Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a delectable autumn treat that perfectly blends warmth and indulgence, the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies capture the essence of fall with the cozy sweetness of pumpkin paired beautifully with melty chocolate chips, creating a soft, chewy texture that’s both comforting and slightly festive. Each bite bursts with flavor and just the right touch of spice, making these cookies an irresistible companion to a cup of coffee or a cozy evening pick-me-up. Get ready to fall in love with this delightful twist on classic chocolate chip cookies that brings pumpkin to center stage.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to making these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe truly shine. Each component plays a crucial role — from adding moistness and spice to providing that perfect chewy texture and the irresistible chocolate surprise.

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree: This adds moisture, natural sweetness, and that beautiful orange hue that screams autumn.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while helping create a tender crumb.
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies moist and soft without overpowering flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor depth with a warm, aromatic note.
• 1 large egg: Acts as a binder, providing structure and richness to the cookies.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cookie, delivering just the right amount of chew and density.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, keeping them light.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings a cozy warmth that beautifully complements the pumpkin.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with the acidic pumpkin to create a tender texture.
• 1 teaspoon milk: Moistens the baking soda for optimal leavening.
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips: The rich, gooey pockets of chocolate that make these cookies truly indulgent.
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Adds a crunchy contrast and nutty flavor for extra texture.

How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is crucial to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform. This blend sets the foundation with richness and sweetness that will make your cookies irresistible.

Step 3: Add the Egg

Stir in the egg thoroughly to fully incorporate it. The egg helps bind everything together and adds a lovely richness to the cookie dough.

Step 4: Prep the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Sifting removes lumps and ensures an even distribution, which helps avoid any uneven spots in your cookies.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with gentle stirring. Mixing just enough will keep your cookies tender rather than tough.

Step 6: Activate the Baking Soda

Dissolve the baking soda in the milk, then add this to your dough. This little trick helps the cookies rise nicely and achieve that tender, airy bite you want.

Step 7: Fold in Chocolate and Nuts

Now for the fun part — fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and optional chopped walnuts. The chocolate slowly melting in the oven gives these cookies an irresistible gooey texture, while the walnuts add a perfect crunch.

Step 8: Scoop the Dough

Drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows cookies to spread properly without merging.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges firm up and the tops turn a delicate golden color. Your kitchen will smell heavenly while these bake!

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Remove cookies from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This step lets them set perfectly, balancing the chewy inside and slightly crisp outside.

How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Consider dusting your pumpkin chocolate chip cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for an elegant touch. A pinch of extra cinnamon on top can also boost that warm spice note beautifully.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm beverage like spiced chai, hot apple cider, or your favorite coffee. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert upgrade.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the cookies with layers of cream cheese frosting or sandwiching them with pumpkin butter for a festive twist. Arranging them on a rustic wooden board with autumnal decorations also makes a beautiful centerpiece for gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This helps maintain their softness and prevents them from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months and thaw beautifully.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, microwave your cookies for about 10-15 seconds or pop them briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F until soft and delicious. This is perfect for reviving their signature gooey texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh pumpkin for canned pumpkin puree?

Fresh pumpkin can be used but it’s best to cook and puree it thoroughly beforehand to match the consistency and moisture level of canned pumpkin. Canned pumpkin gives a more consistent result in this recipe.

Are walnuts necessary in the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?

Walnuts are optional, serving mainly to add a crunchy contrast. If you prefer nut-free, simply omit them or substitute with other mix-ins like pecans or dried cranberries.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips can be swapped in to customize the flavor to your liking. Each type will bring a slightly different taste profile to the cookies.

How do I make sure my cookies don’t spread too much while baking?

Make sure your dough isn’t too warm when scooping the cookies onto the baking sheet. Also, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help control spreading and improve texture.

Can these cookies be made vegan?

Yes! Substitute the egg with a flax egg or chia egg, replace the milk with a plant-based alternative, and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. The texture might slightly differ but they’ll still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about baking a batch of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe when the air starts to crisp and leaves paint the sidewalks. It’s a simple pleasure packed with warmth, sweetness, and a little bit of magic in every bite. Whether you’re baking for yourself, sharing with friends, or bringing to a seasonal gathering, these cookies are destined to become a cherished favorite. So grab your ingredients and enjoy the cozy, chocolaty goodness today!

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