Name: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 54 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 81 ⅔ g Pumpkin Puree (80g); 113 g Unsalted Butter (melted); 100 g Granulated Sugar; 110 g Light Brown Sugar; 1 Large Egg Yolk (room temperature); 1 tsp Vanilla Extract; 180 g All-purpose Flour; ½ tsp Baking Soda; ½ tsp Baking Powder; ½ tsp Salt; ½ tsp Ground Cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice); ½ tsp Ground Ginger (or pumpkin pie spice); ¾ cup Chocolate Chips (128g)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 78 reviews

If you’re craving a treat that perfectly captures the warm, cozy flavors of autumn, you’re going to adore this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. Imagine soft, tender cookies filled with the rich taste of pumpkin and spiced just right with cinnamon and ginger, all studded with melty chocolate chips. These cookies are a delightful balance of moist and chewy, with just the right hint of spice to make every bite a comforting hug. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a weeknight treat, or just because, this recipe is sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of multiple small clear glass bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each holding different ingredients: one with dark brown chocolate chips at the bottom left, one with chopped light brown walnuts at the bottom right, one with bright orange pumpkin puree above the chocolate chips, one with white flour and a slight indentation on the upper right, one with white granulated sugar next to the flour, a single white egg placed between the flour and pumpkin puree bowls, a small clear bowl with white salt above the egg, a clear bowl with light brown ground cinnamon to the left of the pumpkin puree, a small bowl with white baking powder below the cinnamon, another small bowl with white baking soda below the baking powder, and a clear measuring cup with light yellow oil in the center. There is also a small pouring glass container with dark amber liquid at the top left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to create a deliciously textured and flavorful cookie. Each ingredient plays a key role in bringing out the perfect taste, moistness, and that inviting golden color we all love.

Pumpkin Puree (81 ⅔ g): Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and that iconic pumpkin flavor while keeping the cookies soft and tender.
Unsalted Butter (113 g, melted): Provides rich flavor and a tender crumb with a silky texture.
Granulated Sugar (100 g): Adds sweetness and helps create a slight crispness around the edges.
Light Brown Sugar (110 g): Brings deeper caramel notes and extra moisture for chewiness.
Large Egg Yolk: Adds richness and helps bind the dough without making it cakey.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor and complements the pumpkin and spices beautifully.
All-purpose Flour (180 g): The foundation that creates structure, allowing the cookies to hold together while staying soft.
Baking Soda (½ tsp) and Baking Powder (½ tsp): These leaveners provide lightness and gentle rise, keeping the cookies from being dense.
Salt (½ tsp): Balances sweetness and highlights the flavors.
Ground Cinnamon (½ tsp) and Ground Ginger (½ tsp): Bring warm, spicy notes that define those irresistible fall flavors.
Chocolate Chips (¾ cup or 128 g): Offer sweet, melty pockets of chocolate that perfectly contrast the spiced dough.

How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree

The secret to avoiding overly sticky cookie dough is removing excess moisture from the pumpkin puree. Spread the pumpkin out on a plate and dab it gently with paper towels until it feels flaky and dry rather than watery. This simple step ensures your dough has the right consistency for baking perfect cookies.

Step 2: Combine Butter, Sugars, and Pumpkin

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and your blotted pumpkin puree just until they blend. This mixture forms the sweet, creamy base of your cookie dough—no mixer needed unless you want to keep things hands-free!

Step 3: Add the Egg Yolk and Vanilla

Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract gently but thoroughly. These ingredients enrich the dough, giving your cookies a tender structure and deep flavor foundation that makes every bite melt in your mouth.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Next, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and ginger in a separate bowl. Gradually fold these dry goodies into the wet pumpkin mixture. Stir just until you have a soft cookie dough with no big lumps—overmixing can toughen the texture, so gentle is the way to go.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. These melty morsels bring a heavenly sweetness and texture contrast that pairs perfectly with the pumpkin spice.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form dough balls about 2 inches in diameter and place them on a baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the butter to solidify. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and enhances their flavor.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C or 160°C fan-assisted). Bake the chilled cookie dough for 10 to 14 minutes until golden brown and just set in the center. For a slightly crunchier cookie, feel free to add an extra minute or two. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes once out of the oven before transferring to a cooling rack.

How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

A stack of five golden brown cookies with visible chunks of chocolate is shown close up. Each cookie is thick with a rough, crumbly texture and slightly cracked tops. The cookies are stacked vertically, with each cookie slightly uneven but balanced on top of the other, against a soft, out-of-focus background with a white marbled surface under them. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle your cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle a thin ribbon of melted white chocolate for an elegant touch. For a festive flair, a sprinkle of crushed pecans or a pinch of cinnamon sugar on top adds subtle texture and appeal.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm mug of spiced chai tea, a rich cup of coffee, or even a chilled glass of milk. For an indulgent dessert, serve alongside a scoop of cinnamon or vanilla ice cream to elevate the cozy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies on a rustic wooden board tied with twine for a charming homemade gift, or arrange them on a festive platter surrounded by autumn leaves and mini pumpkins to impress guests at your fall party. You can also sandwich them together with cream cheese frosting for a decadent pumpkin-flavored treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, keep your pumpkin chocolate chip cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days, perfect for enjoying throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Place them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a ziplock bag. When ready, bake them straight from frozen, just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Warm leftover cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or pop them in a low oven for a few minutes to revive that freshly-baked softness and gooey chocolate goodness. They taste best enjoyed warm, just like out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I substitute canned pumpkin for fresh pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe and offers convenience without compromising flavor or texture.

What happens if I don’t blot the pumpkin puree?

If you skip blotting, excess moisture can make your cookie dough too soft and sticky, resulting in cookies that spread too much and become cakey instead of chewy and tender.

Can I use chocolate chunks instead of chocolate chips?

Definitely! Chocolate chunks will give you bigger pockets of melty chocolate, adding a luxurious texture and extra gooey bites throughout your cookies.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as is. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends to make a similar batch for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

With a few substitutions—like vegan butter, a flax egg instead of the yolk, and dairy-free chocolate chips—you can adapt this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe to be vegan-friendly while still delicious.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about baking and sharing these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe with friends and family. The combination of pumpkins, warm spices, and melted chocolate chips makes these cookies a seasonal must-have that feels like a little bit of comfort in every bite. I can’t recommend them enough, so go ahead and give this recipe a try—you just might find your new favorite fall indulgence.