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 Cookies: A Cozy Fall Treat You’ll Love
When the air turns crisp and cozy sweaters come out, there’s one thing I always crave: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. They’re the perfect blend of warm fall spices, soft pumpkin flavor, and gooey chocolate goodness. Every bite feels like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket by the fire.
If you’re looking for a comforting, easy-to-make treat that will impress family and friends—or simply satisfy your own sweet cravings—this recipe is a must-try. Let’s dive into what makes these cookies so special and how you can bake them perfectly every time.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Course: CookiesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: EasyYield
12
cookiesPrep Time
15
minutesBaking Time
20
minutesCalories
150
kcalPumpkin chocolate chip cookies are a fall baking favorite that blend the richness of pumpkin with the sweetness of chocolate. Originating from classic American home baking traditions, these cookies are known for their soft texture and signature spiced aroma. The best part? They come together quickly and taste even better the next day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon cloves
1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
How to Make the Perfect Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Preheat the Oven and Prep the Baking Sheets
Set your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. - Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and smooth. Then add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
– Tip: Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for the best cookie texture. - Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough. - Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Then fold in the chocolate chips.
– Tip: Don’t overmix—overmixing can make cookies tough instead of tender. - Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded dollops of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cookies are set and slightly golden at the edges. - Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm, or let the flavors deepen overnight for an even richer taste!
Substitution Options for Dietary Needs
Whether you’re baking for different dietary needs or just curious about options, here are some easy swaps to customize your cookies.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Dairy-Free: Replace butter with dairy-free margarine and choose dairy-free chocolate chips.
Egg-Free: Use a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, mixed and rested for 5 minutes).
Essential Equipment for Baking
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful cookies:
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Wire cooling rack
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare the cookie dough up to 48 hours ahead! Store it covered in the fridge. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly.You can also freeze the scooped dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the bake time.
Proper Storage Instructions
After baking a perfect batch, you’ll want to keep your cookies fresh and soft. Here’s how to store them properly at room temperature or in the freezer.
- Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave to refresh.
Expert Extra Tips for the Best Results
Sometimes it’s the little tricks that make a good recipe great. These extra tips will help you bake the softest, most flavorful pumpkin cookies every time.
- Don’t skip the parchment paper: It prevents over-browning and keeps the bottoms tender.
- Use pure pumpkin: Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and spices that can throw off the flavor.
Chill the dough if you want slightly thicker cookies.
FAQ About Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Still have questions? Here’s a helpful FAQ to cover some of the most common things bakers wonder about when making these cookies.
Q: Why are my pumpkin cookies cakey instead of chewy?
A: Pumpkin naturally adds moisture, making cookies softer and more cake-like. Reducing the baking powder slightly can make them denser if you prefer.
Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
A: Yes! Just roast and puree your pumpkin until smooth. Make sure to drain excess moisture for a better texture.
Q: Should I refrigerate the dough before baking?
A: It’s optional. Refrigerating can help control spreading, giving you a puffier cookie.
Food Safety Tips
Since we’re working with dairy, eggs, and pumpkin, here are a few simple food safety practices to keep your cookies safe and delicious.
- Always use fresh eggs to minimize any risk of salmonella.
- Check your canned pumpkin expiration date before using.
- Make sure cookies are fully cooled before storing to avoid condensation and sogginess.
Ingredient Selection Tips for the Best Flavor
Choosing high-quality pumpkin, spices, and chocolate can make all the difference. Here’s how to pick the best ingredients for irresistible results.
- Pumpkin Puree: Go for 100% pure pumpkin (Libby’s is a popular choice).
- Spices: Use freshly opened ground cinnamon and nutmeg for the boldest flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet pairs best with the sweet-spiced dough.
Cozy Ways to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are delicious on their own, but if you want to make the experience even cozier, here are some serving ideas you’ll love.
- Serve warm with a glass of cold milk.
- Pair with a cup of spiced chai or pumpkin spice latte.
- Stack them in a festive tin lined with parchment for a perfect edible gift.
Nutritional Information (Estimate per Cookie)
- Calories: ~150
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugar: 14g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
Why You’ll Want to Bake These Again and Again
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies aren’t just another sweet treat—they’re the taste of autumn itself. They’re comforting, flavorful, easy to whip up, and perfect for cozy days or festive gatherings. Whether you’re baking them for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies ar
