The warm, spiced aroma of these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies will fill your kitchen with nostalgic autumn vibes from the moment they hit the oven. Each bite is soft, moist, and packed with melty chocolate chips, making them a seasonal must-have for cookie lovers.
These cookies are not only delicious but incredibly easy to make, using canned pumpkin and everyday pantry ingredients. They’re the perfect balance of sweet and spice, making them ideal for holiday parties, bake sales, or a cozy night in with a cup of tea or hot cocoa. Enjoy them fresh or store them for later—they taste just as amazing the next day!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
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1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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3/4 cup canned pure pumpkin
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1 large egg
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
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Add the pumpkin, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fully incorporated.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
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Stir in the chocolate chips by hand.
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Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden and set around the edges.
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Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 14 minutes | Total Time: 29 minutes
Kcal: 160 kcal per cookie | Servings: 36 cookies
Why Pumpkin and Chocolate Make the Perfect Pair
You might be surprised at how well pumpkin and chocolate complement each other. The natural sweetness and creamy texture of pumpkin puree act as a wonderful base, while the spice profile—typically cinnamon, ginger, cloves, or nutmeg—adds warmth. When balanced with the bold decadence of semisweet or dark chocolate chips, the result is a complex yet harmonious bite. These two ingredients elevate one another: the pumpkin softens the richness of the chocolate, and the chocolate adds depth to the mild pumpkin.
The inclusion of chocolate chips also makes the cookies incredibly versatile. They appeal to kids who love chocolatey treats and to adults who appreciate the gourmet twist of spices layered into every chewy bite.
The Texture You’ll Fall In Love With
Unlike crisp or crunchy cookies, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies offer a soft, cake-like texture that’s moist and tender. This unique crumb is thanks to the high moisture content in pumpkin puree. Rather than being dense or gooey, the cookie stays light and airy, yet rich enough to feel indulgent.
They also hold their shape beautifully when baked, resulting in round, golden cookies with hints of chocolate peeking through. They don’t spread too much in the oven, which means they maintain that soft, pillowy center we all crave from a bakery-style cookie.
Perfect for Every Occasion
These cookies are as adaptable as they are delicious. Whether you’re baking for a Halloween party, preparing treats for Thanksgiving, or just indulging in a quiet weekend bake, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies work across the board. They pair wonderfully with seasonal beverages like hot apple cider, pumpkin spice lattes, or a simple cup of black coffee.
They also travel well, making them ideal for cookie exchanges, lunchbox snacks, or autumn picnics. And because they stay fresh for several days, they’re great make-ahead treats for busy holiday weeks.
Make Them Your Own: Creative Variations
One of the best things about this cookie recipe is how easy it is to customize. Want to add a little crunch? Try folding in chopped walnuts or pecans. Craving extra spice? A pinch of nutmeg or allspice will do the trick. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can swap some of the sugar for alternatives like coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener.
Here are a few variation ideas:
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White Chocolate Twist: Swap semisweet chocolate chips for white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier finish.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make the cookies accessible to gluten-sensitive guests.
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Vegan Adaptation: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg in place of the traditional egg.
Storage and Shelf Life Tips
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies tend to stay moist for days, which makes them excellent for prepping in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To keep them even longer, place them in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 2 months.
When freezing, use parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking. Thaw them at room temperature, or gently warm them in the microwave for that just-baked softness.
The Science Behind a Better Cookie
What makes this cookie so soft and flavorful? It’s all about the chemistry. Pumpkin is high in water content, which contributes to the cookie’s moisture and cakey texture. Spices like cinnamon and cloves are fat-soluble, meaning their aromas are enhanced when baked into butter-rich dough. And by using brown sugar alongside white sugar, you add a deeper caramel flavor and a chewier bite due to the molasses in brown sugar.
Also, chilling the dough before baking (even for 30 minutes) can help the flavors meld and the cookies maintain their shape better in the oven. It’s an optional step but can elevate your final result.
Pairing Ideas for Serving
Looking to turn these cookies into a show-stopping dessert? Here are a few fun serving ideas:
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Pumpkin Cookie Sandwiches: Slather cream cheese frosting between two cookies for an indulgent treat.
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Autumn Cookie Platter: Serve with apple cider donuts, molasses crinkles, and snickerdoodles for a festive cookie tray.
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Cookie & Coffee Bar: Set up a DIY coffee or hot cocoa station with a plate of these cookies during your next brunch or book club gathering.
Baking with Kids and Family
Because the recipe is simple and doesn’t require special equipment, it’s a perfect one to bake with children. Let them stir the batter, scoop the dough, or sprinkle in chocolate chips. Baking together makes for cherished memories, and these cookies offer a satisfying reward at the end.
It’s also a great way to introduce kids to the idea of seasonal ingredients. They’ll learn to associate the spicy scent of cinnamon and pumpkin with the cozy comfort of autumn.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While this cookie recipe is quite forgiving, here are a few tips to make sure you get the best results:
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Overmixing the dough: This can make the cookies tough. Mix just until combined.
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Using too much pumpkin: It may seem like more pumpkin equals more flavor, but too much can make the dough too wet and the cookies gummy.
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Baking too long: These cookies are meant to be soft. Overbaking can dry them out and take away from the tender texture.
Conclusion: A Fall Favorite for All
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are more than just a seasonal trend—they’re a celebration of everything we love about fall. From the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg to the richness of melted chocolate in every bite, these cookies are comfort food at its best.
Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a must-have in your autumn collection. It’s approachable, customizable, and guaranteed to impress. Best of all, it’s the kind of bake that invites you to slow down, savor the season, and share something sweet with the people you love.
So go ahead—preheat that oven, scoop that dough, and fill your kitchen with the scent of fall. One bite of these cookies, and you’ll be hooked for the season.