Indulge in the Ultimate Fall Treat: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
When it comes to autumn, nothing screams comfort and coziness more than the aroma of freshly baked pumpkin chocolate chip cookies wafting through your house. These cookies are the perfect combination of spicy, nutty, and creamy, making them the ultimate fall treat. While they are a sinfully delicious treat, did you know that pumpkin chocolate chip cookies have some health benefits as well? In this article, we will explore the health benefits that come with indulging in these cookies and provide a recipe for how you can make them at home.
Health Benefits of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
1. High in Fiber
Pumpkins are a great source of fiber, which is important for maintaining healthy digestion. A 100g serving of pumpkin contains 1.1g of fiber, which is 4% of the recommended daily intake for adults. The addition of oats to this pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe bumps up the fiber content even more.
2. Rich in Vitamin A
Pumpkins are one of the best sources of beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy eyesight, strong bones, and a healthy immune system. A 100g serving of pumpkin provides 170% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A.
3. Low in Calories
While these cookies may taste indulgent, they are actually relatively low in calories. One cookie contains around 100 calories, depending on the size. Plus, the addition of pumpkin to the recipe allows for less butter and sugar to be used, which means fewer calories overall.
4. Contains Antioxidants
Pumpkins are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals can cause cellular damage and increase the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
5. Boosts Energy
The combination of pumpkin and dark chocolate in these cookies makes them a great source of energy. Pumpkin is rich in complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy, while dark chocolate contains caffeine which can boost alertness and improve cognitive function.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Now that you know the health benefits of pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, let’s get to the recipe. This recipe makes around 24 cookies.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground ginger
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup pumpkin puree
– 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
4. Add the pumpkin puree to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined.
5. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Stir in the dark chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
7. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
FAQs
Q: Can I substitute the flour for a gluten-free option?
A: Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute.
Q: Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate chips?
A: Yes, you can use whichever chocolate chips you prefer.
Q: Can I use canned pumpkin puree instead of fresh pumpkin?
A: Yes, you can use canned pumpkin puree. Just make sure it’s unsweetened and unflavored.
Q: How long do these cookies last?
A: These cookies will last for up to a week in an airtight container or can be frozen for up to three months.
Conclusion
Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are the perfect indulgent treat to enjoy during the fall season. Not only do they taste delicious, but they also come with some surprising health benefits. The addition of fiber and vitamin A from the pumpkin, low calorie content, antioxidants, and energy-boosting properties from dark chocolate make these cookies a guilt-free indulgence. Whip up a batch of these cookies for your next fall gathering, or enjoy them on a cozy night in with a warm cup of tea.
