Pumpkin Chews(Cookies)
Pumpkin Chews are soft, flavorful cookies combining pumpkin, spices, oats, chocolate chips, raisins, and nuts, perfect for fall gatherings or cozy cookie exchanges.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 3/4 cup oats ⓘ
- 1 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 can pumpkin ⓘ
- 1 package chocolate chips ⓘ
- 1 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped nuts ⓘ
Instructions
- Sift together flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Mix in oats and set aside.
- Combine sugars, shortening, cinnamon, and nutmeg, blending well.
- Beat in egg.
- Gradually mix in the flour-oat mixture alternately with pumpkin.
- Stir in chocolate chips, raisins, and chopped nuts.
- Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto a lightly greased baking sheet.
- Bake at 375°F for 14 to 16 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a chewier texture, try using half brown sugar and half granulated sugar. You can substitute the shortening with unsalted butter for a richer flavor. If you want to add a twist, consider incorporating toasted coconut or dried cranberries. Be sure to sift the dry ingredients to ensure a lighter cookie. For a delightful variation, try adding a pinch of ground ginger for extra warmth.
Serving Suggestions
These pumpkin chews make a fantastic snack or dessert paired with a warm cup of chai or coffee. Consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. They are perfect for autumn gatherings, making them a great addition to any holiday table, perhaps alongside dishes like Baked Squash And Apple Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pumpkin chews in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pumpkin Chews(Cookies) contains roughly 266 calories, with 4g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 13g fat.
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 make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, especially baking powder and oats, are certified gluten-free as well. This way, everyone can enjoy these delicious cookies without worry.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are golden brown around the edges and still slightly soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. It's a good idea to check them around the 14-minute mark to prevent overbaking.
Can I add other mix-ins to the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your pumpkin chews with additional mix-ins like white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even chopped dried fruits. Just be mindful of the total volume of mix-ins to ensure the dough maintains the right consistency.
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).