Pumpkin Chews
Chewy, flavorful pumpkin cookies packed with oats, nuts, raisins, and chocolate chips, perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a comforting treat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups sifted flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 3/4 cup rolled oats ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 cup canned pumpkin ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) package chocolate chips ⓘ
- 1 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped nuts ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sift together flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Combine sugars, shortening, cinnamon, and nutmeg; blend well.
- Beat in egg; gradually mix in dry ingredients, alternating with pumpkin.
- Stir in chocolate chips, raisins, and chopped nuts.
- Drop by tablespoonfuls onto lightly greased baking sheets.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 14 to 16 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown butter instead of shortening. If you want a healthier twist, substitute half the sugar with applesauce. Ensure your oats are rolled for the best texture. If you're not a fan of raisins, dried cranberries or chopped dates make a great substitute. For an extra kick, add a pinch of ginger or allspice to the mix, reminiscent of classic American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These Pumpkin Chews are delicious served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They pair beautifully with a cup of spiced chai or coffee, making them perfect for a cozy afternoon treat. For a festive twist, consider serving them alongside slices of Mom's Pumpkin Chiffon Pie for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Pumpkin Chews in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pumpkin Chews contains roughly 205 calories, with 3g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of iron (13% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth, then measure out one cup for the recipe. Fresh pumpkin may have a slightly different moisture content, so adjust the baking time accordingly.
How can I make these chews more chewy?
To achieve a chewier texture, consider adding an extra egg or substituting half the flour with more oats. This will enhance the chewiness while still keeping the flavor profile intact. You can also slightly underbake them for a softer center.
What can I substitute for the nuts?
If you're allergic or prefer not to use nuts, you can easily replace them with additional chocolate chips or seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. This will still provide a satisfying crunch without compromising the overall taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).