The soft, cakey texture of these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies will instantly transport you to your favorite cozy fall day. With warm spices and rich chocolate in every bite, they’re perfect for baking when the leaves start to fall or even if they haven’t yet!
Not only are these cookies easy to whip up, but they’re made with no butter and can be adapted to be egg free with applesauce. Perfect for sharing at fall gatherings or savoring solo with a warm cup of coffee or milk. Make a double batch these don’t last long!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup canned pumpkin puree
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1 large egg or ¼ cup applesauce
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup brown sugar
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¼ cup + 2 tablespoons canola oil (omit 2 tbsp for extra fluffiness)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1⅓ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or spray with non-stick spray.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together pumpkin, egg (or applesauce), both sugars, oil, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.
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In a separate large bowl, whisk together salt, baking soda, baking powder, and flour.
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Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined do not overmix.
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Fold in the chocolate chips.
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Drop rounded tablespoons or use a small cookie scoop to portion the dough onto prepared cookie sheets space for slight spreading.
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Bake for 10–13 minutes, until edges are set and tops look slightly golden.
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Let cookies cool on the tray for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 10–13 minutes | Total Time: ~35 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 145 kcal per cookie | Servings: 30 cookies
The Cozy Allure of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Few things evoke the comforting warmth of autumn like the scent of pumpkin, cinnamon, and freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen. Among the many seasonal treats, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies hold a special place in the hearts of home bakers. They’re soft, cakey, full of cozy spice, and studded with melty chocolate chips everything you could want in a fall dessert.
These cookies are more than just a delicious snack they’re a nostalgic tradition, a holiday favorite, and a perfect excuse to slow down and savor the change of seasons. Whether you’re baking for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or just a cozy night in, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are always a hit.
The Origin of a Seasonal Favorite
Pumpkin has long been a staple in American kitchens, dating back to Native American agricultural traditions. The squash was prized for its versatility and nutritional value. Over time, pumpkin found its way into both savory and sweet dishes, culminating in beloved autumn recipes like pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, and of course, pumpkin cookies.
The chocolate chip cookie, on the other hand, is a relatively modern invention. Created in the 1930s by Ruth Wakefield at the Toll House Inn, it revolutionized dessert menus across the U.S. The fusion of pumpkin and chocolate chips is a delicious example of modern creativity meeting classic comfort perfectly bridging the gap between nostalgia and innovation.
Texture, Flavor, and Aroma
The texture of these cookies sets them apart from standard chocolate chip cookies. Thanks to the pumpkin puree, they’re ultra-soft and tender almost cake-like in their consistency. The absence of butter, often replaced with oil or applesauce in modern versions, keeps them extra moist while reducing heaviness.
Flavor-wise, the combination of pumpkin with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger gives each bite a warm, earthy profile that’s beautifully balanced by the richness of semi-sweet chocolate chips. The chocolate doesn’t overpower the pumpkin it enhances it. Each bite delivers subtle sweetness, spice, and the familiar comfort of home baking.
As for the aroma? Expect your kitchen to smell like a cozy bakery with hints of fall leaves, family gatherings, and festive memories.
Why These Cookies Are So Popular
1. Seasonal Appeal
Pumpkin is the poster-child of fall. From pumpkin spice lattes to pumpkin candles, the flavor defines the season. These cookies are a natural extension of that craving. They’re festive, comforting, and perfect for cooler days.
2. Crowd-Pleaser
Whether you’re baking for picky eaters or seasoned foodies, these cookies rarely disappoint. The familiar chocolate chip element makes them kid-friendly, while the addition of pumpkin adds a touch of sophistication for adults.
3. No Butter, No Problem
Unlike traditional cookies that rely on butter, this recipe uses canola oil (or sometimes applesauce), making them ideal for those looking to reduce dairy or saturated fats. The result is still rich and flavorful, with a tender crumb.
4. Adaptable for Special Diets
With a simple substitution of applesauce for eggs, this recipe can be made egg-free. Additionally, gluten-free flour blends work surprisingly well due to the cookie’s cakey structure. Vegan chocolate chips and plant-based milk can also be used for a fully vegan option.
Pro Tips for Baking Success
Use Pure Pumpkin Purée, Not Pie Filling
It’s important to use canned 100% pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling. The latter contains added sugars and spices, which can throw off the flavor balance and texture of the cookies.
Don’t Overmix the Dough
As with most cookie doughs, overmixing once the flour is added can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for the best results.
Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
While not strictly necessary, chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps develop flavor and prevents excessive spreading during baking. It also makes the dough easier to scoop.
Don’t Overbake
These cookies should be soft and slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out of the oven. They’ll continue to cook slightly on the tray, and overbaking can lead to a dry texture.
Creative Twists and Variations
While the classic combination is hard to beat, there’s plenty of room to experiment:
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Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch and depth of flavor.
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Try White Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter, creamier twist, swap semi sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate.
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Add Dried Fruit: Cranberries or raisins bring a tangy, chewy contrast.
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Top with Frosting: Cream cheese frosting or a simple cinnamon glaze turns these cookies into show-stopping holiday treats.
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Spice It Up: Increase the cinnamon, add cardamom, or mix in pumpkin pie spice for a bolder flavor profile.
Storing and Freezing
Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies stay fresh for several days in an airtight container at room temperature. In fact, the flavor often intensifies after a day or two as the spices meld together.
For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully. Simply place them in a freezer safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature, or microwave for 10–15 seconds for a warm treat.
Perfect for Gifting
If you’re looking for a thoughtful homemade gift, these cookies are ideal. Stack them in a mason jar with a ribbon, package in a festive tin, or deliver a warm batch to a neighbor. They travel well and appeal to just about everyone.
Include a handwritten recipe card, and you might just start a new tradition!
Pairing Ideas
These cookies are delightful on their own, but pair them with the right beverage or dish, and they shine even more:
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Beverages: Serve with spiced chai, hot apple cider, black coffee, or a tall glass of cold milk.
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Dessert Boards: Include them on a fall-themed dessert board with mini pumpkin pies, caramel popcorn, and candied nuts.
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After-Dinner Treat: Pair with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an indulgent dessert.
A Cookie with Heart and Heritage
There’s something truly special about a cookie that brings people together across generations. From grandparents sharing baking memories with their grandchildren to friends gathering over holiday cookie swaps, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies represent more than a recipe they’re a celebration of comfort, creativity, and the simple joy of baking.
Even those who don’t typically enjoy pumpkin are often won over by the sweet chocolate chips and gentle spice. It’s a cookie that turns skeptics into fans, one soft, chewy bite at a time.
Conclusion:
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are a seasonal staple that earns their spot on every fall baking list. They’re flavorful, fluffy, and deeply satisfying, making them perfect for celebrations, quiet evenings, or sharing with loved ones.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe offers a low-fuss, high reward experience. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a beloved part of your autumn traditions if they aren’t already.
So grab a can of pumpkin, preheat the oven, and prepare to fall in love with one of the coziest cookies out there.