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There’s a special kind of magic that happens when the warm, spiced notes of pumpkin meet the rich, melty goodness of chocolate chips, all baked into a perfectly tender cookie. These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies capture the essence of autumn in every delightful bite, offering a comforting and deeply satisfying treat that’s surprisingly simple to bring to life in your own kitchen. They boast a wonderfully soft texture with just the right amount of chewiness, making them an instant crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
I find myself reaching for this recipe time and again, especially when I want to bring a little extra warmth and festivity into my home without spending hours in the kitchen. They bake up beautifully, filling your home with an irresistible aroma, and are perfect for sharing with family or enjoying with a quiet cup of tea. Their delightful flavor profile makes them a welcome addition to any gathering or a special homemade gift.
Why I Love These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
I adore these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies for so many reasons!
- Incredibly easy to whip up.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous baking.
- The combination of pumpkin and chocolate is pure autumnal bliss.
- They bake to a wonderfully soft and chewy perfection.
- Versatile enough to impress guests.
- They bring a smile to your family’s faces.
The Heart of Our Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
The magic of these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies lies in the simple yet harmonious blend of cozy fall flavors and classic chocolatey indulgence. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of soft texture and rich taste. It’s this careful combination, you see, that really makes them sing!
- Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender crumb. It’s foundational for that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: Together, they contribute sweetness and help with texture. Brown sugar adds moisture for an even softer cookie.
- Large Eggs: These act as binders, holding everything together. They also add a lovely richness to the dough.
- Vanilla Extract: A little bit of this enhances everything. It truly boosts the overall flavor profile.
- Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient! It brings moisture, a subtle earthy flavor, and that beautiful autumnal hue. Remember, it must be pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling.
- All-Purpose Flour: This forms the structure of our delightful cookies.
- Baking Soda: Our trusty leavening agent. It helps the cookies rise and spread just right.
- Salt: Crucial for balance. It cuts through the sweetness and enhances those other flavors.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: This blend is what screams fall! Think cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- Chocolate Chips: The essential sweet counterpoint. They melt into gooey pockets of pure deliciousness.
Substitutions and Tips:
For an even deeper spice note, feel free to add an extra pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can easily create your own blend. Just mix cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a touch of cloves. For a dairy-free option, use your favorite plant-based butter substitute. You can also swap out some of the chocolate chips for chopped pecans or walnuts. This adds a wonderful crunch and extra flavor! Remember, exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below!
How to Make Perfect Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prepare Your Baking Station
Get organized first. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal. This step prevents sticking.
Cream the Wet Ingredients
Grab a large bowl. Cream the softened butter and both sugars. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. This makes a tender crumb.
Incorporate Eggs and Pumpkin
Add eggs one at a time. Beat well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and pumpkin puree. Mix until smooth for a lovely base.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. This ensures even distribution of flavors. Proper mixing is key here.
Mix Dough Together
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet. Mix until just combined. Overmixing makes cookies tough. Stop when you no longer see flour streaks.
Stir in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in your chocolate chips. Distribute them evenly throughout the dough. You can use any chips you like best. This adds sweet bursts.
Shape and Bake the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons onto prepared sheets. Space them about two inches apart. They need room to spread. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for golden edges. The centers should be slightly soft.
Cool the Cookies
Let them cool on the baking sheets. Do this for a few minutes first. Then, carefully transfer to a wire rack. Cool completely before enjoying these fall treats.
Print
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
- Total Time: Approx. 30 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: Approximately 3 dozen cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delicious and festive treat, perfect for autumn or any time you crave a taste of fall.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure you use pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added spices and sugar.
- For a stronger pumpkin flavor, you can reduce the flour slightly, but be mindful of the dough’s consistency.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- For a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them. For a crispier cookie, bake them a minute or two longer.
How to Store Your Delicious Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Once your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies have cooled completely, pop them into an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days. You’ll love how they retain their soft texture. Their wonderful flavor stays put, too. For even longer storage, consider freezing these cookies. Pop them into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2-3 months.
Tips for Success with Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Room temperature butter and eggs are key. They cream together beautifully.
- Always use pure pumpkin puree. Pie filling changes the outcome.
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding flour. This keeps cookies tender.
- Bake slightly less for a chewier cookie. Look for soft centers.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet first. Then transfer to a wire rack.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
You’ll find gathering these tools makes baking a breeze:
- Large mixing bowls for combining ingredients.
- A whisk is handy for dry ingredients.
- An electric mixer – handheld or stand – speeds up creaming.
- Measuring cups and spoons are essential for accuracy.
- Baking sheets are needed for baking.
- Parchment paper or silicone mats prevent sticking.
- A wire cooling rack lets cookies cool properly.
- A cookie scoop can help with uniform size, though spoons work too.
Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Serve these warm. A glass of cold milk is perfect.
- Pair them with hot coffee. Spiced cider is also lovely.
- Add a simple vanilla glaze. This brings extra sweetness.
- Enjoy as a delightful dessert. Or have them as an afternoon snack.
- Top with whipped cream. Vanilla ice cream also works well.
Can I make the dough for these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely prep the cookie dough ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Let it sit at room temperature a bit before scooping and baking. This ensures great results with your fall baking.
What’s the difference between pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling?
This is a common question for pumpkin recipes! Pumpkin pie filling has added sugar and spices already. This can really change your cookie flavors. Always use plain pumpkin puree for better control in your autumn treats.
How can I get chewier Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?
For that perfect chewy texture, slightly underbake them. You want to see edges just starting to turn golden brown. The centers should still look a tiny bit soft. This makes a wonderfully tender cookie.
Can I freeze these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Yes, you certainly can freeze them! Baked and cooled cookies keep well. Use an airtight container or freezer bag. They’re good for 2-3 months. You can even freeze rounds of dough before baking.
