This recipe puts a twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie by incorporating homemade pumpkin pie spice, resulting in a delectable fall treat that everyone will love. While there are countless variations of chocolate chip cookies out there, from crispy to chewy, some even featuring unusual ingredients like bacon or whiskey, these cookies stay true to the beloved pumpkin spice trend that seems to be everywhere these days. Just like my Pumpkin Snickerdoodles, these cookies strike the perfect balance between pumpkin spice and chocolate chips.
The Origins of Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies have been a beloved treat since their creation in 1938. Ruth Graves Wakefield is credited with inventing this iconic cookie when she decided to experiment with a new recipe as an alternative to her usual butterscotch nut cookie with ice cream. The result was the Toll House Cookie, named after the Toll House Inn that Ruth and her husband purchased in 1930. The popularity of her cookies skyrocketed when soldiers from Massachusetts, who had tasted these delicious treats during World War II, shared them with their comrades from all over the United States. Thus, the chocolate chip cookie craze began and has continued ever since.
Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
The key ingredient that sets the Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Cookies apart is the pumpkin pie spice. With “Pumpkin Spice” right in the name, it’s important that the flavor shines through. For this recipe, I highly recommend using homemade pumpkin pie spice, and I encourage you to give it a try. If you opt for store-bought pumpkin spice, be aware that you might need to use a slightly larger quantity to achieve the same level of flavor. Commercial pumpkin spice blends tend to have a milder taste compared to homemade ones.
Chances are, you already have all the necessary spices in your pantry to make your own pumpkin pie spice. It’s a simple blend of 4 tablespoons of cinnamon, 4 teaspoons of ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1 teaspoon of ground cloves. By making your own spice mix, you’ll be well-prepared for all the other pumpkin spice recipes that are bound to pop up during this time of year.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup (114g) butter
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1¾ cups (219g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup (168g) semisweet chocolate chips
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Cookies
These Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Cookies are simply irresistible. They boast a crisp exterior and a soft, chewy interior—the perfect texture for cookie lovers. These cookies are substantial, measuring approximately 4 inches across. Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop yields the best overall results, but if you don’t have one, you can roll 3 tablespoons of dough into a ball using a regular tablespoon. Resist the temptation to flatten the dough before baking—the cookies will turn out perfectly delicious and maintain their ideal texture. If you accidentally flatten the dough, the baking time will need to be adjusted, so keep a close eye on them.
How long should Chocolate Chip Cookies bake?
These cookies require 11-13 minutes in a 350°F oven. Remove them from the oven when the edges are a light golden brown.
Can I make larger or smaller Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Absolutely! If you want to make giant chocolate chip cookies, use ½ cup of batter per cookie and bake them for 16-20 minutes. For smaller cookies, you can size them down to 1-2 tablespoons of dough and adjust the baking time accordingly. Keep a close eye on them in the oven to prevent over- or under-baking, especially when making mini-sized cookies.
Can I customize my Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Absolutely! One of the joys of baking is the ability to personalize recipes to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as peanut butter chips for a nutty twist or using all milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate chips. You can even add some flaked sea salt on top for a hint of saltiness. If you’re feeling indulgent, drizzle some melted chocolate over the cookies to take them to the next level of deliciousness.
Can Chocolate Chip Cookies be gluten-free?
While I haven’t tested this specific recipe with gluten-free flour, it should be possible to make these cookies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that the texture might differ slightly, but it’s worth experimenting if you follow a gluten-free diet.
Can I Freeze Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze both the baked cookies and the cookie dough. To freeze the dough, portion it into balls and place them on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Freeze the dough balls for about an hour before transferring them to an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply adjust the baking time to accommodate the frozen dough.
If you have already baked the cookies, ensure they have cooled completely before freezing. Individually wrap each cookie in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and store them in an airtight container. These frozen cookies will remain fresh and delicious for 1-3 months. In fact, some people enjoy the slightly frozen texture of a chocolate chip cookie straight from the freezer!
So go ahead and whip up a batch of these scrumptious Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Cookies. With their warm spices and decadent chocolate chips, they’re sure to become a fall favorite. Whether you savor them fresh out of the oven or enjoy them from the freezer, these cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of the season.
