Name: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (225 grams / 8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup (240 grams / 8 ounces) pumpkin puree; 1 large egg; 1 ½ cups (270 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips; 2 ½ cups (315 grams) all-purpose flour; 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar; ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar, packed; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

Crisp autumn afternoons call for magical pumpkin chocolate chip cookies that melt in your mouth.

Sweet aromas drift through kitchen spaces, promising delightful comfort.

Cozy moments emerge when warm, soft treats connect us to seasonal memories.

Baking becomes an adventure of spice and richness, blending familiar ingredients into something extraordinary.

Perfectly balanced textures create a delicious harmony between classic chocolate indulgence and smooth pumpkin warmth.

Decadent morsels promise smiles and happiness with every single bite.

Let’s bake something that makes hearts smile and taste buds dance.

Drinks and Desserts That Pair Well

Elevate the cookie's autumnal spices with a creamy, spiced chai that mirrors the cookie's cinnamon and nutmeg notes, creating a harmonious flavor explosion.
The sweet, buttery caramel undertones perfectly balance the chocolate chips and pumpkin's earthy richness, delivering a decadent taste experience.
Creamy, chilled milk cuts through the cookie's warmth, providing a classic, refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate between each delicious bite.
Serve a scoop alongside the cookies for a luxurious dessert combination that blends cool, smooth creaminess with the cookie's soft, spiced texture.

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. Maintain the same measurements and baking instructions.
Vegan Friendly Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and select dairy-free chocolate chips. These modifications create a plant-based cookie perfect for vegans.
Low-Sugar Alternative: Reduce granulated and brown sugar by half, replacing them with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Add extra spices like cinnamon to enhance natural sweetness without increasing calories.
Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Replace flour with coconut or almond flour, use sugar-free chocolate chips, and swap regular sugar with erythritol. Incorporate additional nuts like chopped pecans for added texture and healthy fats.

Why is pumpkin used in these cookies?

Pumpkin adds moisture, creates a soft texture, and brings a subtle autumn flavor to the cookies while making them incredibly tender.

Can I use canned or fresh pumpkin puree?

Canned pumpkin puree works best for consistent moisture and texture. Fresh pumpkin can be too watery and might change the cookie’s consistency.

How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for slightly golden edges and centers that still appear soft. They’ll continue to set while cooling on the baking sheet, ensuring a chewy texture.

Are these cookies good for people who don't usually like pumpkin?

Yes! The chocolate chips and warm spices balance the pumpkin flavor, making these cookies appealing even to those who aren’t big pumpkin fans.

Why Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Are Worth Making

Perfect for busy home bakers who want a delicious treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
Combines the warm, comforting taste of pumpkin with rich chocolate chips, creating an irresistible autumn-inspired cookie.
Simple enough for children to help mix ingredients, making it a fun family baking activity that creates delightful memories.
Works great for casual gatherings, school bake sales, or as a cozy weekend treat that everyone from kids to adults will love.

Ingredients That Make These Cookies Stand Out

Wet Ingredients:

Butter: Rich base that provides tender, moist texture and deep flavor.
Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet components that caramelize and enhance cookie's richness.
Pumpkin Puree: Moisture-rich ingredient adding autumn flavor and soft texture.
Egg: Binding agent that helps hold cookie structure together.
Vanilla Extract: Warm flavor enhancer that complements pumpkin and chocolate.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: Primary structural component for cookie's base.
Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Leavening agents creating soft, light cookie texture.
Salt: Flavor enhancer that balances sweetness.
Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cloves: Warm spice blend that creates classic pumpkin cookie profile.

Mix-In Ingredient:

Chocolate Chips: Sweet morsels providing rich chocolate burst throughout cookie.

How to Bake Pumpkin Cookies with Chocolate Chips

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350F (175C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip together:

Softened butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar

Beat until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like a cloud, about 2-3 minutes of energetic mixing.

Step 3: Introduce Moisture Magic

Blend in these wet wonders:

Pumpkin puree
Egg
Vanilla extract

Mix until everything looks harmonious. Don’t worry if it appears slightly lumpy- that’s totally normal.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry team:

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Nutmeg
Ginger
Cloves

Step 5: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing- you want a tender cookie, not a tough one.

Step 6: Chocolate Chip Celebration

Fold in chocolate chips with a gentle hand, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Shape and Bake

Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie. Slide the sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The edges should look set, but the centers should remain soft and inviting.

Step 8: Cool Down

Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Watch them disappear quickly once they’re ready!

Tips for Chewy Texture and Rich Flavor

Customize Cookie Texture: Adjust flour measurement for softer or crispier cookies based on your preference.
Prevent Spreading Mishaps: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help cookies maintain their shape and prevent excessive spreading.
Boost Pumpkin Flavor: Use roasted pumpkin puree instead of canned for a deeper, more concentrated pumpkin taste that elevates the cookie's richness.
Make Them Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising texture.
Storage Secrets: Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft and fresh for up to 5 days.

How to Store Cookies to Keep Them Soft

Place completely cooled cookies in a sealed container with a tight-fitting lid, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Keep cookies in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their soft texture and preventing moisture buildup.
Pack cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, placing wax paper between layers, and freeze for up to 3 months for future enjoyment.
Warm refrigerated or thawed cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated 300F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore their original soft and chewy texture.

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Fusion Cuisine Development
Recipe Development and Food Styling
Culinary Writing and Content Creation
Nutrition and Healthy Cooking

Education

Culinary Institute of America

Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation.

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression.

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

Irresistible Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe for Fall

Drinks and Desserts That Pair Well

Why Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Are Worth Making

Ingredients That Make These Cookies Stand Out