The comforting aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger mingles perfectly with the sweetness of pumpkin and rich chocolate in these chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. Every bite is a balance of seasonal spice and decadent chocolate goodness that melts in your mouth.
These cookies are a dream for pumpkin lovers and a crowd-pleaser for fall gatherings, Halloween parties, or Thanksgiving dessert spreads. Whether you’re baking for your family or hosting a cozy get-together, these cookies are soft, flavorful, and irresistibly charming. They capture everything we love about autumn in cookie form, warmth, comfort, and deliciousness.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup brown sugar, packed
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Mix in vanilla extract and pumpkin puree until well combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
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Fold in the chocolate chips evenly.
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Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are set and tops no longer look wet.
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Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 190 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies
Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Cozy Fall Favorite
When the crisp breeze of autumn rolls in, it brings with it the warm scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and all things pumpkin. Few treats capture the comforting essence of fall better than Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. These soft, chewy cookies combine the richness of semi-sweet chocolate with the delicate sweetness and spiced flavor of pumpkin, creating a truly irresistible dessert that feels like a hug in every bite.
These cookies aren’t just delicious; they’re a celebration of the season. Whether you’re sipping a warm mug of cider by the fire, gathering with friends and family for a fall-themed get-together, or just treating yourself to a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies are the perfect complement. They’re easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and versatile enough to adapt to your personal tastes.
The Magic of Pumpkin and Chocolate
Pumpkin and chocolate may not be the most obvious pairing, but once you try them together in cookie form, you’ll wonder why you ever doubted it. The earthiness of pumpkin puree offers a moist, tender crumb, while the chocolate chips bring bursts of richness that contrast beautifully with the warm spices. Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and even a touch of cloves lends these cookies their signature “pumpkin spice” flavor, turning a simple cookie into a comforting seasonal experience.
Using canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) allows for consistent moisture and flavor, and it’s incredibly convenient. Pumpkin puree acts as both a flavor booster and a natural tenderizer in baked goods, making your cookies soft and chewy without requiring too much butter or oil.
A Cookie with Texture, Flavor, and Warmth
One of the things that make these cookies so popular is their unique texture. While traditional chocolate chip cookies are often crisp on the edges and chewy in the center, these pumpkin-infused ones tend to be pillowy soft all the way through. Thanks to the natural moisture of pumpkin puree, you get a rich, dense cookie that practically melts in your mouth.
Some bakers like to chill their dough before baking to prevent too much spreading, while others prefer to bake the dough right away for a softer, puffier result. Either way, the cookies retain that classic golden hue with flecks of chocolate and specks of spice peeking through every bite.
For added texture, you can mix in chopped walnuts, pecans, or even white chocolate chips. A sprinkle of sea salt over the top before baking adds a gourmet touch that balances out the sweetness beautifully.
The Perfect Cookie for the Fall Season
These cookies are a go-to for fall and holiday baking. They make the perfect addition to Halloween parties, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or cozy fall weekends at home. Their enticing scent while baking will fill your kitchen with the aromas of cinnamon and chocolate, something that’s sure to draw everyone in.
Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are also a great gift idea. Package them in mason jars with a rustic ribbon or stack them in treat boxes with parchment paper for an easy, thoughtful gift. They’re great for bake sales, office treats, or just sharing with neighbors.
Pair them with hot apple cider, spiced chai lattes, or a tall glass of milk for the ultimate seasonal snack. They also make a delightful after-school treat for kids or a quick dessert for unexpected guests.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
These cookies are just as easy to store as they are to make. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay soft and fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Want to plan ahead for your holiday baking? Freeze the unbaked cookie dough in scooped portions on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and label. When you’re ready to bake, just place them on a sheet pan and bake from frozen, just add an extra 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
This make-ahead option makes it easy to enjoy fresh pumpkin cookies any time the craving strikes.
Baking Tips for the Best Pumpkin Cookies
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Use pure pumpkin puree – Avoid pumpkin pie mix, which contains added sugar and spices. You want full control over the flavor.
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Don’t overmix – Overmixing the dough after adding the dry ingredients can lead to tough cookies. Stir just until combined.
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Use room temperature ingredients – Butter and eggs blend more evenly when they’re not cold from the fridge, giving you a smoother, more consistent dough.
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Let them cool on the baking sheet – This helps the cookies finish baking and firm up slightly before being transferred to a wire rack.
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Customize the mix-ins – Try dark chocolate chunks, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries for a twist on the classic flavor combo.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
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Super soft and chewy texture
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Packed with cozy pumpkin spice flavor
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Easy to make and customizable
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Freezer-friendly for meal prep or holiday baking
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Perfect balance of spice and chocolate
Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned baker, these cookies are a no-fail recipe that delivers big on both flavor and nostalgia. The ingredients are pantry staples for most during the fall season, and the steps are simple enough that even kids can help out.
This recipe is a wonderful way to use up any leftover pumpkin puree you may have from other recipes, making it practical as well as delicious. It’s also easily doubled if you’re baking for a crowd or want to freeze half for later.
A Cookie That Feels Like Home
These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are more than just a sweet treat, they’re a reminder of cozy moments, changing leaves, and the comfort of home. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or packed in a lunchbox for later, they deliver the warmth and flavor of fall in every bite.
As you bite into the soft center filled with gooey chocolate chips and taste the subtle blend of autumn spices, you’ll find yourself transported to those nostalgic fall days. Maybe it’s the joy of raking leaves, sipping a pumpkin spice latte, or curling up with a good book by the fire, whatever your fall memories, these cookies are sure to become a part of them.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect way to embrace the magic of autumn. They’re soft, chewy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. With a simple ingredient list, easy prep, and that irresistible aroma while baking, there’s no reason not to add them to your seasonal baking list.
Whether you’re enjoying them with friends and family, gifting them during the holidays, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. Keep this recipe in your back pocket for when you need a quick dessert, a feel-good snack, or just a little taste of fall. One bite, and you’ll understand why this cozy cookie combo has become a seasonal favorite year after year.