These pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are soft, chewy, and full of fall flavors! The mix of sweet pumpkin and rich chocolate makes for a yummy treat perfect for any occasion.
It’s hard to eat just one! I love making these cookies with my kids; we get flour everywhere, but the laughter is worth it. 🍪❤️
With just a few ingredients and a quick bake, they’re super easy to whip up when cravings strike. Trust me, your friends will ask for the recipe!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. If you prefer, you can make your own by roasting fresh pumpkin and pureeing it. Just make sure it’s smooth!
Butter: I always use unsalted butter for better control over the salt. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a plant-based butter works well too.
Sugars: Combining granulated and brown sugar adds depth. If you want a healthier option, use coconut sugar or maple syrup, but remember to adjust the liquid components of your dough accordingly.
Spices: The cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves elevate the flavor. You can swap these for pumpkin pie spice if you don’t have them all. Just use about 2 teaspoons, and you’re good to go!
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are my favorite, but feel free to use milk chocolate or dark chocolate for a richer taste. You could even toss in some chopped nuts for extra crunch!
How Do I Get the Perfect Cookie Texture?
The key to soft, tender cookies lies in the mixing and baking times. Here’s how to master them:
- When creaming the butter and sugars, do it until fluffy. This adds air, which helps cookies rise.
- Don’t overmix once you add the dry ingredients! Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Keep a close eye on the baking time. They should be soft in the center when you pull them out. They’ll continue to cook slightly as they cool.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to set perfectly!
These tips will help you achieve perfectly soft and chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies every time!
Delicious Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients List:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. Allow an additional 5 minutes for cooling before serving. In total, expect to spend around 30-35 minutes to enjoy fresh cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will help your cookies not stick and make cleanup easier!
2. Cream the Butters and Sugars:
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. It helps the cookies to rise nicely in the oven!
3. Mix in the Wet Ingredients:
Add the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract into the bowl. Mix until everything is well combined, making sure there are no lumps. You’re creating a deliciously moist base for your cookies!
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and optional cloves. This step ensures the spices and baking soda are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which enhances the flavor!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want tender cookies!
6. Add the Chocolate Chips:
Fold in the chocolate chips evenly into the dough so that every cookie has a nice balance of pumpkin and chocolate!
7. Scoop the Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop generous balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each ball as they will spread while baking.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the cookies in your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You want the edges to be set and the centers to look slightly underbaked, as they will firm up while cooling.
9. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them to hold their shape. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy Your Treat:
Your soft, moist pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are ready to enjoy! Serve them warm with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage, and relish the flavors of autumn!
These cookies are not only perfect for fall but also a delightful treat to share with family and friends. Dig in and enjoy the deliciousness! 🍪🎃
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, roast a small sugar pumpkin until it’s tender, then scoop out the flesh and puree it until smooth. Just ensure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture in your cookies.
What Can I Substitute for the Egg?
If you need an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let it sit for 5 minutes until thickened). Both options will work great in keeping your cookies moist!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they can last for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy one!
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture, and adjust the baking time as needed for best results.
