There’s something magical about biting into pumpkin chocolate chip cookies—soft, chewy, and warmly spiced with the perfect balance of sweetness and rich chocolate. These cookies capture the essence of fall in every bite, making them a go-to treat for cozy evenings, holiday gatherings, or just because you deserve something sweet. Their popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, thanks to the pumpkin craze that takes over every autumn. And trust me, once you’ve tried these, you’ll understand why they’ve become a seasonal baking essential.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Soft and Chewy Perfection – The pumpkin puree keeps these cookies tender and moist without being too dense.
- Perfect Fall Flavor – Infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg that pair beautifully with chocolate.
- Quick & Easy to Make – Minimal prep time means you can whip these up in under 30 minutes.
- Kid-Friendly Favorite – Loved by kids and adults alike, making them ideal for family baking days.
- Customizable – Easily adapt to your preferences with add-ins like nuts, white chocolate, or extra spices.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Key Ingredients in Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Pumpkin Puree – Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and the signature pumpkin flavor that makes these cookies so irresistible.
- Brown Sugar – Enhances sweetness while adding a rich, caramel-like depth to the cookies.
- Chocolate Chips – Provide bursts of melty chocolate in every bite, perfectly complementing the pumpkin spice flavor.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice – A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that defines the cozy fall taste.
- Butter – Adds richness and helps achieve that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients – In another bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Form the Dough – Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Scoop & Shape – Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake – Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers look slightly soft.
- Cool & Enjoy – Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Expert Tip: For bakery-style cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking—this helps them hold their shape and develop a richer flavor.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Extra Spice – Add more cinnamon or a pinch of cardamom for a stronger spice kick.
- Nutty Crunch – Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.
- White Chocolate Twist – Swap out semi-sweet chips for white chocolate for a creamier flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
How to Store & Reheat
- Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing – Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating – Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Similar Recipes You Will Love
If you’re a fan of pumpkin treats, you’ll definitely want to try these cozy fall favorites:
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe – Creamy, rich, and full of pumpkin spice flavor.
- Baked Pumpkin Donuts – Soft, Fluffy & Full of Fall Flavor – Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
- Pumpkin Roll Recipe – A classic dessert with a swirl of cream cheese filling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
A: Yes! Just roast, puree, and drain the fresh pumpkin before using to prevent excess moisture.
Q: Why are my cookies too cakey?
A: Pumpkin adds moisture, so avoid overmixing the dough and measure flour accurately to maintain a soft texture.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. You can prepare the dough, refrigerate it for up to 48 hours, and bake when ready.
Whether you’re baking for a fall party, a cozy weekend treat, or just satisfying a pumpkin craving, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are the perfect choice. They’re simple, customizable, and bursting with warm seasonal flavors. So grab your mixing bowl, preheat that oven, and enjoy a batch of these irresistible cookies—your taste buds will thank you!
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- In another bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are set but centers remain slightly soft.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.