Vegan Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Vegan Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating fall, hosting a gathering, or just craving something sweet, these cookies deliver rich flavors and a soft texture that everyone will love. Made with wholesome ingredients, they are not only delicious but also suitable for vegans and those looking for a guilt-free dessert option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch of these cookies in no time.
• Irresistibly Soft: The combination of pumpkin puree and coconut oil gives these cookies their signature soft and chewy texture.
• Versatile Flavor: Enjoy them as is, or mix in your favorite nuts or spices for an extra twist.
• Perfect for Sharing: These cookies make great gifts for friends, family, or coworkers during the holidays.
• Dairy-Free Delight: They are completely dairy-free, making them suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

Tools and Preparation

To create the best Vegan Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference. Here’s what you need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cookie scoop
• Baking tray
• Parchment paper
• Plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl allows you to combine your ingredients efficiently without spilling.
• Cookie scoop: This ensures uniform cookie sizes so they bake evenly every time.
• Parchment paper: Lining your baking tray with parchment helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Ingredients

You only need 9 ingredients to bake up the best soft vegan pumpkin chocolate chip cookies!

• 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (I used dark brown sugar but light brown sugar also works – the cookies will just look different)
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cup chocolate chips

How to Make Vegan Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Combine Wet Ingredients

Begin by adding your melted coconut oil, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and white sugar to a mixing bowl. Whisk together until fully combined.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients

Then, add in the flour, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking soda. Make sure to add the flour first before adding the other ingredients on top. Mix until a smooth but semi-sticky dough forms. Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips using a spoon or spatula until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl of cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps develop better flavor. You can chill it up to 24 hours if needed.

Step 4: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Tray

Once ready to bake, preheat your oven to 325F. Cover a baking tray with parchment paper. Take the dough out of the fridge and use a cookie scoop to portion out 1.5 Tbsp sized cookies onto the pan (40-45 grams). Leave some space between each cookie as they will spread while baking. Flatten each cookie slightly with a spoon or your palm before baking. Top each cookie with an additional 3-5 chocolate chips from the reserved amount.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Add to the oven and bake for 12-14 minutes until edges begin to brown but centers remain soft yet no longer glossy.

Step 6: Create Wrinkly Texture

Remove the cookie tray from the oven and immediately tap it on the counter to create a more “wrinkly” cookie texture which helps them deflate slightly. This is also a good time to swirl warm cookies between a round pastry/cookie cutter to shape them perfectly round.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to finish cooling. Alternatively, enjoy right away for warm and gooey cookies!

How to Serve Vegan Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Serving Vegan Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies can enhance the experience of enjoying these delightful treats. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, consider these creative serving suggestions.

With a Glass of Almond Milk

• Pair these cookies with a refreshing glass of almond milk for a nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin and chocolate.

Warm with Dairy-Free Ice Cream

• Serve the cookies warm alongside your favorite dairy-free ice cream for a delicious dessert that melts in your mouth.

Drizzled with Maple Syrup

• For an extra sweet touch, drizzle some maple syrup over the cookies. This adds a rich flavor and enhances their moist texture.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange these cookies on a beautiful platter with other vegan treats. This makes for an inviting presentation at any gathering.

With Fresh Fruit Slices

• Enjoy the cookies with slices of fresh fruit such as apples or pears. The crispness of the fruit balances the softness of the cookies perfectly.

How to Perfect Vegan Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Perfecting Vegan Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies is easy when you follow these simple tips. Here are some helpful hints to elevate your cookie game.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least one hour helps enhance flavors and improves texture.

• Use Quality Chocolate Chips: Opt for high-quality vegan chocolate chips to ensure rich, chocolatey bites in every cookie.

• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use precise measurements for flour and sugar to maintain proper dough consistency and prevent dryness.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. Remove them from the oven when they are just set in the center for that soft, gooey texture.

• Tap the Tray: After baking, tap the tray on the counter to create that desirable wrinkly appearance and help deflate any puffiness.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pairing side dishes with Vegan Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies can create a delightful dessert spread. Here are some perfect accompaniments to consider:

1. Vegan Hot Chocolate: A rich and creamy drink that perfectly complements the flavors of pumpkin and chocolate in the cookies.

2. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness that balances out the sweetness of the cookies.

3. Spiced Chai Latte: The warmth and spices in chai make it an ideal beverage companion for these soft cookies.

4. Coconut Yogurt Parfait: Layer coconut yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that contrasts nicely with cookie indulgence.

5. Pumpkin Spice Granola: Enjoy crunchy granola as a topping on yogurt or by itself, echoing similar flavors found in your cookies.

6. Nut Butter Dipped Apples: Crisp apple slices dipped in almond or peanut butter offer a satisfying crunch alongside your soft treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Vegan Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your coconut oil is melted and your pumpkin puree is at room temperature. Cold ingredients can lead to a dough that doesn’t mix well.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Overpacking flour can make cookies dense. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
• Skipping chilling time: Chilling the dough is essential for flavor and texture. Don’t rush this step; refrigerate for at least an hour.
• Ignoring baking times: Each oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; take them out when the edges are slightly brown but the centers are still soft.
• Not modifying for size: If you choose to make larger or smaller cookies, adjust the baking time accordingly. This helps achieve the desired texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• For best results, place parchment paper between layers of cookies.

Freezing Vegan Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Vegan Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on high for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat and cover until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about Vegan Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, here are some commonly asked questions.

Can I substitute the coconut oil in Vegan Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?

You can use vegetable oil or applesauce as alternatives, but they may alter the texture slightly.

How do I ensure my Vegan Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are chewy?

Chill your dough properly and avoid overbaking them. This keeps them soft and chewy!

What can I add to enhance my Vegan Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, or spices like cinnamon for extra flavor!

How should I store leftover Vegan Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Vegan Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Final Thoughts

Vegan Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or adjusting spices to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for cozy gatherings or satisfying sweet cravings!