If you're on the hunt for a delightful Halloween treat that combines the flavors of pumpkin and chocolate chips, look no further. These spooky pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are perfect for your next Halloween party. In this article, we'll share a step-by-step recipe and some creative tips to make these cookies the star of your Halloween gathering.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Gather these ingredients to prepare these scrumptious cookies:
Cookies
- 2 1/4 cups (270g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 16 tablespoons (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (106g) light brown sugar or dark brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup (99g) granulated sugar
- 2 scant cups (425g) or one 15-ounce can of pumpkin purée
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract
- Zest of 1 orange (optional)
- 2 cups (340g) semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (113g) chopped walnuts
Glaze (Optional)
- 1 1/2 cups (170g) confectioners' sugar
- 2 1/2 tablespoons (35g) milk
- 1/2 teaspoon King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract
How to Make Spooky Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Follow these easy steps to create these spooky pumpkin chocolate chip cookies:
Preparing the Cookie Dough
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and either lightly grease two baking sheets or line them with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
3. In a separate bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugars until the mixture is smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated.
4. Add the pumpkin purée, eggs, vanilla extract, and, if desired, orange zest to the bowl. Beat everything together until well blended.
5. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, ensuring thorough blending. Finally, stir in the semisweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts.
Baking the Cookies
6. Using a tablespoon cookie scoop or a soup spoon, drop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets in 1 1/4" balls.
7. Bake the cookies on the middle oven rack for approximately 18 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Remove them from the oven, allowing them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to cooling racks.
Adding a Spooky Touch
8. To give your pumpkin cookies a spooky twist, press two chocolate chips into each warm cookie to create eyes for the pumpkin. This step adds a playful and thematic touch to your Halloween treat.
Making the Glaze (Optional)
9. If you'd like to add a glaze to your cookies, stir together the confectioners' sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth. You can either dip the tops of the pumpkin chocolate chip cookies into the glaze or drizzle the glaze over them.
10. Place the cookies back on the cooling rack to allow the glaze to set. Once it's done, you can either serve them immediately or store them for later enjoyment.
These spooky pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are a fantastic treat for Halloween gatherings. They combine the comforting flavors of pumpkin and the sweet indulgence of chocolate chips, making them a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Plus, with the option to add a glaze and create "pumpkin eyes," they're sure to be the hit of the party. Enjoy making and sharing these delightful cookies at your next Halloween celebration!