Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Irresistible Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe for Fall

Baking delightful pumpkin chocolate chip cookies transports memories of cozy autumn afternoons.

Crisp breezes whisper through kitchen windows as warm aromas fill the space.

Sweet pumpkin spices mingle with rich chocolate, creating a magical combination.

Soft, chewy textures promise comfort in every delectable bite.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, crafting a treat that feels like a warm hug.

Whipping up these cookies becomes an invitation to embrace fall’s most cherished flavors.

You’ll find this recipe irresistibly simple and wonderfully satisfying.

Grab a glass of milk and savor each delicious moment.

Tips for Moist Pumpkin Cookies

  • Swap out regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same delicious texture.
  • Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or cutting granulated sugar by one-third to create a lower-calorie treat.
  • Add extra warmth by incorporating additional spices like cardamom or allspice for a more complex flavor profile.
  • Experiment with different chocolate varieties like dark chocolate chunks or white chocolate chips to customize the cookie's taste.
  • Ensure pumpkin puree is well-drained to prevent excess moisture, which could make cookies too soft or cake-like.

Flavor Twists on Pumpkin Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips.
  • Keto-Friendly Pumpkin Cookies: Substitute flour with almond flour, replace sugar with erythritol or stevia, use sugar-free chocolate chips, and add extra spices for flavor depth.
  • Healthier Protein Boost: Mix in vanilla protein powder, use whole wheat flour, and add chopped nuts for extra protein and crunch.

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Cookies

  • Cozy Autumn Dessert Platter: Arrange cookies on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks, sprinkled powdered sugar, and small decorative pumpkins for a festive fall presentation.
  • Midnight Snack Comfort: Serve warm cookies with a cold glass of milk or creamy hot chocolate, creating a perfect late-night treat that brings pure comfort and sweetness.
  • Ice Cream Sandwich Twist: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies, creating a decadent dessert that combines warm spices with cool, creamy texture.
  • Gifting Delights: Package cookies in cute mason jars or kraft paper bags with ribbon, making adorable homemade gifts for friends, teachers, or neighbors during autumn gatherings.

Proper Storage for Pumpkin Cookies

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping them soft and fresh.
  • Refrigerate cookies in a sealed container for extended freshness, lasting up to 7 days with minimal texture change.
  • Freeze baked cookies by layering between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat refrigerated or frozen cookies by microwaving for 10-15 seconds or warming in a 300F oven for 3-5 minutes until slightly crisp and warm.

FAQs

  • Are pumpkin chocolate chip cookies healthy?

These cookies contain pumpkin, which offers nutrients like vitamin A and fiber, but they’re still a sweet treat with sugar and butter. Enjoy in moderation as an occasional dessert.

  • Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Canned pumpkin puree works best for consistent moisture and texture. Fresh pumpkin can be too watery and might change the cookie’s texture and baking results.

  • What kind of chocolate chips work best?

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips complement the pumpkin’s warmth perfectly. Milk chocolate can be too sweet, while bittersweet chips add a nice depth of flavor.

Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • Cozy Autumn Delight: Savor the perfect blend of warm spices and rich chocolate in these pumpkin cookies that capture the essence of fall's comforting flavors.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare these delightful treats with simple ingredients and minimal steps, making them an ideal choice for busy bakers craving a sweet homemade dessert.
  • Family-Friendly Baking: Engage kids in the cooking process with easy mixing and dropping techniques that transform baking into a fun, shared experience everyone can enjoy together.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, school events, or casual gatherings, these cookies appeal to both kids and adults with their irresistible combination of pumpkin and chocolate.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: A key base that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help the cookies rise and become light.
  • Salt, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger: Spices that enhance the warm, autumnal flavor of the cookies.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and contribute to the cookie's golden color and soft consistency.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
  • Vanilla: Introduces a classic, comforting flavor to the cookies.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Brings a seasonal taste and extra moisture to the recipe.
Mix-In Ingredient:
  • Chocolate Chips: Delivers bursts of rich chocolate flavor throughout the pumpkin cookies.

How to Bake Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the following ingredients until perfectly blended:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Ground ginger

Step 3: Create Creamy Wet Base

In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together:
  • Softened butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar

Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add in egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree.

Mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until a consistent cookie dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold chocolate chips into the cookie dough, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Dough

Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie for spreading.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookie edges are set but centers remain soft and slightly gooey.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your homemade pumpkin chocolate chip cookies with a glass of milk or hot beverage.

Print
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Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Rich pumpkin chocolate chip cookies blend autumn’s warmth with sweet chocolate notes. Spiced dough and melty chips create a comforting treat you’ll savor with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup chocolate chips

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Wet Ingredients and Sweeteners:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for even cooking and easy removal.
  2. Combine all dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, whisking flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until thoroughly integrated.
  3. Cream butter with granulated and brown sugars until smooth and fluffy, creating a rich base for the cookie dough.
  4. Incorporate egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree into the butter mixture, blending until a uniform consistency is achieved.
  5. Gradually introduce dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to prevent overmixing.
  6. Gently fold chocolate chips into the dough, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
  7. Scoop rounded tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving adequate space between each cookie.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, watching for set edges and slightly soft centers as indicators of perfect doneness.
  9. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 3-4 minutes to firm up, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling and continued texture development.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cookie texture.
  • Canned pumpkin puree works best, avoiding watery homemade versions that can make cookies soggy.
  • Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking, creating perfectly shaped cookies every time.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the same measurements.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 130 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 85 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1.2 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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