable for all ages.

Ingredients for Decadent Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies

For the Cookie Dough

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon table salt
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup dark cocoa powder

For the Mix-ins

• 2/3 cup milk chocolate chips
• 2/3 cup white chocolate chips
• 2/3 cup dark chocolate chips

How to Make Decadent Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies

Step 1: Get the Oven Ready

Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix brown sugar and oil until grainy. Add pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a bowl. Gradually add to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate Chips

Combine all three types of chocolate chips in a small bowl. Reserve 3 to 4 tablespoons for later and fold the remaining chips into the cookie dough.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Spoon cookie dough onto baking sheet, leaving space between each. Bake for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Let Them Set

Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to rest on the hot baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a piece of parchment or wax paper on the counter.

Step 7: Add the Final Touch

Press some of the remaining chocolate chips on top of the warm cookies for decoration. Allow the cookies to cool fully before transferring to an airtight container.

Storage Tips

Once the Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. To prevent the cookies from sticking together or losing their texture, you can place a sheet of parchment paper between layers. These cookies will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days when stored properly. If you want to keep them longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week, but be aware that the texture may become slightly firmer.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze the Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature or warm them up in the oven for a few minutes for a fresh-baked taste. With these storage tips, you can enjoy the delicious combination of pumpkin and chocolate in these cookies whenever you like.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make substitutions for the chocolate chips in this recipe, you can easily swap them out for your preferred types of chocolate or even other mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit. For example, if you don’t have white chocolate chips on hand, you could use additional milk or dark chocolate chips instead. Alternatively, if you want to experiment with different flavors, consider using chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch and texture.

Regarding the cocoa powder, if you don’t have dark cocoa powder available, you can still use regular unsweetened cocoa powder as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile and intensity may be slightly different. If you prefer a richer chocolate flavor, you can try adding a bit of instant espresso powder to enhance the depth of the chocolate taste. Experimenting with different types of cocoa powder can be a fun way to customize this recipe to your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and festive presentation, arrange these Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies on a wooden board, interspersed with mini pumpkins, cinnamon sticks, and a dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. Serve them alongside a warm spiced chai latte for a cozy autumn afternoon treat. The combination of the rich chocolate flavors and pumpkin essence will delight your guests and make for a memorable dessert spread.

To give these Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies a decadent twist, sandwich a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream between two cookies to create indulgent ice cream cookie sandwiches. Roll the edges in chopped nuts or festive sprinkles for added texture and visual appeal. Serve these delightful treats as a special dessert at your next fall gathering or wrap them individually in parchment paper for a portable sweet treat that’s perfect for on-the-go enjoyment.

FAQs for Decadent Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

It’s recommended to use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe to ensure the right consistency in the cookie dough. Homemade puree may vary in moisture content and can result in a different texture.

What is the difference between dark cocoa powder and regular cocoa powder in this recipe?

Dark cocoa powder provides a more intense chocolate flavor and a richer color compared to regular cocoa powder. Using dark cocoa powder enhances the overall taste and appearance of the cookies.

How should I store these Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Can I substitute the different types of chocolate chips with other varieties?

Feel free to customize the chocolate chips based on your preferences. You can use all one type of chocolate chip or mix in other varieties like semi-sweet, butterscotch, or peanut butter chips for a unique twist on the recipe.

Conclusion

There you have it, a delightful twist on traditional cookies with these Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more. The combination of fudgy pumpkin puree and rich cocoa, studded with three types of chocolate chips, creates a decadent treat that is perfect for any fall gathering.

So don’t be afraid to step outside the box and try something new with these Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies. They may just become your new go-to recipe for the season, like they have for so many others. Embrace the unique flavors and share the joy of baking with friends and family. Happy baking, and enjoy these delicious Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies!

Decadent Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies

Triple chocolate pumpkin cookies: Fudgy pumpkin and dark cocoa combine with white, milk, and dark chocolate chips for a decadent twist on a fall classic.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time10 Minutes

Total Time20 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings24 Servings (24 cookies)

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon table salt
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup dark cocoa powder

For the Mix-ins

• 2/3 cup milk chocolate chips
• 2/3 cup white chocolate chips
• 2/3 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Get the Oven Ready: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix brown sugar and oil until grainy. Add pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a bowl. Gradually add to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Add the Chocolate Chips: Combine all three types of chocolate chips in a small bowl. Reserve 3 to 4 tablespoons for later and fold the remaining chips into the cookie dough.
5. Bake the Cookies: Spoon cookie dough onto baking sheet, leaving space between each. Bake for 10 minutes.
6. Let Them Set: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to rest on the hot baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a piece of parchment or wax paper on the counter.
7. Add the Final Touch: Press some of the remaining chocolate chips on top of the warm cookies for decoration. Allow the cookies to cool fully before transferring to an airtight container.