Why You’ll Love Chocolate‑Centered Spiced Pumpkin Cookies Recipe
These cookies combine the comforting flavors of pumpkin and spice with gooey chocolate for a delicious twist on classic pumpkin cookies. The center of rich chocolate melts into the spiced pumpkin batter as they bake, creating an indulgent balance of warm autumn spices and sweet chocolate. Each cookie is tender, flavorful, and perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1/2 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and cut into pieces
1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup pumpkin puree
1 large egg
1 tsp sour cream
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 cups all‑purpose flour
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 tsp salt
Optional: pieces of dark or milk chocolate for a gooey center
1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for rolling)
1 tbsp granulated sugar (for rolling)
Directions
-
Cream the butter and sugar — In a large bowl, cream together the chilled butter pieces and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
-
Mix wet ingredients — Add the pumpkin puree, egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract to the bowl and mix until just combined.
-
Add dry ingredients — Gradually stir in the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt until a soft dough forms.
-
Chill the dough — Cover the bowl and chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to help the cookies keep their shape when baking.
-
Preheat oven — Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Form cookies with chocolate center — Take portions of dough and place a piece or two of chocolate in the center of each. Roll into balls and then roll in a cinnamon‑sugar mixture.
-
Bake — Arrange cookies on a baking sheet and bake for about 10–12 minutes, until edges are set.
-
Cool and serve — Let the cookies cool slightly before transferring to a rack to finish cooling.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 18–24 cookies (depending on size). Total time is approximately 45 minutes, including chilling and baking.
Variations
-
White chocolate surprise: Use white chocolate pieces in the center for a sweeter variation.
-
Nutty crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough.
-
Spice boost: Increase the pumpkin pie spice or add a pinch of cloves for deeper autumn flavor.
Storage/Reheating
-
Room temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days.
-
Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a freezer‑safe container for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
-
Reheating: Warm slightly in a low oven (about 300°F / 150°C) for 5–8 minutes to refresh the texture.
FAQs
What kind of chocolate works best for the center?
A few small pieces of dark or milk chocolate work well; use chunks or squares rather than chips for a gooey center.
Can I make these cookies without chocolate in the center?
Yes—skip the chocolate pieces and bake the cookies as spiced pumpkin cookies.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling helps the cookies keep their shape and prevents spreading, though you can bake without chilling if short on time.
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
Pure pumpkin puree is recommended because pie filling has added spices and sugar that could alter the texture and flavor.
How do I make the cookies more moist?
Adding the sour cream and not overbaking ensures tender, moist cookies.
Can I make these gluten‑free?
Substitute a gluten‑free all‑purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, keeping the same amount.
What spice mix should I use?
Pumpkin pie spice works great, or you can mix cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for a custom blend.
Can I add nuts or other mix‑ins?
Yes—chopped nuts, seeds, or even dried fruit can be folded into the dough.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Place in an airtight container at room temperature for several days; separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes—freeze dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag; bake from frozen with a couple extra minutes added.
Conclusion
These Chocolate‑Centered Spiced Pumpkin Cookies are the perfect fall treat, blending warm spices with rich chocolate for a cozy and indulgent dessert. Whether you’re baking for a seasonal party or craving something comforting, these cookies deliver seasonal flavor and gooey chocolate goodness in every bite.
