Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you adore the cozy flavors of autumn and crave a cookie that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and rich chocolate, you are going to fall head over heels for these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. This recipe combines the moist, tender texture of pumpkin with the melty goodness of semi-sweet chocolate chips, all wrapped up in a beautifully spiced dough. Every bite delivers a comforting hug of warmth and sweetness, perfect for cool evenings or sharing with friends. If you’ve been looking for a unique twist on classic cookies that scream fall in the best way possible, these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are an absolute must-try.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a vital role in building a flavor-packed cookie. From the creamy pumpkin to the vibrant pumpkin pie spice, every element enhances the taste, texture, and color, ensuring your cookies are irresistibly delicious.

• 1 cup canned pumpkin: Adds moisture, softness, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor, making the cookies tender and rich.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to your cookies, balancing the wet ingredients perfectly.
• 1 egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together while adding a subtle richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and deepens the flavor complexity.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the other flavors.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and stay soft on the inside.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda to create a gentle lift and a light texture.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: The star spice mix that infuses every bite with warming notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• 1 cup cane sugar or white sugar: Sweetens the dough while contributing to its tender crumb.
• 1/3 cup melted butter: Brings richness and helps create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
• 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips: The perfect balance of creamy chocolate bitterness and sweetness, folded into every cookie for melty pockets of joy.

How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Begin by whisking together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a large bowl. This step ensures all your leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed, which is key to a uniform texture and flavor throughout your pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, cream together the sugar, canned pumpkin, melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg. Mixing these wet ingredients first helps create a smooth, cohesive base that will blend beautifully with your dry mix, infusing moisture and richness into the batter.

Step 3: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, beating just until combined. Overmixing here can make the cookies tough, so gentle folding is your friend. The dough will start to take shape with a lovely autumnal aroma coming to life as the pumpkin pie spice mingles with the other components.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Next, carefully fold those semi-sweet chocolate chips into the pumpkin cookie batter. This step is where the magic really happens—the melty chocolate bits will add delightful bursts of flavor and texture in every bite.

Step 5: Portion and Bake

Drop the batter by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For an extra decadent touch, sprinkle a few additional chocolate chips on top of each cookie before placing them in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 15 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.

Step 6: Cool Cookies

Once baked, transfer the pumpkin chocolate chip cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This lets the cookies set perfectly and develops that ideal chewy texture.

How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

Consider sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the warm cookies right after baking to enhance the chocolate and pumpkin flavors even more. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a festive touch on special occasions.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a classic glass of cold milk, a steaming cup of chai latte, or even a dollop of whipped cream for a cozy fall dessert experience. The spicy warmth of the cookies complements spiced beverages beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your pumpkin chocolate chip cookies stacked tall on a rustic wooden platter adorned with autumn leaves and mini pumpkins for a seasonal centerpiece. Or sandwich them with cream cheese frosting for a decadent twist kids and adults alike will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover pumpkin chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days to maintain their softness. For extended freshness, layering parchment paper between cookies prevents sticking and preserves texture.

Freezing

To freeze, place cooled cookies in single layers on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, where they’ll keep well for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies, simply allow them to thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in a low oven for a few minutes. This revives their soft, freshly baked charm, making you feel like you just pulled them from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, but be sure to cook and puree it until smooth, then drain any excess moisture. The consistent moisture content of canned pumpkin ensures the best texture, so fresh pumpkin may slightly alter the cookie’s softness.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe isn’t gluten-free as it uses all-purpose flour, but you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup for best results. Just keep an eye on texture since gluten-free flours behave differently.

Can I substitute the butter with oil or margarine?

Butter is preferred for flavor and texture, but melted coconut oil or a mild vegetable oil can work in a pinch. Margarine may alter the taste and consistency slightly, so test small batches if you need a dairy-free option.

What type of chocolate chips works best?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a delightful balance of sweetness and depth, but you can try dark or milk chocolate based on your personal preference. Adding white chocolate chips could create a sweeter, more decadent cookie.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries make lovely additions that add crunch or tartness to complement the pumpkin and chocolate flavors perfectly.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are a treasure trove of cozy fall flavors wrapped up in a soft, chocolate-studded treat. Whether you’re baking to welcome the season, impress guests, or simply indulge yourself, this recipe promises joy in every bite. Don’t wait too long — gather your ingredients and create a batch of these warm, comforting cookies that are sure to become a beloved favorite!

Print