Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

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The warm, spiced aroma of pumpkin mingled with sweet, melty chocolate chips is the essence of fall comfort. These cookies are the ultimate cozy treat, perfect for pairing with a hot mug of tea, coffee, or cocoa as the weather cools down.

Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cozy night in, or just because you need a pumpkin fix, these soft-baked pumpkin chocolate chip cookies hit all the right notes. Their rich texture and perfectly spiced flavor profile make them an instant seasonal favorite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and egg. Mix until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Dissolve the baking soda in milk and add it to the wet ingredients, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix well.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Fold in chocolate chips.
Drop tablespoonfuls of the cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are set and centers are soft but not gooey.
Let cool on a wire rack before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes
Kcal: 135 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies – The Ultimate Fall-Inspired Sweet Treat

There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about the smell of cookies baking in the oven, especially when that scent carries the warm, spicy undertones of pumpkin and cinnamon mingled with the decadence of melting chocolate chips. These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the embodiment of fall in a bite: soft, chewy, full of warm spices, and speckled with rich chocolate in every delicious mouthful. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned cookie connoisseur, this simple yet flavor-packed recipe is bound to become a staple in your seasonal kitchen rotation.

The Perfect Pairing: Pumpkin and Chocolate

Pumpkin and chocolate may not seem like an obvious duo at first glance, but when combined in the right way, they create a beautifully balanced flavor profile. Pumpkin brings earthiness, natural moisture, and subtle sweetness, while chocolate adds depth, richness, and that beloved touch of indulgence.

Using canned pumpkin purée in cookies not only infuses them with the flavor of fall but also gives them a soft, tender texture. It acts as a natural moisture enhancer, which is why these cookies stay deliciously chewy for days. The semi-sweet chocolate chips complement the pumpkin and warm spices (like cinnamon and nutmeg) without overpowering them, making every bite feel like a cozy fall hug.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

Moist and Chewy Texture: Thanks to the pumpkin purée, these cookies are never dry. They’re pillowy-soft with slightly crisp edges.
Easy to Make: You don’t need any fancy equipment. Just a bowl, a whisk, and some basic pantry ingredients.
Crowd Pleaser: Whether it’s a fall bake sale, Halloween party, Thanksgiving dinner, or just a casual weekend, these cookies never fail to impress.
Customizable: Want to add a personal touch? Toss in some chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for added flavor and crunch.

The Role of Each Ingredient

Understanding the role of each ingredient helps appreciate the chemistry behind what makes these cookies special:

Pumpkin Purée: Provides moisture, natural sweetness, and a signature autumn flavor.
Granulated and Brown Sugar: This combination adds depth of sweetness and helps achieve a chewy texture. Brown sugar, in particular, enhances the cookies with a hint of molasses richness.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cookies tender and moist. You can substitute with melted butter or coconut oil if preferred, though the texture may vary slightly.
Egg: Acts as a binder and contributes to the structure and softness.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie, giving them shape and structure.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the cookies rise slightly and maintain a soft interior.
Ground Cinnamon (and optionally nutmeg or cloves): Infuses the dough with the signature warm spice that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
Vanilla Extract: Adds an aromatic sweetness that enhances all the other flavors.
Milk: A touch of liquid to activate the baking soda and contribute to overall moisture.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Balances the sweetness and adds gooey, melty bits of goodness in every bite.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you want to elevate your cookies to bakery-quality level, keep these expert tips in mind:

Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour to the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing leads to dense, tough cookies.
Use a Cookie Scoop: For even baking and consistent sizes, a medium cookie scoop is ideal.
Chill the Dough (Optional): While not required, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help control spreading and deepen the flavor.
Add a Few Chocolate Chips on Top: Before baking, press a few extra chips onto each cookie dough ball. It makes the final result more visually appealing.
Store Correctly: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer shelf life.

The Seasonal Appeal

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies scream fall, but honestly, they can be enjoyed year-round. However, they shine the brightest during pumpkin season, September through November, when everyone craves comforting, spiced baked goods. They pair wonderfully with warm beverages like spiced chai lattes, hot chocolate, or classic black coffee. Bake a batch on a rainy afternoon or wrap them in parchment and twine to give as edible gifts during the holidays.

They’re also ideal for lunchbox treats, school bake sales, or a special after-dinner dessert. There’s no wrong time for these cookies!

Dietary Modifications

Want to adjust the recipe to meet dietary preferences? Here are a few simple swaps:

Vegan Version: Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), dairy-free chocolate chips, and plant-based milk.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your baking soda and powder are gluten-free too.
Lower Sugar: Reduce the sugar slightly, though keep in mind this may affect texture.

Fun Add-In Ideas

You can get creative with add-ins! Try any of these options:

Chopped Walnuts or Pecans: Adds crunch and nuttiness.
White Chocolate Chips: A sweeter, creamier alternative to semi-sweet.
Dried Cranberries: For a tart contrast to the rich cookie.
Toffee Bits: For an added layer of sweetness and chew.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies taste incredible both warm out of the oven and at room temperature. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or create a fall dessert platter with spiced nuts, apple slices, and hot cider.

For a party, arrange them on a rustic wooden tray with mini pumpkins, cinnamon sticks, and fall leaves for a stunning display.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are a heartwarming blend of comforting autumn flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and loved by all ages, they’re more than just a cookie, they’re a fall tradition. Whether you’re baking to relax, to share, or to impress guests, these cookies never fail to deliver joy and flavor.

So the next time a crisp breeze blows through the trees or you’re simply in the mood for something special, bake a batch of these cozy cookies. You’ll fill your kitchen with warmth, your home with amazing aromas, and your heart with the comforting taste of fall.

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