Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a cozy, delicious treat to welcome autumn or just craving something sweet with a seasonal twist, you’re in for a real treat with this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a perfect balance of warm pumpkin flavors and rich chocolate chips, delivering a soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or preparing for a festive gathering, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and sure to become a cherished favorite in your cookie rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together seamlessly. Each component plays a vital role: the pumpkin puree adds moistness and a gentle earthiness, the pumpkin spice infuses that unmistakable autumn warmth, and the chocolate chips bring bursts of sweetness that contrast beautifully.

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the perfect structure to give the cookies a tender crumb without being too dense.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise gently, creating the ideal texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor by balancing sweetness and depth.
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice: A signature blend that brings the classic fall flavor straight to your cookie.
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and buttery flavor to every bite.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: For a subtle sweetness that blends perfectly.
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel-like depth.
• 1 large egg: Binds everything together and keeps the cookies soft.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts flavors and adds warmth beyond the pumpkin spice.
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling): Moisturizes and imparts that lovely pumpkin taste without extra sweetness.
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips: The star addition that makes these cookies irresistible.

How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin spice. Mixing these first helps the leavening distribute evenly so each cookie gets that perfect rise and spiced flavor.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Next, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, about three minutes. This step creates air bubbles, making for a soft and tender cookie texture.

Step 4: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Pumpkin

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully blended, then add your pumpkin puree. This adds moisture and a subtly sweet pumpkin flavor, elevating your cookies to a seasonal masterpiece.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, so a gentle hand here keeps them wonderfully soft.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Using a spatula or wooden spoon, fold in the chocolate chips evenly. This step guarantees every cookie will be studded with those classic melty pockets of chocolate.

Step 7: Scoop Out Dough

Drop rounded spoonfuls of the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for spreading. This helps each cookie bake perfectly without merging into one big cookie.

Step 8: Bake Until Edges Are Golden

Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, watching for lightly golden edges while the centers still look slightly underbaked. The soft centers firm up as the cookies cool, keeping that perfect chewy texture.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This little pause lets the cookies set just right for indulging.

How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can add a fancy finishing touch that looks beautiful but lets the pumpkin and chocolate flavors shine.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of chai tea, pumpkin spice latte, or even a glass of cold milk to complement their rich, spiced-sweet character and elevate your snack time experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try sandwiching two cookies with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a decadent treat. Or present them stacked on a festive platter wrapped with a rustic twine ribbon to impress guests at any fall gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This helps maintain their soft texture and keeps the chocolate chips perfectly melty.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when ready for a quick snack anytime.

Reheating

Warm cookies for 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave or a few minutes in a low oven to refresh their soft-baked warmth and revive that irresistible chocolate gooeyness.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to stick with plain pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices which can alter the taste and texture of the cookies.

What is the difference between pumpkin spice and pumpkin pie spice?

They’re essentially the same blend of warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Using either will give your cookies that classic pumpkin flavor.

How soft or crispy are these cookies?

These cookies are delightfully soft and chewy with just slightly crispy edges – a texture that most people love for pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

Can I substitute the butter for a healthier fat?

While you can experiment with alternatives like coconut oil, butter provides flavor and texture that’s hard to beat in this recipe.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a nice crunch and complement the pumpkin and chocolate chips perfectly.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so comforting about this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe that makes it a must-bake during the cooler months. With every bite delivering that cozy pumpkin warmth alongside melty chocolate chips, it’s a treat you and your loved ones will enjoy over and over again. So next time you want a sweet little hug in cookie form, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!

Print