Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe because it’s the perfect cozy treat that brings a little fall magic to any day. The way the pumpkin puree keeps these cookies soft and moist while the warm spices team up with melty chocolate chips? Pure comfort in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a chilly afternoon or an autumn gathering, these cookies hit the spot every time.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to pull together and how people couldn’t stop reaching for seconds. You’ll find that the pumpkin adds this beautiful, subtle depth of flavor and keeps the cookies tender longer than your average chocolate chip cookie. Trust me, this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is a keeper you’ll want to bake over and over.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe works together beautifully to create that ideal soft and fluffy texture with plenty of warm spice notes. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you start.

• All-purpose flour: I like to spoon and level the flour to avoid too dense cookies.
• Baking powder: Helps give the cookies a nice lift without being cakey.
• Baking soda: Essential for balancing acidity and achieving that perfect rise.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice that sets the pumpkin flavor apart.
• Ground ginger: Adds a hint of warmth and complexity.
• Ground nutmeg: A touch goes a long way for cozy autumn vibes.
• Ground cloves: I use just a pinch to deepen the spice profile subtly.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps the cookie edges crisp slightly.
• Light-brown sugar: Adds moisture and a mild caramel flavor.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies tender and chewy—don’t substitute with butter here!
• Large egg: Binds all your ingredients perfectly.
• Vanilla extract: Elevates the whole cookie with a subtle floral note.
• Canned pumpkin puree: For consistent moisture and flavor—homemade pumpkin puree can be too watery sometimes.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The melty, gooey goodness that everyone loves.

Variations

I love making this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe my own depending on what’s in my pantry or who I’m baking for. Don’t be afraid to play with add-ins or tweak spices to suit your mood or season!

• Pumpkin Pie Spice Swap: I sometimes swap out the individual spices with 2 ½ teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice for simplicity—it works wonders.
• Nutty Upgrade: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts gives a lovely crunch that pairs perfectly with the soft cookie texture.
• Dairy-Free Option: This recipe is naturally dairy-free, but I always double-check my chocolate chips to avoid any hidden dairy.
• Extra Chocolate: When I want to spoil myself, I toss in an extra ½ cup of chocolate chips—because why not?

How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready & Prep Dry Ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Then whisk together all your dry ingredients: the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. Doing this early on helps ensure your cookies have an even flavor and will bake consistently.

Step 2: Mix Sugars, Oil, Egg & Pumpkin

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until just combined. Then add the egg, vanilla, and pumpkin puree, mixing until smooth. Don’t worry if it looks a bit wet—that’s how it should be!

Step 3: Combine Wet & Dry, Fold in Chocolate Chips

On low speed, slowly add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just barely combined. Scrape down the bowl as needed, but don’t overmix—which can toughen the cookies. Finally, fold in your chocolate chips gently with a spatula to make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout.

Step 4: Scoop & Bake

Drop about 2 tablespoons of dough onto your lined baking sheets, spacing each cookie roughly two inches apart. Bake them for 11 to 13 minutes, just until the edges are barely set but the centers still look soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake or you’ll lose that tender texture I love.

Step 5: Cool & Store Properly

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack. I like to store mine in a single layer in an airtight container once fully cooled—giving them a few hours (or overnight) to rest really brings out their soft, chewy magic.

How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep these cookies simple, but sometimes I sprinkle a tiny bit of flaky sea salt on top right before baking for a surprising salty-sweet combo that really enhances the chocolate. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a festive touch if I’m serving them for a holiday party.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm mug of spiced chai or a bold coffee. If you’re serving a bigger spread, try them alongside a bowl of apple cider or a slice of pumpkin pie for a full-on fall flavor fest.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist during gatherings, I like to stack these cookies between layers of wax paper in a pretty tin or box tied with twine as edible gifts. You can also sandwich two cookies with cream cheese frosting for a dessert that feels a bit fancy but is easy to make.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, and they stay soft if you add a slice of bread to the container—the cookies absorb moisture from it and don’t dry out.

Freezing

Freezing these cookies is a lifesaver. I pop the baked cookies into a freezer-safe bag with parchment between layers to keep them from sticking. When I want a treat, I just thaw a few at room temp or warm them briefly in the microwave—it’s almost like fresh-baked!

Reheating

To refresh cookies that have sat a bit, I heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This melts the chocolate again and makes the cookies feel freshly baked all over.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is hands down one of my go-to comfort bakes in the fall and beyond. It feels like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket with every bite. I hope you try it soon—you’ll love how simple yet delicious it is, and how it fills your kitchen with that magical pumpkin-spice aroma. Happy baking, friend!

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