Easy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

When autumn rolls around, nothing says cozy quite like a batch of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. These soft, cakey treats combine warm pumpkin spices with decadent chocolate chips for the ultimate fall dessert. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and nostalgic flavor, they’re destined to become your go-to seasonal cookie. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or just want a comforting snack, this easy recipe checks all the boxes for deliciousness and simplicity.

Why These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Are a Must-Bake

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies stand out not just for their rich fall flavors, but also for their texture and ease. They are:

• Ultra-soft and moist: Thanks to the canned pumpkin and oil, these cookies have a pillowy, cake-like texture.
• Perfectly spiced: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves delivers the quintessential pumpkin spice experience.
• Family-friendly: Great for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or cozy weekend treats.
• Simple and quick: No chilling needed, and minimal prep makes them ideal for last-minute baking.
• Customizable: You can tweak spices, swap chocolate types, or even make them gluten-free.

What You’ll Need for These Fall-Favorite Cookies

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and chewiness.
• Baking powder & baking soda: Work together to create a soft, slightly risen cookie.
• Cinnamon: Brings warmth and signature pumpkin spice flavor.
• Nutmeg: Adds subtle depth and aromatic sweetness.
• Ginger: Offers a gentle kick and complements the pumpkin.
• Cloves: A bold spice that enhances the fall aroma.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight crisp edge.
• Brown sugar: Deepens flavor with molasses notes and adds moisture.
• Vegetable oil: Makes the cookies tender and soft.
• Egg: Helps bind everything and adds richness.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the spice with smooth, sweet notes.
• Canned pumpkin puree: The star ingredient — moist, flavorful, and nutritious.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds richness and pairs perfectly with pumpkin.

Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions

Looking to customize your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies? Here are some easy alternatives:

• Pumpkin pie spice: Replace all the individual spices with 2½ tsp pumpkin pie spice for convenience.
• Coconut oil: Swap vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a subtle tropical twist.
• Dark chocolate chips: For a deeper chocolate flavor, go with dark or bittersweet chips.
• Gluten-free flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free blend to make these cookies celiac-friendly.
• Egg-free: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) for a vegan version.

How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies from Scratch

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
2. Whisk dry ingredients in a bowl: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Set aside.
3. Cream sugars and oil in a stand mixer using the paddle attachment until well combined.
4. Add egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Then stir in the canned pumpkin puree until fully blended.
5. Incorporate the dry ingredients slowly into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid over-mixing to preserve softness.
6. Fold in chocolate chips with a spatula, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Drop spoonfuls of dough (about 2 tablespoons each) onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until the cookies are just set but still soft. The tops should look dry but not browned.
9. Cool on a wire rack, and store in an airtight container once fully cooled. These cookies taste even better a few hours after baking as the flavors develop.

Expert Tips for the Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Use canned pumpkin only — fresh pumpkin can be too watery.
• Don’t use pumpkin pie filling, which includes added sugar and spices.
• Expect a sticky dough: That’s totally normal — no need to roll, just drop and bake.
• Avoid over-baking: These cookies are meant to be soft. Slight underbaking is better than overdoing it.
• Rest before serving: For best flavor and texture, let them sit in an airtight container for a few hours.

Serving Ideas and Fun Variations

Take your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies up a notch with these fun ideas:

• Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch.
• Top with a cream cheese glaze for a dessert-like finish.
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a pumpkin-spiced ice cream sandwich.
• Pair with chai tea or hot cider for the perfect fall moment.
• Make ahead: Bake and store for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

The Fall Classic You’ll Want Year After Year

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are more than just a seasonal treat — they’re an autumn tradition. Whether you’re baking them for a Halloween party, Thanksgiving dessert table, or just because it’s fall and you need something cozy, this recipe will deliver every time. With its perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and chocolatey indulgence, it’s no surprise these cookies have become a staple in so many kitchens.

Bake a batch today and let the comforting aroma of pumpkin spice and chocolate fill your home — it’s the ultimate way to embrace the season.

The Final Bite: Why Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Deserve a Spot in Your Fall Baking

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies deliver the ultimate comfort with every soft, spiced, chocolate-studded bite. They’re easy to make, require no fancy equipment, and come together in under an hour. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a cozy weekend, or bringing a fall treat to a gathering, these cookies fit the moment. Their nostalgic texture, irresistible flavor, and seasonal appeal make them a recipe you’ll reach for again and again.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

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