Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe because it perfectly blends the cozy warmth of fall spices with the melty richness of chocolate chips, all wrapped up in a soft, tender cookie. The pumpkin adds moisture and a subtle sweetness that keeps the cookies soft even days after baking, so you’re in for a delightful treat that stays fresh longer than your typical cookie.

You’ll find that these cookies work wonderfully for everything from a casual coffee break to holiday cookie exchanges. When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how easy it was to pull off and how much my family went crazy for the flavor combination. If you want a cookie that feels homemade and a little special, this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is totally worth trying.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients create a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and moisture. Using canned pumpkin puree ensures you get that consistent rich pumpkin flavor without extra wateriness that fresh pumpkin sometimes has.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure; spoon and level to measure for accuracy.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft crumb.
• Baking soda: Reacts with acids for a tender texture.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice; adds warmth and sweetness.
• Ground ginger: A subtle zing for depth.
• Ground nutmeg: It rounds out the spice blend with earthy notes.
• Ground cloves: Just a pinch lifts the spice aroma beautifully.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and balances pumpkin’s earthiness.
• Light-brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps cookies moist and tender without adding butter flavor.
• Large egg: Binds ingredients and adds softness.
• Vanilla extract: Boosts flavor complexity.
• Canned pumpkin puree: Moisture and that signature pumpkin taste.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Sweet melty pockets in every bite.

Variations

I love tweaking this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. It’s a super flexible base, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!

• Pumpkin Spice Upgrade: I sometimes swap out the individual spices for 2 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice for a richer fall flavor. It’s a handy shortcut and super tasty.
• Nutty Addition: My family loves adding chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture and a nutty contrast to the soft cookies.
• Oil Swap: For a slightly different texture, try using melted coconut oil; it adds a hint of tropical flavor that works surprisingly well.
• Dietary Tweaks: I’ve experimented with gluten-free flour blends and they work fine, just keep an eye on baking time as they might bake a little faster.

How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Sheets

Set your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper. This step is key because it helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking, plus cleanup is way easier. I always line two sheets so I can bake batches back-to-back without waiting.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients Together

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt for about 20 seconds. This blends all those spices in evenly so your cookies get a consistent, cozy flavor.

Step 3: Mix Sugars and Oil

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until they just come together. You’ll notice the mixture is not creamy like butter-based doughs — that’s perfect for this recipe!

Step 4: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Pumpkin

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth, then add the pumpkin puree. Mixing in the pumpkin makes the dough wetter than usual, so don’t worry if your dough looks looser than your standard cookie dough.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips

On low speed, slowly add the flour-spice mixture, mixing just until nearly combined — you want to avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender. Then, finish folding in your chocolate chips by hand with a spatula for even distribution.

Step 6: Portion and Bake

Drop 2-tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, until cookies are just set but still soft in the center — they’ll firm up as they cool.

Step 7: Cooling

Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for several minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them finish setting without breaking apart. I usually let mine rest a bit in an airtight container afterward to let the flavors meld.

How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple here because the cookies speak for themselves, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top before baking can add a nice touch. Sometimes I drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate for extra flair when serving to guests.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair amazingly well with a warm cup of chai tea or cinnamon-spiced coffee. For a fun spin, serve alongside vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert everyone will adore.

Creative Ways to Present

I like to arrange these cookies on a rustic wooden board with miniature pumpkins and autumn leaves for a festive fall party. For gift-giving, wrapping a stack tied with twine and adding a handwritten note always makes it feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in a single layer inside an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and fresh for up to 3-4 days — sometimes I even prefer them the next day when the flavors have melded more.

Freezing

You can freeze the dough balls individually on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, bake from frozen just adding a couple extra minutes to the bake time — no thawing needed!

Reheating

To reheat cookies, I pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to get that fresh-baked softness back. It’s the perfect quick fix if you want to enjoy them warm like just out of the oven.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe has become one of my go-to favorites any time the weather cools down and I’m craving that warm, spicy feeling only pumpkin can give. I hope you’ll enjoy baking and sharing these as much as I do—they’re a cozy homemade hug in cookie form. Give them a try for your next gathering or just a simple treat; I bet they’ll become a staple in your recipe box, too!

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