Brown Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Posted on September 21, 2025

Brown Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for the perfect fall treat that combines the warm, cozy flavors of pumpkin and the rich, nutty taste of brown butter, look no further than these Brown Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. This delightful recipe not only captures the essence of autumn but also brings a touch of indulgence with the addition of chocolate chips. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that melts in your mouth, filled with the comforting spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, and the rich flavor of chocolate. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or keeping them all to yourself, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

What makes this recipe special is the technique of browning the butter. This simple step transforms regular butter into a golden brown, nutty concoction that adds depth to the flavor of the cookies. The combination of pumpkin puree not only keeps the cookies moist but also infuses them with a subtle sweetness and a vibrant orange hue, making them visually appealing and irresistible. Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to adore these Brown Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. For one, they are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. The step-by-step instructions guide you through the process, ensuring that even novice bakers can achieve bakery-quality cookies right at home.

  • Flavor Explosion: The combination of brown butter, pumpkin, and chocolate creates a flavor profile that is simply out of this world. The nuttiness of the brown butter perfectly complements the warm spices, while the chocolate adds a rich sweetness that ties everything together.
  • Perfect Texture: These cookies strike the right balance between chewy and soft, with slightly crispy edges that give way to a tender center. They hold their shape well, making them perfect for stacking or gifting.
  • Versatile Treat: Whether you enjoy them with a cup of coffee in the morning, as an afternoon snack, or as a dessert after dinner, these cookies fit seamlessly into any time of day.
  • Great for Sharing: Baking a batch of these cookies makes for a lovely gift. Their appealing aroma and festive look make them a thoughtful treat for friends, family, or coworkers.
  • Seasonal Delight: Pumpkin is a quintessential fall ingredient, and these cookies capture that seasonal spirit perfectly. They are ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings, Halloween parties, or any fall celebration.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Trying out the Brown Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe is not just about baking; it’s about creating memories. The process of baking these cookies fills your home with a wonderful aroma that evokes the warmth and comfort of autumn. Plus, the satisfaction of pulling a tray of freshly baked cookies from your oven is unparalleled.

These cookies are also flexible. If you’re looking to make them a little healthier, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or add oats for extra texture. Want to customize them further? Try adding nuts such as pecans or walnuts for added crunch, or even swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a unique twist.

Moreover, baking is therapeutic! Taking the time to prepare these cookies can be a relaxing experience, allowing you to unwind while creating something delicious. Share them with loved ones or enjoy them on your own either way, you’ll be glad you made them!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 cup chocolate chips

Recommended Tools

  • Medium saucepan for browning butter
  • Large mixing bowl for combining ingredients
  • Whisk for mixing dry ingredients
  • Cookie scoop or tablespoon for portioning dough
  • Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
  • Plastic wrap for chilling the dough
  • Wire rack for cooling cookies

Detailed Recipe Steps

Follow these detailed steps to create your Brown Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies:

  1. Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Keep stirring frequently until it turns a golden brown color and releases a nutty aroma. This step is crucial as it adds depth to the flavor of your cookies. Once browned, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  2. Mix Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat together until well combined. The mixture should be creamy and slightly fluffy.
  3. Add Pumpkin & Egg: Stir in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture should be homogenous and well-blended.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Make sure there are no lumps, and the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
  5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
  6. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  7. Chill the Dough: Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to an hour. Chilling helps to develop flavor and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
  8. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  9. Scoop Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
  10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, so don’t overbake them.
  11. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  12. Enjoy: Serve the cookies warm or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment. They make a delightful treat any time of day!

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for the cookies?

Yes, using canned pumpkin puree is perfect for this recipe and saves you time. Just ensure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

How do I store Brown Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a blend that works well for baking.

What can I use instead of chocolate chips?

You can use white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even chopped nuts for a different flavor. The choice is yours!

Can I add nuts to the cookies?

Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans would add a lovely crunch to your cookies. Just fold them in along with the chocolate chips.

In conclusion, the Brown Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just any ordinary cookie; they are a celebration of flavors and a perfect treat for the fall season. With their delightful combination of brown butter, pumpkin, and chocolate, they are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. So why not try this recipe today? Your taste buds will thank you!

Don’t forget to share your baking experience in the comments below, and if you loved this recipe, feel free to share it with your friends and family. Happy baking!

Check out this delicious Honey Garlic Chicken with Pumpkin for another seasonal treat!

For more wonderful recipes, you can browse through our sitemap for inspiration!

Brown Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Brown Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These delicious cookies combine the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter with the warmth of pumpkin and the sweetness of chocolate chips, making them perfect for fall.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Whisk
  • Cookie scoop or tablespoon

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup Unsalted butter
  • 1 cup Brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
  • 1 cup Pumpkin puree
  • 1 Large egg
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground ginger
  • 1 cup Chocolate chips

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter turns a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  • Mix Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat together until well combined.
  • Add Pumpkin & Egg: Stir in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  • Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  • Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  • Chill the Dough: Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
  • Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Scoop Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
  • Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  • Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Enjoy: Serve the cookies warm or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment!

Notes

For a variation, try adding nuts or using different types of chocolate chips.
Keyword chocolate chip, cookies, pumpkin

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