The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins: A Cozy Fall Treat for Every Home Baker
There’s something magical about baking during the fall season. The sweet, warm scent of pumpkin spice filling the kitchen, the golden muffins rising in the oven, and that cozy feeling of anticipation as you wait for the first bite.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins capture that magic perfectly. They’re tender, moist, just the right amount of sweet, and studded with melty chocolate chips.
If you’re baking for a family breakfast, a cozy snack, or to share with friends, these muffins are sure to spread some autumn cheer.
In this article, I’ll walk you through a simple and rewarding recipe for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins. Plus, I’ll share tips, storage advice, and more to make your baking experience delightful and easy!
Recipe Snapshot (Quick Facts)
| Category | Details |
| Yield | 12 muffins |
| Serving Size | 1 muffin |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Calories per Serving | ~220 calories |
| Primary Cooking Method | Baking |
| Cooling Time | 10 minutes |
| Occasion | Fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving |
| Diet Type | Vegetarian |
Calories are approximate and may vary depending on exact ingredients used.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
Course: Bread, BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: EasyYield
12
muffinsPrep Time
15
minutesCooking Time
20
minutesCalories
220
kcalIngredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Equipment You Will Need
Gathering the right tools makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s everything you need:
– 12-cup muffin tin
– Paper muffin liners
– Large mixing bowl
– Medium mixing bowl
– Whisk
– Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
– Ice cream scoop (optional, for even batter distribution)
Directions
- Preheat and Prepare
Let’s kick things off by getting everything ready. Preheating the oven and prepping your muffin tin ensures a smooth start to baking.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line your muffin tin with paper liners or grease them lightly with cooking spray. - Mix Dry Ingredients
Dry ingredients need to be mixed first to ensure the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the spices and leavening agents. - Mix Wet Ingredients
Now it’s time to combine all those rich, flavorful wet ingredients to create the moist base for our muffins.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until combined. Then add the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. - Combine Wet and Dry
The magic happens when you marry the dry and wet ingredients. Take care not to overmix to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined — avoid over-mixing to keep your muffins tender. - Fold in the Chocolate Chips
A burst of chocolate in every bite is the secret to making these muffins unforgettable!
Using a spatula, gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter. Reserve a few chips to sprinkle on top if you want a more decorative look. - Fill the Muffin Tin
Portioning the batter evenly ensures each muffin bakes perfectly and looks beautiful.
Use an ice cream scoop or spoon to divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Fill each about 3/4 full. - Bake
This is where the kitchen starts to smell amazing. Watch them closely towards the end so they bake to golden perfection.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean (a few melted chocolate streaks are fine!). - Cool and Enjoy
Allowing the muffins to cool slightly helps set their structure and enhances their flavor.
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Substitutions and Variations
Sometimes you might need a little flexibility in your baking. Here are a few ideas:
- Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and replace the oil with coconut oil.
- Healthier Version: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar slightly.
- Nutty Addition: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for some crunch!
Make-Ahead Tips
Planning ahead? No problem! Here are some ways to save time and enjoy freshly baked muffins whenever you crave them.
You can mix the dry ingredients and store them in an airtight container up to a week ahead. You can also bake the muffins and freeze them for up to 2 months — just thaw at room temperature or microwave gently.
Storage Instructions
Keep your muffins tasting fresh and delicious with these easy storage tips.
- Room Temperature: Store the muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Extend freshness by storing them in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezer: Freeze muffins individually wrapped for up to 2 months.
Extra Tips for Perfect Muffins
Want bakery-style muffins at home? These extra tips will help ensure your success every time you bake.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Overmixing causes tough muffins.
- Use High-Quality Chocolate Chips: The better the chocolate, the better the muffin!
- Add a Crunch: Sprinkle a little turbinado sugar on top before baking for a lovely crunchy topping.
- Pumpkin Puree Tip: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and spices.
Ingredient Selection Tips
Choosing the right ingredients can take your muffins from good to outstanding. Here’s what to look for:
- Pumpkin Puree: Look for pure pumpkin with no additives. Libby’s is a popular brand.
- Spices: Fresh spices make a huge difference. Check expiration dates and replace anything over a year old.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate works best to balance the sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your delicious Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins with these extras for an unforgettable treat.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Drizzle with a light maple glaze.
- Pair with a hot cup of chai, coffee, or even a pumpkin spice latte!
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Muffin)
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 190mg
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Sugar: 17g
- Protein: 3g
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? You’re not alone! Here are answers to the most common inquiries about making Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins.
Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Just roast and puree your fresh pumpkin until smooth. Make sure it’s not too watery.
Q: Why are my muffins dense?
A: Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can make muffins dense. Measure carefully and mix lightly.
Q: Can I make mini muffins with this batter?
A: Yes! Reduce the baking time to about 10-12 minutes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy fall baking project that delivers on flavor, warmth, and pure happiness, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins are the answer. They’re simple enough for beginners but tasty enough to impress everyone. Plus, the inviting aroma alone is worth baking a batch! Try them today and bring a little extra sweetness to your autumn days.
