1 (15-ounce)can(425g)solid pack pumpkin (not pie filling)
1cup(227g)salted butter, softened to room temperature
1 ½cups(318g)granulated sugar
½cup(106g)packed light brown sugar
2largeeggs
1teaspoonvanilla
½cup(43g)cocoa powder
3 ¾cups(533g)all-purpose flour
2teaspoonsbaking powder
2teaspoonspumpkin pie spice, see note for a homemade version
½teaspoonsalt
½ to 1cup(about 85 to 170g)mini chocolate chips
Quartof good-quality vanilla ice cream, may not use it all
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin, butter, granulated and brown sugar. Beat with an electric mixer (or in the bowl of an electric stand mixer) on medium speed until well blended. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix for 1-2 minutes.
Stir in the flour mixture until combined.
Drop the cookie batter by heaping tablespoonfuls onto lined (with silpat or parchment) baking sheets. Bake 14-15 minutes. Remove the cookies from the oven and press down on them while they are still hot with a flat-bottomed glass until they are about 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely and repeat with the remaining dough.
Once the cookies have cooled completely, place the mini chocolate chips in a shallow dish or bowl. Place a heaping spoonful (about 3 tablespoons or so) of ice cream on the bottom of a cookie. Press the flat side of another cookie into the ice cream. Quickly, so the ice cream doesn't melt too much, roll the edge of the ice cream sandwich in the mini chocolate chips (this is messy and if the chocolate chips are falling off, try pressing them into the sides with your fingers). Immediately place in the freezer while you proceed with the remaining cookies and ice cream.
Freeze for at least 2-3 hours or overnight. If desired, wrap each cookie in plastic wrap for longer storage.
Notes
Pumpkin Pie Spice: if you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, use the following combination: 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ginger and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon cloves. Mix together and you have 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice.Pumpkin Puree: the original recipe called for roasting the pumpkin puree (spreading it out on a greased, foil-lined baking sheet) for 20 minutes. I wanted to simplify so I left out that step but if you are looking for a more concentrated pumpkin flavor and have the time, go ahead and roast it and then let it cool before proceeding with the recipe. Halving the Recipe: also, it probably goes without saying but this recipe is easily halved.