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Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Soft, cozy, and packed with fall flavor, these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect seasonal treat. Pumpkin puree keeps the cookies moist and tender, while warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create that classic autumn aroma. The real secret is the blend of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips, giving each bite the perfect balance of rich chocolate and sweet pumpkin. These cookies are quick to prepare and bake in just minutes, making them ideal for busy days, holiday gatherings, or weekend baking. Serve them warm with a glass of milk or coffee, and enjoy a comforting homemade dessert that captures the best flavors of fall.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ⅓ teaspoon ground cloves optional
  • ⅓ teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
  • Chocolate
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips

Method
 

1. Prepare the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

    2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Whisk until smooth and slightly creamy. Add the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract, then whisk again until the mixture becomes silky and evenly blended.

      3. Combine the Dry Ingredients

      In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Mix well so the spices distribute evenly throughout the flour.

        4. Make the Cookie Dough

        Gradually add the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until everything is just combined. Once the dough forms, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips. The combination of both chocolates creates the perfect balance of sweetness and depth.

          5. Scoop the Dough

          Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between cookies so they can spread slightly while baking.

            6. Bake the Cookies

            Place the tray in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. The cookies should look set in the center but still soft. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

              Notes

              Helpful Recipe Tips

              Use Two Types of Chocolate

              The secret to these cookies is the mix of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips. This combination adds depth and keeps the cookies from becoming overly sweet.

              Avoid Overmixing

              When adding the flour mixture, stir only until the ingredients come together. Overmixing can make cookies dense instead of soft.

              Don’t Overbake

              Pumpkin cookies should remain slightly soft. Pull them from the oven when the centers are just set.

              Adjust the Spice

              Pumpkin has a naturally mild flavor. If you want a stronger fall taste, add a pinch more cinnamon or use pumpkin pie spice.

              Try Different Chips

              Feel free to experiment with other add-ins like:
              • White chocolate chips
              • Dark chocolate chips
              • Cinnamon baking chips
              • Butterscotch chips

              Why You’ll Love This Recipe

              Tested and Crowd Approved

              This recipe has been tested multiple times and shared with friends and family. The verdict? An easy winner every time.

              Simple and Beginner-Friendly

              The steps are straightforward and perfect for beginners or baking with kids.

              Soft and Flavorful

              Each cookie is packed with warm spices, pumpkin flavor, and melted chocolate, making them the ultimate fall treat.

              Perfect for Fall Gatherings

              These cookies are great for:
              • Holiday dessert trays
              • Potlucks
              • Bake sales
              • Cozy weekend baking

              Frequently Asked Questions

              How should pumpkin chocolate chip cookies be stored?

               Keep the baked cookies in an airtight container or sealed bag. They will stay fresh for 2–3 days at room temperature or up to one week in the refrigerator.

              Can you freeze these cookies?

               Yes! Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
               They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Because of their soft texture, they’re actually quite tasty even straight from the freezer.

              Can the dough be made ahead of time?

               Absolutely. Prepare the dough, cover the bowl tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for 1–2 days before baking.

              Can I substitute pumpkin pie spice for the spices?

               Yes. Instead of using cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg separately, you can use 2–2½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice.

              Why are my cookies too soft or cakey?

               Pumpkin naturally contains a lot of moisture, which gives these cookies their soft texture. If you prefer slightly firmer cookies, you can add 1–2 extra tablespoons of flour.

              Serving Ideas

              These cookies taste wonderful on their own, but you can also serve them with:
              • A glass of cold milk
              • A warm mug of coffee or chai tea
              • Vanilla ice cream for a cookie dessert
              • Crumbled over yogurt or parfaits
              They’re also great as homemade edible gifts during the fall and holiday season.

              Final Thoughts

              Few treats capture the feeling of autumn quite like Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. They’re soft, warmly spiced, and filled with melted chocolate in every bite. The pumpkin keeps the cookies moist and tender, while the mix of chocolate chips adds just the right amount of indulgence.
              Best of all, the recipe is simple enough for everyday baking but delicious enough to serve at holiday gatherings. Once you make a batch, you’ll quickly see why these cookies become a fall favorite year after year.
              So grab a bowl, preheat the oven, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of pumpkin, spices, and chocolate. One batch probably won’t be enough.