Pumpkin Jam Chestnut Cookies

Ever bite into a cookie that feels like fall in your mouth? That’s what happened when I first tried these pumpkin jam chestnut cookies. Oh my gosh—they’re soft, cozy, and just a little bit nutty.

I made them on a rainy afternoon, and wow, the kitchen smelled like pumpkin pie and roasted chestnuts. My family kept sneaking bites before they even cooled down. They’re that good and super easy too.

The pumpkin jam gives a sweet little hug, and the chestnut adds this buttery crunch. You’ll love how they melt in your mouth. Trust me, these cookies feel like a warm sweater for your taste buds.

So, let’s bake them together. I’ll walk you through each step. You’re gonna want to make a double batch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fall-Inspired Flavor: The sweet pumpkin spice jam combines with the earthy chestnut flour for a flavor-packed treat that will make your taste buds dance.
• Perfect Texture: These cookies strike the ideal balance between soft, chewy, and slightly crisp at the edges.
• Great for Fall Baking: Packed with seasonal flavors and spices, this recipe is perfect for autumn gatherings, or simply when you’re craving something sweet and comforting.
• Easy to Make: The dough is simple to prepare, and the cookies come together in no time.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can refrigerate the dough ahead of time and bake these cookies whenever you like for a fresh batch of fall goodness.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before diving into the recipe, here are the necessary tools you’ll need to create these delightful Pumpkin Jam Chestnut Cookies:

• Medium Mixing Bowl: For combining dry ingredients like the chestnut flour and spices.
• Large Mixing Bowl: For mixing wet ingredients and forming the cookie dough.
• Whisk: To combine the dry ingredients evenly.
• Electric Mixer: Helps beat the butter, sugar, and other wet ingredients until light and fluffy, ensuring a perfect cookie texture.
• Baking Sheets: To bake the cookies.
• Parchment Paper: For lining the baking sheets, preventing sticking, and making clean-up a breeze.
• Wire Rack: For cooling the cookies evenly after baking.

Ingredients

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need for these delicious fall cookies. The blend of chestnut flour, spices, and pumpkin jam creates a perfect seasonal flavor, and the following ingredients are key:

• Chestnut Flour (1 cup): Adds a unique nutty flavor and texture to the cookies. Chestnut flour is naturally gluten-free, which helps create a soft and delicate crumb.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Helps provide structure and balance to the dough, ensuring your cookies are perfectly chewy without being too crumbly.
• Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon): The leavening agent that helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them their perfect texture.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances out the sweetness of the sugar and jam, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup): The key fat for adding richness and tenderness to the dough.
• Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): For sweetness and a slight crispness on the edges of the cookies.
• Brown Sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a deeper, molasses-like sweetness that complements the fall spices.
• Large Egg (1): The egg helps bind everything together and provides moisture to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a hint of warmth and sweetness to the flavor profile.
• Ground Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): A warm, aromatic spice that’s perfect for fall baking.
• Ground Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): A classic fall spice that complements the pumpkin jam beautifully.
• Ground Cloves (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
• Pumpkin Spice Jam (1/2 cup): The star ingredient! This sweet, spiced jam is packed with the flavors of pumpkin and seasonal spices, bringing everything together in one spoonful of heaven.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pumpkin Jam Chestnut Cookies

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients and tools, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to make these delicious cookies. The process is straightforward, so even beginner bakers can enjoy this recipe.

1. Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick while baking.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the chestnut flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. This will ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, and the spices are well incorporated.

3. Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

Once the butter and sugar mixture is creamy, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Continue to beat until everything is well combined. You’ll notice the texture becoming even smoother and more velvety.

4. Mix in the Pumpkin Spice Jam

Now, add the pumpkin spice jam to the wet mixture. This will add not only flavor but also moisture to the dough. Mix until the jam is fully incorporated into the wet ingredients, and you should see a smooth, slightly thick mixture forming.

5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in small batches. Use a spatula or the electric mixer on low speed to combine the two. Be sure to mix until just combined – you don’t want to overwork the dough.

6. Scoop and Shape the Dough

Once the dough is ready, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough. Roll each portion into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to space the cookie dough about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.

7. Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The centers may look a little soft, but they will firm up as they cool.

8. Cool the Cookies

After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them maintain their soft texture and prevent them from becoming too firm.

Variations for Pumpkin Jam Chestnut Cookies

While this recipe is delicious as written, here are a few variations you can try to make it your own:

• Add Nuts: For added crunch and texture, try folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough.
• Spices Galore: Want to amp up the spices? Add a dash of allspice or a sprinkle of ginger for extra warmth.
• Chocolate Chips: For a richer, sweeter treat, fold in dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips into the dough for a contrasting flavor.
• Dried Fruit: Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the dough to enhance the fruity sweetness.

How to Serve Pumpkin Jam Chestnut Cookies

These cookies are perfect for enjoying on their own, but they can also be paired with other fall-inspired treats and drinks:

• Serve with a Hot Beverage: These cookies go perfectly with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. The spiced flavors of the cookies complement the warmth of the drinks.
• Give as a Gift: These cookies make a wonderful homemade gift for friends and family during the fall season. Package them in a cute box or jar with a ribbon, and you’ll have a perfect present!
• Serve at a Fall Gathering: Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party, Thanksgiving, or a simple fall get-together, these cookies will be a hit with your guests.

Storing Pumpkin Jam Chestnut Cookies

If you have any leftover cookies (though I doubt you will!), here’s how to store them:

• Room Temperature: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. The cookies will stay soft and chewy.
• Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, simply leave them out at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.

Pumpkin Jam Chestnut Cookies FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of chestnut flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for chestnut flour if you don’t have any on hand, but the chestnut flour adds a unique, nutty flavor and a slightly different texture that you might miss.

Can I use a different type of jam?

Absolutely! If you can’t find pumpkin spice jam, feel free to substitute with apricot jam, apple butter, or sweet potato jam for a similar consistency and flavor.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose and chestnut flours. Be sure to check that your pumpkin jam is also gluten-free.

Can I add frosting or icing to these cookies?

While these cookies are delicious on their own, you can certainly top them with a light cream cheese frosting or a drizzle of maple glaze for added sweetness and extra fall flavor.

Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	180
Total Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	4g
Carbohydrates	26g
Fiber	1g
Sugars	16g
Protein	2g

Conclusion

There you have it – a delicious, spiced, and comforting Pumpkin Jam Chestnut Cookie recipe that will bring the flavors of fall right to your kitchen. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing these cookies with loved ones, they’re sure to be a hit. With a soft, chewy texture and the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, these cookies are an ideal treat for any occasion.

Happy baking, and don’t forget to enjoy these cookies with a warm beverage for the ultimate fall experience!