Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

There’s something magical about the combination of pumpkin and chocolate. The sweet, earthy flavor of pumpkin pairs perfectly with the rich, decadent taste of chocolate, making these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies an irresistible fall treat. Whether you’re a pumpkin spice fan or just someone who loves a good cookie, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your fall baking repertoire.

These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with pumpkin flavor, thanks to the addition of real pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Each bite is filled with gooey chocolate chips, adding the perfect balance of sweetness to the lightly spiced pumpkin dough. Plus, they’re easy to make and require no chilling, which means you can whip them up in no time when that cookie craving hits.

For me, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are a seasonal staple. Every fall, as soon as the leaves start to turn, I find myself reaching for this recipe. They’re perfect for everything from cozy evenings at home to Halloween parties or Thanksgiving dessert tables. And the best part? They make the house smell like a warm, spiced pumpkin pie as they bake, filling your kitchen with all the cozy aromas of fall.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These cookies come together in just a few simple steps, and you don’t even need to chill the dough. Perfect for when you need a quick and delicious treat.
• Perfect Fall Flavor: The pumpkin puree and spices give these cookies that unmistakable fall flavor, while the chocolate chips add a rich, sweet contrast.
• Soft and Chewy: Unlike some cookies that turn out cakey when using pumpkin, these have a wonderfully soft and chewy texture, thanks to the right balance of wet and dry ingredients.
• Great for Gifting: These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends, neighbors, or family. Package them in a cute tin or box, and they make a thoughtful (and tasty) fall gift.
• Kid-Friendly: These cookies are a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, they’re easy enough for little ones to help with in the kitchen—let them mix the dough or add the chocolate chips!

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
• Nutrition per serving (approximate): 150 calories, 7g fat, 22g carbs, 2g protein

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch

Ingredient Breakdown:

• Butter: Softened unsalted butter adds richness and helps create that perfect soft texture in the cookies.
• Granulated and Brown Sugar: A combination of sugars creates a balanced sweetness and adds to the chewy texture of the cookies.
• Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient! Pumpkin adds moisture and that signature fall flavor. Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sweeteners and spices.
• Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are classic pumpkin pie spices that give these cookies their warm, cozy flavor.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The chocolate chips add bursts of rich sweetness that complement the spiced pumpkin dough beautifully.
• Flour and Leavening Agents: All-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder help the cookies rise just enough to create a soft, pillowy texture without being too cakey.
• Vanilla and Salt: Vanilla extract enhances the flavor, while salt balances the sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and won’t stick to the pan.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed. The mixture should look smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

• Beat in the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated. The mixture may look a little curdled at this point, but don’t worry—it will smooth out once you add the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Make sure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.

Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.

Step 6: Stir in the Chocolate Chips

• Using a spatula or wooden spoon, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips (and nuts if using). Make sure the chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Scoop the Dough

• Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The dough will spread slightly as it bakes, so leave enough room between each cookie.

Step 8: Bake

• Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them.

Step 9: Cool

• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and prevents them from breaking apart.

How to Serve

These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are best served slightly warm, when the chocolate chips are still melty, and the soft, spiced pumpkin flavor is at its peak. Here are a few ideas for serving:

• With a Hot Drink: Serve these cookies with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy fall treat.
• At Fall Gatherings: These cookies are perfect for fall parties, Halloween gatherings, or Thanksgiving dessert spreads. Arrange them on a festive platter, and watch them disappear!
• As a Snack: Pack them in lunch boxes or enjoy them as an afternoon pick-me-up. They’re also great for sharing with friends or co-workers.

Additional Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

1. Use Pure Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which will affect the texture and flavor of the cookies.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature before starting. This helps the ingredients mix more smoothly and creates a better texture in the cookies.
3. Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and nobody wants that!
4. Chilling the Dough: If you want extra thick and chewy cookies, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This will prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
5. Adjust Baking Time: If you prefer softer cookies, bake them for 10 minutes. For a slightly firmer texture, leave them in for 12 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges—once they start to turn golden, they’re ready.

Recipe Variations

• White Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies: Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips to create a sweeter, creamier version of these cookies. The white chocolate pairs beautifully with the pumpkin and spices.
• Spiced Pumpkin Cookies: If you love extra spice, add 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger or a pinch of allspice to the dry ingredients for an extra kick of warmth.
• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies: You can easily make these cookies gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Just be sure to check that your chocolate chips are gluten-free as well.
• Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: For a heartier cookie, add 1 cup of rolled oats to the dough. This gives the cookies a chewy, wholesome texture and adds a bit of extra fiber.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container—the cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread and stay fresh longer.
• Freezing the Dough: You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, add a couple of minutes to the baking time (no need to thaw).
• Freezing Baked Cookies: You can also freeze the baked cookies. Once cooled, place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Special Equipment

• Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures that each cookie is uniform in size, which helps them bake evenly.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: These prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and make clean-up easier.
• Wire Rack: Cooling the cookies on a wire rack helps them firm up without becoming soggy on the bottom.

FAQ

• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin?
  Yes! You can use homemade pumpkin puree if you prefer. Just make sure it’s well-drained to remove excess moisture, as fresh puree tends to be more watery than canned.
• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
  Absolutely. You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze the dough for longer storage (see freezing instructions above).
• What if I don’t have all the spices?
  No worries! You can substitute 1 1/2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice for the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves if you have it on hand. It will give the cookies the same warm, spiced flavor.

I can’t wait for you to try these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies! They’re the perfect way to welcome the fall season, and I know you’re going to love how soft, chewy, and flavorful they are. Whether you’re baking them for a cozy night in or sharing them with friends and family, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on social media when you make them—I’d love to see how they turn out!

Print