Oh, autumn, it’s just really my favorite time of year! You know, with all those cozy flavors and delectable bakes. As the air starts cooling down and leaves change color, it’s pretty much impossible not to indulge too much in some of my rich, spiced desserts.
And these Chocolate Cookies with Creamy Pumpkin Filling? They are simply perfect!
This recipe is like wrapping up the essence of autumn into a cookie—deep, chocolaty cookies with a luscious pumpkin-spiced cream filling.
It’s this amazing blend of the richest chocolate with the smoothest, just-sweet-enough pumpkin in every single bite.
These cookies fulfil dessert but give the flavor of fall with every mouthful.
The Inspiration Behind These Cookies
Tthis is so reminiscent of my childhood. Both the main attributes, pumpkin pie and chocolate, had to be present in every family gathering. And each time, my granny would have this traditional pumpkin pie at dessert, and within the family, I was like, a freak about chocolates. It’s like putting those two favorite flavors in one treat-unifying the dessert tradition of our family over generations.
I love how the pumpkin filling reminds me so much of my childhood pumpkin pie filling and really provides such a nice contrast to the richness of the chocolate cookie. And then just taking it a step up with dipping them in melted chocolate-just over-the-top indulgence-making these cookies perfect for any special occasion, or you know, just because.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies aren’t only for chocolate lovers; they are for anyone who loves those cozy fall flavors. Here is why this recipe is going to be a favorite in no time:
- Easy to make ahead: The dough and filling can both be prepared in advance, allowing you to bake these cookies fresh whenever the craving strikes.
- The perfect balance of flavors: Rich, dark chocolate cookies paired with a smooth, creamy pumpkin filling lightly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Each bite delivers a beautiful contrast between the slightly bitter chocolate and the sweet, spiced pumpkin.
- Incredible texture: These cookies are soft in the middle with a chewy, slightly crisp edge. The creamy pumpkin center adds a delightful surprise, while the chocolate coating brings in an extra layer of indulgence.
- Versatility: While they’re perfect for fall, these cookies can easily become a year-round favorite. The pumpkin filling can be swapped out for other seasonal fillings like caramel or a peppermint-flavored cream for the holidays.
Chocolate Cookies with Creamy Pumpkin Filling
Course: Cookies24
servings30
minutes15
minutes200
kcalIngredients
- For the Chocolate Cookies:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
- For the Pumpkin Filling:
¾ cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Chocolate Coating:
1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother melting)
Steps
- Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Filling
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the mixture into a piping bag or zip-top bag. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow it to firm up slightly while you prepare the cookie dough.
- Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 2 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined. The dough will be thick and soft.
- Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilled dough is easier to handle and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Step 3: Fill and Shape the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Take about 1 tablespoon of chilled chocolate dough and flatten it in your hand to form a disk.
- Pipe or spoon about 1 teaspoon of the pumpkin filling into the center of the disk.
- Take another small piece of dough and flatten it into another disk. Place it on top of the pumpkin filling and pinch the edges together to seal the filling inside.
- Roll the filled cookie into a ball, ensuring the pumpkin filling is completely hidden within the chocolate dough.
- Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set around the edges. They may still look soft in the center—that’s okay! They will firm up as they cool.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 4: Dip in Chocolate
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
- For a classic touch, dip just half of each cookie into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off before placing the cookie back on the parchment-lined sheet.
- For the ultimate indulgence, go ahead and fully submerge the entire cookie in melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Let the chocolate set completely before serving, either by leaving the cookies at room temperature or placing them in the refrigerator for a quicker set.
Seasonal Delights: Chocolate and Pumpkin Combination
When days shorten, the flavors get warm: pumpkin and chocolate together hold all the sense of fall. It is the perfect symphony of tastes, a treat during the baking season.
Rich notes of chocolate meld with the earthy sweetness of pumpkin-perfectly matched for autumn desserts. The smooth, velvety chocolate befits the creaminess of pumpkin, creating such a lovely sensation in the mouth.
As a seasonal baker, I love fiddling with the aforementioned fall favorites. With chocolate and pumpkin, things can go really creative. This could add some serious spark to the otherwise humdrum cookies and cakes of fall desserts.
Get ready to indulge in chocolate and pumpkin in this great cookie recipe. It’s perfect for the fall season; your friends and family will be in awe of your baking.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies
If you wanna make sure your cookies turn out awesome every single time, here are some tips:
- Chill the dough: Don’t skip the step of refrigerating the dough! Chilling allows the cookies to hold their shape better during baking and prevents them from spreading too thin.
- Seal the filling carefully: Make sure the edges of the cookie dough are tightly sealed around the pumpkin filling. This prevents the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Use quality cocoa and chocolate: For the best flavor, choose high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips. A rich, dark chocolate will provide a deeper flavor contrast to the sweet pumpkin filling.
- Pipe the pumpkin filling: If you want neat, consistent portions of filling in each cookie, use a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner cut off. This ensures each cookie gets the right amount of filling and makes assembly easier.
Serving Suggestions
These Chocolate Cookies with Creamy Pumpkin Filling could go so well with that:
- With a warm drink: Serve them alongside a hot cup of coffee, spiced chai, or even a rich hot chocolate for the ultimate fall treat. The warm flavors pair beautifully with a cozy beverage.
- As a dessert platter: For a special event, arrange these cookies on a dessert platter with other fall-themed treats like pumpkin spice cupcakes or caramel-dipped apples.
- Gift-worthy treat: Pack them in a festive tin or box as a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season. They make for a delightful surprise for friends, neighbors, or coworkers.
Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations
So, each chocolate cookie filled with that creamy pumpkin goodness has around 200-250 calories. These yummy snacks can totally hit the spot without going overboard. Honestly, one cookie is usually plenty to tame those cravings.
Gluten-free and dietary restrictions, rejoice! There are gluten-free options available. Just simply switch out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. To veganize, use flax eggs and plant-based butter.
The common allergens are wheat, eggs, and dairy in this recipe; however, it is nut-free for the nut allergic. Also, be sure to check all ingredients for food allergens; especially pumpkin puree.
These seasonal cookies could be made to suit a wide array of dietary needs. Minimal changes could be made to suit different diets. Enjoy some delicious cookies, tailored just for you.
Share the Autumn Love
These Chocolate Cookies with Creamy Pumpkin Filling are just so delightful for the fall flavors, combining that cozy pumpkin spice vibe with some luscious chocolate. Enjoy them at a family gathering, or enjoy one and chill with a cup of coffee on those afternoon-cool-afternoon afternoons; trust me, they’ll become seasonal favorites in no time.
If you give this recipe a shot, I wanna know about it! Make sure to leave a comment below or tag me over on social, so you can share all the sweet creations! Happy baking!
