These Pumpkin Nutella Cookies are a tasty treat that brings autumn vibes right to your kitchen! Soft, chewy, and packed with pumpkin flavor, they are perfect for any cookie lover.
The Nutella swirls add a delightful surprise in every bite. I can’t help but sneak extra cookies—who could resist? Enjoy them with a hot drink for an extra cozy moment!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Canned Pumpkin Puree: Make sure you use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and spices. If you can’t find canned pumpkin, you can make your own by roasting a pumpkin and pureeing it.
Unsalted Butter: This helps control the saltiness of the cookies. If you want to use margarine or a dairy-free butter, those will work too—just check for a similar texture.
Granulated Sugar: For sweetness, but you could use brown sugar for a deeper flavor. It’s also fun to mix the two for a unique taste!
Mini Chocolate Chips: These are perfect for melting in the cookies. If you’re looking for something healthier, try dark chocolate chips or even chopped nuts for some crunch.
Nutella: An essential for the swirl! For a nut-free option, consider using sunflower seed butter or chocolate-hazelnut spread that specifically states it’s nut-free.
How Do I Make Sure These Cookies Bake Perfectly?
Getting the perfect texture for pumpkin cookies can be tricky. Here’s how to ensure they come out soft and chewy:
- Don’t skip the creaming stage; mixing the butter and sugar well incorporates air, making the cookies light.
- Be careful not to overmix when combining wet and dry ingredients—this helps keep the texture soft.
- Using a cookie scoop ensures uniform cookies that bake evenly.
- Check your cookies a couple of minutes before the recommended baking time. They should look set but still soft in the center—they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Lastly, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes; this helps them hold together better.
Delicious Pumpkin Nutella Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup Nutella (plus extra for topping)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and an additional 12-15 minutes for baking. You’ll want to take a moment to let the cookies cool before diving in, so plan for a total of about 40 minutes to enjoy these delightful treats from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. This will make clean-up super easy!
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy spoon until the mixture is light and fluffy—it should look pale and airy. This step is important for the cookies’ texture!
3. Mix in Pumpkin and Egg:
Add the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want a smooth, pumpkin-y mix that smells divine!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps by mixing it well. This helps distribute everything evenly!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips using a spatula. You want them distributed throughout the dough for sweet chocolatey bursts in every bite!
7. Add Nutella Swirls:
Next, fold in the 1/2 cup of Nutella—be sure to create swirls without mixing completely. This helps keep that delicious Nutella flavor evident in each cookie.
8. Drop the Dough onto Baking Sheets:
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie since they will spread a little while baking.
9. Bake Your Cookies:
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. The cookies should look set, and the edges will be lightly golden. Keep an eye on them—oven times can vary!
10. Top with Extra Nutella:
As soon as they’re out of the oven, add a small dollop of Nutella on top of each cookie, spreading it slightly if you like. This gives your cookies an extra yummy finish!
11. Cool Down:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes so they can firm up a bit. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This is where the smell of pumpkin and Nutella fills your kitchen!
12. Enjoy!
Once they’re cooled, they’re ready to serve! These soft, chewy pumpkin cookies with the rich Nutella swirls are perfect for enjoying with friends, family, or just cozying up with a delicious treat!
These cookies are a delightful blend of autumn spices and chocolate-hazelnut richness that make them irresistibly good. Happy baking!
Can I Use Pumpkin Pie Filling Instead of Pure Pumpkin Puree?
No, it’s best to use pure pumpkin puree for this recipe. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices which could alter the taste and texture of the cookies.
Can I Substitute the Butter with Coconut Oil?
Yes! You can use an equal amount of melted coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option. Just let it cool slightly before incorporating it into the mixture to prevent scrambling the egg.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them for longer, consider freezing them. Just place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and they’ll last for about 2-3 months!
Can I Add Nuts or Dried Fruits to the Dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in some chopped nuts or dried fruits like cranberries for added texture and flavor. Just keep in mind that this might change the overall consistency of the cookies slightly.