If you’re looking for a cozy, irresistible treat that perfectly captures the flavors of fall, this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine the soft, chewy texture of a cookie infused with warm spices and a burst of pumpkin’s natural sweetness, all studded with gooey chocolate chips that melt in your mouth. These cookies are like a hug in dessert form, easy to whip up, and guaranteed to bring smiles around the table whether it’s a casual afternoon snack or a festive gathering. Let’s dive into everything you need to create these autumnal delights!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each component plays a vital role—from the tenderizing moisture of pumpkin puree to the aromatic embrace of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, and of course, those luscious chocolate chips that make every bite heavenly.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure and just the right chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread perfectly during baking.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warmth and a classic fall spice note.
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: A blend of spices that enhances the pumpkin flavor exquisitely.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies all the flavors.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and a tender crumb to the cookies.
- ½ cup sugar: Sweetens enough without overpowering the pumpkin’s natural flavor.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: Adds moisture, tender texture, and that iconic pumpkin taste.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens the cookie’s flavor with a hint of sweet warmth.
- 1 egg: Binds everything together while contributing to the cookies’ soft texture.
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chips: The magical ingredient that creates melty pockets of chocolate bliss.
How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple prep step ensures your cookies bake evenly and slide off the sheet effortlessly after baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Combining these ingredients thoroughly now is important so that every bite of your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe has consistent flavor and texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate larger bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture turns creamy and light. This step introduces air into the dough, helping your cookies achieve a perfect tender and soft texture.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, blend in the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and egg into the butter-sugar mixture. Mixing these together creates a luscious, moist base full of that beautiful pumpkin essence that will shine through in every cookie.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring just until combined—overmixing can make cookies tough, so gentle is key. Once mostly combined, stir in the chocolate chips, distributing that chocolate goodness evenly throughout the dough.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough and place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft—this is the sweet spot for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes – this helps them set without breaking. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they’re ready to be devoured or shared with your favorite people!
How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top just after baking for a sophisticated touch that enhances the chocolate and pumpkin flavors. Alternatively, dusting with a little powdered sugar adds a whimsical, snowy effect that’s perfect for autumn celebrations.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm mug of spiced chai or a creamy latte for the ultimate cozy experience. For an indulgent dessert plate, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to complement the warmly spiced cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe on a festive platter accented with mini pumpkins, cinnamon sticks, or autumn leaves for added visual charm. You could even sandwich two cookies together with a layer of cream cheese frosting or marshmallow fluff for a delicious twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They typically stay soft and flavorful for up to 4 days—perfect for enjoying through the week without losing that fresh-baked magic.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, ready to thaw whenever a pumpkin craving strikes.
Reheating
To regain that just-baked softness, warm cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. Reheating revives the melty chocolate chips and tender pumpkin crumb perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works wonderfully in this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe and is a convenient pantry staple that provides consistent moisture and flavor.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
No worries! You can easily substitute by mixing a bit of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This blend mimics the warm, festive spices that elevate your cookies.
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of regular?
Yes, feel free to customize with dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips. Dark chocolate pairs especially well with the pumpkin and spices for a richer flavor balance.
How do I make the cookies more chewy?
For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them by a minute and be sure not to overmix the dough—this keeps the texture tender and soft, exactly how a great pumpkin cookie should be.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing dough?
Definitely! You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about homemade cookies that capture the essence of autumn, and this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe checks every box. From the comforting spices to the melty chocolate chips and tender pumpkin texture, these cookies are guaranteed to become an instant favorite. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing them as much as I do—because good food is all about creating joyful memories, one bite at a time.
Print
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft and moist Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, perfectly spiced with cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, and loaded with melty chocolate chips. These cookies combine the comforting flavors of fall with a classic chocolate chip treat, making them ideal for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
Add-ins
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until creamy and smooth, creating a light base for the cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and egg until fully combined, ensuring a moist and flavorful dough.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookies. Fold in the chocolate chips evenly.
- Portion Dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies turn lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through yet soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set perfectly.
Notes
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier creaming.
- Use fresh pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling which is sweetened and spiced.
- For a more intense pumpkin flavor, you can increase the pumpkin pie spice to 1 teaspoon.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
- To make the cookies vegan, substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.
