Indulge in the irresistible flavors of fall with these soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. This recipe combines the comforting warmth of pumpkin with the rich sweetness of chocolate, creating a delightful treat that’s sure to become a fall favorite.
Gather Your Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup vegan chocolate chips
Let’s Get Baking!
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Cream Together Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Flavor and Moisture: Beat in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree until well combined.
- Gradually Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the vegan chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Scoop and Bake: Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Vegan pumpkin chocolate chip cookie dough being scooped onto a baking sheet
Tips for Baking Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Use Fresh Spices: For the most flavorful cookies, use fresh ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix the ingredients until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): Chilling the cookie dough for 30 minutes to an hour before baking can help prevent spreading and enhance the flavors.
- Adjust Baking Time: Baking time may vary depending on your oven. Keep a close eye on the cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
“When working with pumpkin puree, it’s important to properly drain any excess moisture to ensure a perfect cookie texture,” advises renowned vegan pastry chef, Emily Carter. “This will prevent the cookies from becoming soggy.”
Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice: Variations and Substitutions
- Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a delightful crunch.
- Double Chocolate Chunk: Substitute half of the chocolate chips with chopped vegan dark chocolate chunks for an extra decadent treat.
- Spiced Sugar Coating: Before baking, roll the cookie dough balls in a mixture of granulated sugar and pumpkin spice for an added touch of sweetness and spice.
Freshly baked vegan pumpkin chocolate chip cookies cooling on a wire rack
FAQs: Your Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Questions Answered
Q: Can I use canned pumpkin puree?
A: Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in this recipe. Make sure to use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Absolutely! The cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, and then transfer the frozen cookie dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can easily make these cookies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Q: How long do these cookies last?
A: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I adjust the amount of sugar in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar to your preference. If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the amount of sugar by 1/4 cup.
Embrace the Flavors of Fall
These vegan pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are the perfect way to welcome the flavors of fall into your kitchen. With their soft and chewy texture, warm pumpkin spice, and rich chocolate chips, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible fall treats!
