Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prepare yourself for some serious coziness! Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate fall treat—soft, cakey, and bursting with warming spices. The pumpkin brings delicate moisture, while those melty chocolate chips add pure decadence to every bite. This recipe has everything you love about your favorite chocolate chip cookies, but with a pumpkin twist that practically begs to be enjoyed with a mug of spiced coffee or shared at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how such straightforward ingredients can create cookies with big, bold autumn flavor. Each item on this list has a special role, and together, they bring out the very best in Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies.
- Pumpkin puree: The star of the show—gives the cookies their signature softness and rich color.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds buttery richness and ensures a tender texture.
- Granulated sugar: Provides classic sweetness and helps create a light crumb.
- Brown sugar (packed): Brings a touch of caramel flavor and extra moisture.
- Large egg: Binds everything together for structure and softness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and deepens the cookie’s flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone that gives form and substance to every cookie.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise to fluffy perfection.
- Baking powder: Adds extra lift for a soft, cakey bite.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and brightens the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings signature warmth and depth.
- Ground nutmeg: Offers subtle, nutty spice for complexity.
- Ground cloves: A little goes a long way in amping up the autumn vibes.
- Ground ginger: Delivers gentle heat and zing to the spice blend.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Perfect chocolatey bursts in every bite—feel free to get generous!
How to Make Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s at the perfect temperature when your dough is ready. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper; this quick step ensures your Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies bake evenly and come off the pan without sticking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. Cream them together using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beating until the mixture looks pale, light, and fluffy. This step is key—it dissolves the sugars and creates that irresistible cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla
Now it’s time to stir in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until everything is blended into a smooth, glossy mixture. The pumpkin transforms the dough, adding vibrant orange color and a moisture boost.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. This process evenly disperses the spices and leaveners, promising that every bite of your Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies offers perfect flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet pumpkin mixture, stirring gently. Mix just until the flour disappears—overmixing can make cookies tough, and we want these to stay soft and pillowy.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Pour in those semisweet chocolate chips and use a spatula to fold them evenly through the dough. Every scoop should be bursting with chocolate, making these classic cookies totally irresistible.
Step 7: Portion and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each for perfect spreading. Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges look set and the tops appear dry. They’ll smell heavenly! Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
How to Serve Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just as the cookies come out of the oven to highlight the chocolate and balance the sweetness, or dust lightly with powdered sugar for extra style and a gentle hint of sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a steaming mug of chai, hot apple cider, or classic hot chocolate for an ultra-comforting treat. For a festive dessert platter, serve them alongside fresh apple slices, spiced nuts, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies make a joyful edible gift! Stack them in a cellophane bag with a ribbon, box them up for a bake sale, or plate them in a rustic basket lined with autumn-hued linens for your next gathering. They also add a whimsical touch when tucked into lunchboxes or served as a party favor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay perfectly soft for up to 4 days, thanks to that luscious pumpkin in the dough.
Freezing
Want cookies on demand? Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. You can also freeze the cookie dough in rounded scoops—simply bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
If you love a warm, gooey cookie, pop one in the microwave for 8–10 seconds or reheat in a 300°F oven for just a few minutes. They’ll taste freshly baked and the chocolate chips will get deliciously melty all over again.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure your homemade puree is well-drained—extra liquid can change the texture of your Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. Pat the puree with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture before measuring.
Why are my cookies cakey instead of chewy?
Pumpkin naturally gives these cookies a soft, cakey texture. If you prefer a chewier bite, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking and don’t overbake them. Also, measure flour by spooning and leveling for best results.
Can I add nuts or dried fruits?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts make a wonderful addition, giving your Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies extra crunch. For a little chewiness, mix in some dried cranberries or raisins.
How do I avoid the cookies turning out too moist?
Make sure to measure your pumpkin puree accurately, and don’t overmix the dough. If the dough feels too sticky, an extra tablespoon of flour can help bring it to the right consistency.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Swap in a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and check your baking powder and baking soda are certified gluten-free. The flavor and texture of your Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies will still be deliciously satisfying.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about baking up a batch of Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies when the leaves start to fall or you’re craving a nostalgic bite any time of year. Go ahead—gather your ingredients and fill your kitchen with the scent of spiced pumpkin and chocolate. Your cookie jar (and your friends) will thank you!
Print
Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect treat for the fall season. Soft and full of warm spices, these cookies are studded with gooey chocolate chips for a delightful twist on a traditional favorite.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Additional:
- 1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars. Add pumpkin, egg, and vanilla, and mix until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices. Gradually add to wet mixture, stirring until combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Bake: Drop dough onto baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes until set. Cool on a rack.
Notes
- For bakery-style cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
