These Soft Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip Cookies are packed with warm pumpkin spice, creamy white chocolate chips, and a deliciously soft, chewy center. With lightly crisp edges and a tender pumpkin-flavored interior, they’re the perfect homemade fall treat!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 11–13 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 24 cookies
Difficulty: Easy
🛒 INGREDIENTS
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips, plus extra for topping
👩🍳 HOW TO MAKE
Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin
Place the pumpkin purée between several layers of paper towels and gently press to remove excess moisture. This helps the cookies develop a chewy texture rather than becoming cakey.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for 2–3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Mix in the pumpkin purée, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until combined.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 5: Make the Cookie Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture. Mix just until a soft dough forms.
Step 6: Add White Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
Step 7: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling helps prevent excessive spreading.
Step 8: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 9: Shape the Cookies
Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie. Roll into balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Press a few extra white chocolate chips onto each cookie.
Step 10: Bake
Bake for 11–13 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.
Step 11: Cool
Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Step 12: Serve
Enjoy warm for soft centers and creamy melted white chocolate, or allow them to cool completely for a chewier texture.
⭐ COOKING TIPS
- Remove excess pumpkin moisture: This is essential for chewy cookies.
- Use pumpkin purée: Avoid sweetened pumpkin pie filling.
- Don’t overmix: Mix the flour just until incorporated.
- Chill before baking: This helps produce thick cookies.
- Avoid overbaking: The cookies continue setting as they cool.
- Add extra chocolate chips: Press a few into the dough before baking for a beautiful finish.
❄️ STORAGE
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keep for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
Cookie Dough: Freeze portioned dough balls for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes as needed.
📊 NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Estimated per cookie, based on 24 servings:
- Calories: 175 kcal
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Sugar: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
Actual values vary by ingredient brand and cookie size.
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough the day before and refrigerate it overnight. Let it soften slightly if necessary before scooping.
Why are my pumpkin cookies cakey?
Pumpkin contains a lot of moisture. Blotting the purée and using only an egg yolk help produce a denser, chewier cookie.
Can I substitute chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or cinnamon chips are delicious alternatives.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes. Freeze individual dough balls and bake them whenever you’re craving freshly baked cookies.
❤️ FINAL THOUGHTS
These Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip Cookies combine cozy autumn spices, sweet pumpkin flavor, and creamy white chocolate in every delicious bite.
They’re perfect for Thanksgiving, fall gatherings, holiday cookie trays, or a cozy afternoon with coffee.
🎃 Save this recipe for later and share it with someone who loves homemade cookies!