There’s something magical about the arrival of fall—cool breezes, golden leaves, and, of course, the irresistible aroma of pumpkin spice wafting from the kitchen. If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy dessert to warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth, look no further than Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. Soft, chewy, and bursting with rich fall flavor, these cookies are an absolute must-bake.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
To achieve that perfect texture—somewhere between a fluffy muffin and a classic cookie—you’ll need a few key ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
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½ tsp ground nutmeg
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¼ tsp ground ginger
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¼ tsp ground cloves (optional, for stronger spice)
Wet Ingredients:
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¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
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1 cup packed light brown sugar
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½ cup granulated sugar
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¾ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
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1 large egg
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1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
Mix-ins:
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1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dark chocolate if preferred)
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Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need a fancy setup to bake these cookies—just the basics will do:
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Mixing bowls (1 large, 1 medium)
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Whisk and rubber spatula
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Electric hand mixer or stand mixer (optional but helpful)
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Baking sheets
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Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
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Cookie scoop (optional, for uniform cookies)
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Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps carefully to create soft and chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies that everyone will love:
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Set aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies soft and tender.
5. Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips (and nuts, if using). The dough will be slightly sticky—this is normal.
6. Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon for a more traditional cookie shape.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly dry but soft. Do not overbake—they’ll continue to set as they cool.
7. Cool and Enjoy
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Blot your pumpkin: If you want a firmer cookie (less cakey), blot your pumpkin puree using paper towels to remove excess moisture.
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Use melted butter: This helps create a chewier texture compared to softened butter.
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Chill the dough (optional): Chilling the dough for 30–60 minutes will help prevent spreading and intensify flavor.
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Double the batch: These cookies freeze well both baked and unbaked, making them perfect for make-ahead treats.
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Spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of spice to your taste—some prefer extra cinnamon or a touch of allspice.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie – Approximate)
This is based on a batch of 24 medium cookies:
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Calories: ~180 kcal
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Fat: 9g
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Carbohydrates: 24g
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Sugar: 14g
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Protein: 2g
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Fiber: 1g
Note: Nutritional values will vary slightly based on the size of your cookies and optional ingredients.
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies strike the perfect balance between warm fall spices and sweet chocolate goodness. Unlike some pumpkin desserts that can be dense or overly sweet, these cookies are soft, moist, and lightly spiced—ideal for everything from casual family treats to elegant holiday cookie trays.
Whether you’re hosting a cozy fall gathering, preparing Thanksgiving dessert platters, or simply craving a sweet indulgence with your coffee, these cookies will quickly become your seasonal go-to.
They’re also a fantastic baking project with kids—quick to mix, fun to shape, and absolutely delicious fresh out of the oven.
Final Thoughts: Bake the Magic of Fall
If fall had a flavor, it would be Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. They’re festive without being fussy, indulgent without being too rich, and universally loved by pumpkin fans and chocolate lovers alike. Easy to whip up with pantry staples and perfect for sharing, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep on repeat.
Ready to fill your kitchen with the scent of pumpkin spice and warm chocolate? Try this recipe today, and experience the joy of homemade Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. Don’t forget to share your batch with friends—or keep them all for yourself (we won’t judge)!