Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Recipe by Patt Parr, Adapted by Susan Reid

Pumpkin and chocolate chips make a great pair for Halloween. Add some strategically placed chips when the cookies come out of the oven for eyes, then drizzle the glaze for stripes, and you have the perfect party snack without a lot of fuss. For more grownup tastes, add the optional orange zest for a citrusy kick to these pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

Prep
45 mins
Bake
17 to 19 mins
Total
1 hr 5 mins
Yield
5 dozen
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies - select to zoom
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies - select to zoom
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies - select to zoom
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies - select to zoom

Instructions

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  1. To make the pumpkin chocolate chip cookies: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease two baking sheets, or line them with parchment paper.

  2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, soda, salt, and spices in a medium bowl.

  3. In a separate bowl, beat together the butter and sugars. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, and beat briefly, just until smooth.

  4. Add the pumpkin, eggs, vanilla, and orange zest, beating to blend.

  5. Slowly add the dry ingredients, beating to blend. Stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts.

  6. Using a tablespoon cookie scoop or soup spoon, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets in 1 1/4" balls. Bake them on the middle oven rack for about 18 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned. Remove the cookies from the oven, and let them cool on the baking sheets 5 minutes before transferring them to racks.

  7. If desired, press two chocolate chips into each warm cookie to make eyes for the pumpkin.

  8. To make the glaze: Stir together the sugar, milk and vanilla until the glaze is smooth. Dip the tops of the pumpkin chocolate chip cookies in the glaze; or drizzle the glaze over the cookies.

  9. Place the pumpkin chocolate chip cookies back on the rack for the glaze to set. Wrap loosely, and store for several days at room temperature; freeze for longer storage.

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