Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
If you are looking for a cozy, irresistible treat that perfectly captures the essence of autumn, these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are your new go-to. Bursting with warm spices and the natural sweetness of pumpkin, combined with melty chocolate chips, every bite feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. These cookies manage to strike the perfect balance between soft, cakey texture and rich flavors, making them not only delightful to eat but also a fun baking project that’s surprisingly simple and rewarding.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to create a cookie that is both tender and flavorful. Each element plays an important role in achieving the perfect taste, texture, and seasonal flair of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: Provides moistness and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor and vibrant orange color.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Adds deep sweetness and a slight caramel note that compliments the pumpkin perfectly.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps with the cookie’s structure.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Contributes richness and a tender crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and add to the soft texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds warmth.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the base for the cookie’s structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps with leavening and spreading.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures a lovely rise for light, fluffy cookies.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Delivers classic fall spice that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a subtle earthy warmth to round out the spice profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: Brings in bursts of melty chocolate that contrast wonderfully with the spiced dough.
How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and allows even baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add Pumpkin and Wet Ingredients
Mix in the pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. The pumpkin brings moisture and flavor, while the eggs provide structure.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures that the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the chocolate chips into the dough using a rubber spatula, making sure they are evenly scattered throughout every bite.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look a bit soft.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This resting time helps them set perfectly, creating soft, chewy cookies you’ll crave again and again.
How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little sea salt on top of the cookies right after baking to highlight the sweetness and give a subtle crunch. Alternatively, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can add a festive touch.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm mug of spiced chai tea, a classic cup of coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. For an indulgent twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies into a showstopper by sandwiching them with pumpkin spice cream cheese frosting or layering pieces in a trifle with whipped cream and caramel sauce. For gifting, package them in a decorative tin with a hand-tied ribbon — everyone will appreciate this tasty, homemade touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for up to one week, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with friends and family.
Freezing
If you want to bake in bulk, these cookies freeze beautifully. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months and thaw quickly when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To revive a cookie’s softness and flavor, warm them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked feeling every time.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin for these cookies?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and provides consistent moisture and flavor. Just be sure to use pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugars and spices.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free as written. However, you can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, but the texture might vary slightly.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Yes, feel free to stir in chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries along with the chocolate chips. They add great texture and an extra layer of flavor.
How do I make the cookies crispier?
If you prefer crisper cookies, bake them for an extra 2 to 3 minutes, keeping an eye on the edges so they don’t burn. Allow them to cool fully on the baking sheet to firm up.
What is the best way to measure flour for this recipe?
For the most accurate results, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents packing too much flour, which can make cookies dense.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies that makes them a standout favorite anytime fall rolls around. With their warm spices, luscious pumpkin flavor, and pockets of gooey chocolate, they are the perfect treat to bake, share, and savor with loved ones. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it a beloved part of your seasonal baking tradition!
Print
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the rich, seasonal flavors of pumpkin and warm spices with sweet bursts of chocolate chips for a soft, moist, and flavorful treat perfect for fall or any cozy occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract into the creamed butter mixture, beating until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt ensuring even distribution of the spices and leavening agents.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which can make cookies tough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Using a rubber spatula, fold the chocolate chips evenly into the dough, ensuring every cookie will have melty chips.
- Portion Dough: Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked but will firm up upon cooling.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring perfect texture.
- Optional Add-ins: For added flavor and texture, consider including chopped nuts or dried cranberries into the dough at the chocolate chip folding step.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies and thaw before serving.
Notes
- Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients to keep cookies tender.
- If you prefer chewier cookies, slightly underbake and allow them to cool on the baking sheet.
- Feel free to swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a flavor twist.
- For a nut-free version, omit nuts and ensure mix-ins like dried cranberries are nut-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pumpkin cookies, chocolate chip cookies, fall desserts, seasonal treats, pumpkin spice cookies
