As the leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and gold, and the air fills with a crispness that whispers of cozy nights, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of baking cookies to evoke the essence of fall. My Soft & Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies encapsulate this warmth, marrying the festive flavors of pumpkin and chocolate in each delightful bite. With just 25 minutes of prep, this simple recipe yields 50 cookies, making it the perfect treat for gatherings or an indulgent afternoon pick-me-up with your favorite brew. Not only are these cookies a crowd-pleaser, but they’re also an easy way to celebrate the season while steering clear of the fast-food rush. Curious how to create this autumnal delight? Let’s dive in! Why Are These Cookies So Special? Softness and Chewiness: These cookies boast a dreamy texture that’s soft and chewy, offering comfort in every bite. Autumn Flavor Fusion: The blend of pumpkin and chocolate tantalizes your taste buds, making them perfect for the fall season. Quick and Easy: In just 25 minutes, you’ll have 50 cookies ready to share, making them a convenient choice for gatherings or cozy nights. Customizable Goodness: Add your favorite nuts or substitute chocolate chips for a delightful twist! If you’re in the mood for more cookie inspiration, check out my Banana Oatmeal Cookies for a healthier alternative. Crowd Favorite: These cookies not only taste divine but also bring everyone together, ensuring smiles all around. Perfect for sharing with friends over a cup of coffee, they are sure to be a hit! Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients For the Cookie Dough • All-purpose flour – Provides structure and acts as the base of the cookie; substitute with gluten-free flour if needed. • Pumpkin pie spice – Adds warm spice flavors typical of fall; adjust according to your taste preferences for a delightful twist. • Baking soda & baking powder – Essential leavening agents that help the cookies rise to perfection. • Salt – Enhances overall flavor and balances the cookie’s sweetness beautifully. • Unsalted butter – Adds rich flavor and moisture; ensure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing. • Brown sugar – Contributes moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor to each cookie. • Granulated sugar – Sweetens and provides just the right structure; don’t skip this! • Pumpkin puree – The key ingredient for flavor and moisture; always use 100% pure pumpkin puree and not pie filling for the best results. • Large egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds a touch of moisture for that soft texture. • Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavors and adds a comforting warmth to the mix. • Chocolate chips – Adds a delightful sweetness and richness; semi-sweet or dark chocolate works like a charm in these pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, which will prevent your cookies from sticking and help them bake evenly. As your oven heats up, gather all your ingredients and equipment—this makes for a smooth and enjoyable baking process for your pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until well combined. This mixture of dry ingredients is essential for building the flavor and texture of your cookies, setting the stage for the lovely autumn taste that will shine through in each bite. Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat this mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This creaming process introduces air into the dough, creating soft and chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients Next, beat in 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Continue mixing until everything is well combined and smooth. The pumpkin puree adds moisture and a delightful flavor, ensuring that your cookies stay wonderfully soft and chewy. Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to denser cookies. You want to see a cohesive dough form, indicating that your luscious pumpkin chocolate chip cookie base is ready for the final step. Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips Carefully fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips into the cookie dough using a spatula or wooden spoon. This gentle folding ensures that the chocolate chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough, providing little pockets of sweetness in every pumpkin chocolate chip cookie you bake. Step 7: Scoop and Space Using a tablespoon, drop rounded mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart. For a beautiful finish, feel free to dot the tops with extra chocolate chips. This will make your cookies visually appealing and add irresistible bursts of chocolate flavor. Step 8: Bake to Perfection Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies are ready when the edges are set and lightly golden, while the centers may still appear soft. This contrast is key to achieving the perfect texture for your pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. Step 9: Cool and Enjoy Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma will fill your kitchen with warm autumn vibes, making it hard to resist diving into these delightful treats right away! Expert Tips for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies • Use Pure Pumpkin: Always opt for 100% pure pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling to achieve the best flavor and texture in your cookies. • Don’t Overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix gently until just combined to maintain the soft, chewy texture of your pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. • Chill for Firmness: If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before scooping. This will help your cookies maintain their shape while baking. • Watch the Bake Time: Begin checking your cookies at the 10-minute mark to avoid overbaking; they should be set around the edges but still soft in the center. • Storage Wisdom: For freshness, keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months; perfect for later cravings! How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This will maintain their delightful softness and chewy texture. Fridge: Storing cookies in the refrigerator can extend their life to about 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container, although they may lose some softness. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy. Reheating: To bring back their fresh-baked goodness, reheat cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy them straight from the oven after freezing! What to Serve with Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies As the cozy scent of pumpkin and chocolate wafts through your home, it’s time to imagine the perfect companions for your delightful treats. Hot Coffee: A classic pairing that enhances the rich flavors of the cookies, making each sip and bite a warm embrace. Spiced Chai Latte: The aromatic spices in chai beautifully complement the pumpkin flavor, creating a heartwarming experience for your senses. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a refreshing contrast, melting gently against the warm cookies for an irresistible treat. Cream Cheese Frosting: Spread a dollop on each cookie for a tangy sweetness that elevates the cozy flavors to a whole new level. Caramel Sauce Drizzle: A light drizzle of caramel adds a luxurious touch that enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and the depth of the pumpkin. Nuts and Dried Fruits: Offering a delightful crunch and varied flavors, nuts like pecans or walnuts paired with dried cranberries bring a festive touch to your dessert platter. Apple Cider: This classic fall drink pairs nicely with your pumpkin cookies, creating a nostalgic autumn-inspired snack duo. Pumpkin Spice Milkshake: Blend up a creamy pumpkin spice milkshake for a fun and indulgent way to celebrate your cookie creation. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations Feel free to explore these tasty twists that will make your pumpkin chocolate chip cookies even more delightful! Nutty Surprise: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. The nuts create a fantastic contrast to the softness of the cookie. Flavorful Swaps: Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate, butterscotch, or peanut butter chips to bring new flavors into the mix. Each variation offers a unique taste experience! Oaty Goodness: Incorporate ½ cup of rolled oats into the dough for a heartier cookie. Oats add a delicious chewiness and a lovely nutty flavor. Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of ginger for a touch of warmth and heat. It enhances the cozy flavors of fall without overwhelming the sweetness. Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version that’s just as scrumptious. Everyone will love these treats, regardless of their diet! Pumpkin Patch: Mix in some pumpkin seeds for added crunch and a delightful autumn aesthetic. They not only enhance the flavor but also boost the visual appeal of your cookies. Extra Chocolate Love: Drizzle melted chocolate on top of the baked cookies or sprinkle some sea salt. This added richness elevates the chocolate experience! If you’re looking for even more inspiration, consider trying my Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies for a delightful twist or whip up a batch of Cookies Cream Ice for a fun dessert pairing! Make Ahead Options These Soft & Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance, refrigerating it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Alternatively, you can scoop the dough into individual portions on a baking sheet and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and place the frozen dough on a baking sheet without thawing—the baking time may increase by a couple of minutes. This way, you can enjoy fresh, warm cookies straight from the oven with minimal effort, making this recipe a delightful time-saver for busy weeknights! Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs What type of pumpkin puree should I use? Absolutely! Always opt for 100% pure pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling to achieve the best flavor and texture in your cookies. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can alter the intended taste of your pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. How should I store the cookies? For the best results, keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This will help maintain their delightful softness and chewy texture. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for about 2 weeks, though they might lose some of that softness. Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, you can! If you’re not ready to bake all the cookies right away, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it. Scoop balls of dough onto a baking sheet and freeze them for about 30 minutes until firm. Then, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw; just add 1-2 minutes to the baking time! What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking? If your cookies spread too much, it might be due to the dough being too warm or too much butter. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading. Also, make sure to measure your flour accurately; too little can lead to spreading as well. Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Very! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure that your chosen blend contains xanthan gum, which helps mimic the texture of gluten. Adjust baking times as needed, and enjoy your delicious pumpkin chocolate chip cookies without the gluten! Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies for Cozy Fall Moments Delight in these Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, a perfect autumn treat that blends pumpkin and chocolate in a soft, chewy form. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 25 minutes minsCook Time 12 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 42 minutes mins Servings: 50 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Dough2 cups all-purpose flour Substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice Adjust according to your taste preferences.1 teaspoon baking soda Essential leavening agent.1 teaspoon baking powder Essential leavening agent.1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances overall flavor.1/2 cup unsalted butter Ensure it’s softened to room temperature.1/2 cup brown sugar Contributes moisture and flavor.1/2 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the cookies.1 cup pumpkin puree Always use 100% pure pumpkin puree.1 large egg Binds ingredients together.1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances flavors.1 cup chocolate chips Semi-sweet or dark chocolate is recommended. Equipment OvenMixing bowlsElectric mixerBaking SheetsParchment paperspatulaWire rack Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip CookiesPreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.Fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon.Drop rounded mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set and lightly golden, with soft centers.Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg NotesFor best results, always use pure pumpkin puree. Cool cookies completely before storing. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
