Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you have a soft spot for cozy fall flavors and a bit of chocolatey indulgence, these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies might just become your new obsession. They bring together the rich, velvety texture of pumpkin puree, warm spices like pumpkin pie spice, and sweet pockets of semi-sweet chocolate chips into every bite. This recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a comforting treat that feels like a hug from the inside out, perfect for snacking, sharing, or pairing with a hot cup of coffee or tea during the cooler months.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies lies in their simple yet carefully balanced ingredients, each playing a crucial role in texture, flavor, and that irresistible fall vibe. From the creamy pumpkin puree adding moisture and subtle sweetness to the aromatic pumpkin pie spice infusing warmth, every component matters.

• Pumpkin puree: Reducing it by cooking intensifies the flavor and prevents soggy cookies.
• Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter ensures smooth creaming with sugars for perfect cookie texture.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel note to complement the pumpkin.
• Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps create slight crispness along the edges.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor melody with its warm, fragrant notes.
• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure that holds everything together just right.
• Cornstarch: Keeps your cookies tender and soft without weighing them down.
• Baking soda: Leavens the dough, giving the cookies a nice rise and chew.
• Salt: Balances and deepens the sweetness, making flavors pop.
• Pumpkin pie spice: The secret star seasoning that brings cozy warmth to each cookie.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Sweet pockets of melty chocolate that perfectly contrast the spiced pumpkin.

How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree

Start by gently cooking your pumpkin puree in a small saucepan over medium heat for about 10 minutes until it thickens and reduces to around two-thirds or three-quarters of a cup. This step intensifies that rich pumpkin flavor and ensures your cookies won’t be too wet. Once cooked, set it aside to cool completely—this helps prevent the butter in the batter from melting prematurely.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine room temperature butter with brown and granulated sugars. Beat them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This process is crucial—it traps air that will give the cookies lightness. Then, blend in the cooled pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is smooth and uniform.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

Whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a separate bowl. This ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed, so each cookie has a consistent flavor and texture throughout.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the dough should come together without becoming tough. Finally, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips for that perfect blend of chocolaty chunks in every bite.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Scoop the dough into even balls and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop the tray in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, ensuring the cookies bake evenly and don’t spread too thin.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the chilled dough balls for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges become lightly golden but the centers stay soft and tender. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set perfectly, making every bite melt in your mouth.

How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies lightly with flaky sea salt right after baking to enhance the chocolate’s sweetness and the pumpkin’s earthiness. For an extra festive touch, try dusting a pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of melted white chocolate on top for a beautiful contrast.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair incredibly well with a warm cup of spiced chai tea or a latte, whose creaminess complements the pumpkin notes perfectly. If you want to get decadent, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your cookies into a fun dessert platter by sandwiching pumpkin-spiced cream cheese frosting between two cookies to create delightful sandwich treats. Alternatively, crumble them over bowls of vanilla yogurt or drizzle with caramel sauce to add an exciting textural twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to keep them soft and delicious. Placing a slice of bread inside the container helps maintain moisture, ensuring they stay fresh longer.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freezing is a fantastic option. Freeze unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever the craving hits. Alternatively, fully baked cookies freeze well for up to three months when wrapped tightly.

Reheating

To bring frozen or stored cookies back to life, warm them gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This will revive their soft, chewy texture and melt the chocolate chips just enough—pure cookie bliss!

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works wonderfully and saves time. Just be sure to cook it down slightly if it seems too watery to prevent soggy cookies.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

No worries! You can create your own by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This way, you control the spice balance and get that signature pumpkin flavor.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

How chewy or soft are these cookies?

These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies strike a lovely balance with a tender and moist interior thanks to the pumpkin, complemented by slightly crisp edges from baking and chilling the dough.

Can I add nuts to the dough?

Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts make a great addition, adding crunch and a nutty depth that pairs beautifully with pumpkin and chocolate.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies capture the very essence of fall in every bite, combining luscious pumpkin, spicy warmth, and melting chocolate. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or sharing with friends over good conversation, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple. I encourage you to try making them soon—you’ll see just how rewarding and delicious baking with pumpkin can be!

Print