Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown the Butter: Place the butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Watch closely as it melts and bubbles.
- Continue Cooking: Continue cooking until the foam subsides and the butter turns a golden-brown color. Swirl the pan occasionally to ensure even browning.
- Remove from Heat: When you notice a nutty aroma and the butter is golden-brown, remove from heat immediately and pour into a heatproof bowl to stop the cooking process. Let it cool slightly, about 10-15 minutes.
- Cream the Sugars: In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cooled brown butter.
- Beat Until Fluffy: Beat the mixture on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Incorporate Vanilla and Pumpkin: Stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Chocolate: Gently fold in the dark chocolate chunks or chocolate chips.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight).
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop and Bake: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Glaze: If desired, whisk together powdered sugar and a small amount of milk until a smooth glaze forms. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Notes
For best results, use high-quality dark chocolate. Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent excessive spreading during baking. Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. You can also freeze the dough for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Be sure to watch the butter carefully when browning to prevent burning. For a nuttier flavor, toast the chopped nuts before adding them. To add a spiced flavor, add ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger or allspice to the dry ingredients.