Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Sweet & Spicy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Autumn whispers through cozy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies that bring warmth to chilly afternoons.

Sweet aromas drift from kitchen counters, promising delectable moments of pure comfort.

Crisp leaves and soft spices mingle in every delightful bite of these homemade treats.

Baking becomes an intimate dance between traditional flavors and modern twists.

Nutmeg and cinnamon weave magic into tender, chewy textures that surprise and delight.

Rich chocolate melts against soft pumpkin undertones, creating irresistible harmony in each morsel.

Something magical happens when you pull these golden-edged cookies from the oven, pure joy awaits on your plate.

Why Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Are A Fall Favorite

  • Create Cozy Autumn Vibes: Infuse your kitchen with warm, comforting spices that instantly bring fall feelings to life, making these cookies perfect for chilly days.
  • Boost Family Baking Fun: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for kids to join in, creating delightful memories while mixing and baking together.
  • Satisfy Sweet and Spiced Cravings: Blend classic chocolate chip cookie goodness with pumpkin's rich, smooth flavor, delivering a unique twist that pleases both traditional and adventurous taste buds.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser Dessert: Prepare these cookies in under 30 minutes from start to finish, making them ideal for last-minute gatherings, potlucks, or unexpected sweet tooth moments.

Ingredients For Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Primary Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key structural component that provides the base for these soft and chewy cookies.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, rich autumn flavor, and a beautiful orange color to the cookies.
  • Chocolate Chips: Brings delightful bursts of sweetness and creates delicious chocolate pockets throughout the cookie.
Sweeteners and Fats:
  • Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a soft, tender texture in the cookies.
  • Butter: Adds rich flavor and contributes to the cookies' tender and moist consistency.
Spices and Enhancers:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Offer warm, traditional fall spices that complement the pumpkin flavor beautifully.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and achieve a soft, tender texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the cookie's sweet flavor.

How To Bake Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 350F and grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper so your cookies won’t stick and will slide off easily.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg

Combine these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended and no lumps remain.

Step 3: Cream Butter And Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together:
  • Softened butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Granulated sugar

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, creating a delicious base for your cookies.

Step 4: Add Moisture And Flavor

Pour in:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Vanilla extract

Mix these into the butter-sugar mixture until everything is nicely incorporated and looks uniform.

Step 5: Combine Wet And Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 6: Fold In Chocolate Chips

Gently fold chocolate chips into the cookie dough, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 7: Shape And Bake Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them slightly apart to allow room for spreading.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden brown.

Step 9: Cool And Enjoy

Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. This allows them to set and become perfectly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.

Pro Tips For Moist And Flavorful Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for flour and spices to ensure consistent cookie texture and flavor every time.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Soften butter and eggs beforehand for smoother mixing and better cookie structure.
  • Chill Dough Option: Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading and enhance flavor depth during baking.
  • Chocolate Chip Distribution: Gently fold chocolate chips to prevent overmixing and maintain even chocolate spread throughout cookies.
  • Storage Tip: Store cooled cookies in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain softness and freshness.

Fun Variations Of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly option.
  • Vegan Autumn Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of traditional eggs, and select dairy-free chocolate chips.
  • Keto-Friendly Version: Substitute flour with almond flour, use sugar-free sweetener, and choose sugar-free dark chocolate chunks to reduce carbohydrates.
  • Low-Sugar Pumpkin Treat: Minimize sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and incorporate fewer chocolate chips for reduced calorie version.

Best Pairings For Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • Sip Spiced Chai Latte: Complement the warm, autumnal spices in the cookies with a creamy, fragrant chai latte that echoes the cinnamon and nutmeg notes.
  • Pair Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Create a delightful contrast by serving a scoop of smooth, cold vanilla bean ice cream alongside the warm, soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.
  • Match Caramel Macchiato: Enhance the cookie's sweetness with a rich caramel macchiato that adds depth and complements the chocolate and pumpkin flavors.
  • Pour Hot Apple Cider: Celebrate seasonal warmth by enjoying a mug of hot apple cider, which provides a tangy and comforting counterpoint to the rich, sweet cookies.

How To Store Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days. Keep in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent chocolate chips from melting.
  • Scoop unbaked cookie dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to baking time.
  • Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • What gives these cookies their unique flavor?

The combination of pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a warm, autumnal taste that perfectly complements the chocolate chips.

  • Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips work best, you can experiment with milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips to suit your preference.

  • How do I ensure my cookies are soft and chewy?

Don’t overmix the dough and be careful not to overbake. Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are lightly browned but the centers still look slightly soft.

  • Are these cookies good for meal prep or freezing?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough balls or baked cookies. Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months, making them perfect for quick treats anytime.

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Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 25-27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Indulgent pumpkin chocolate chip cookies blend autumn’s warmth with rich chocolate magic. Sweet spices and creamy pumpkin create irresistible comfort you’ll savor with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Flavor Enhancer:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C) and cover baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Combine dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, whisking flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly distributed.
  3. Using a large bowl, cream butter with brown and granulated sugars until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy.
  4. Incorporate pumpkin puree and vanilla extract into the sugar mixture, stirring until thoroughly blended.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to prevent overmixing.
  6. Gently fold chocolate chips into the cookie dough, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
  7. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie for spreading.
  8. Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes, watching for light golden brown edges as a sign of doneness.
  9. Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack to set their texture and enhance flavor.

Notes

  • Swap some flour with almond or oat flour to create a gluten-free version that maintains the cookie’s soft texture.
  • Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking to enhance the sweet and spicy flavor profile of the pumpkin and chocolate.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create thicker, chewier cookies.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft and moist for several days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 137 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 85 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 17 mg
Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

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