Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are one of my all-time favorites when fall rolls around. These cookies have the perfect mix of sweetness from the chocolate and a soft, warm flavor from the pumpkin. They’re not only simple to make, but they’re a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for family, serving them at a party, or giving them as a gift, this recipe hits all the right notes.
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The Perfect Recipe for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Here’s the exact recipe I use to make pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. It’s simple, quick, and uses ingredients you likely already have at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée (not the pie filling)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin purée. Stir until well combined.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
- Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir just until the dough comes together.
- Fold in the chocolate chips. Don’t overmix the dough.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto the baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. The centers may seem a little soft, but that’s what gives them that chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
This recipe makes about two dozen cookies, so you’ll have plenty to share—or keep for yourself!
Tips for Baking Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
A few small tips can make a big difference when baking these cookies. First, always use pumpkin purée instead of pumpkin pie filling. The pie filling has added sugar and spices that can throw off the flavor of your cookies. Second, make sure your butter is softened, not melted. Softened butter creates a creamy texture, which is key to getting that light, fluffy cookie.
If you want a bit more flavor in your cookies, feel free to add some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts. They pair beautifully with both the pumpkin and chocolate.
Serving Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies at a Party
Presentation matters when you’re serving these cookies at a party. Instead of just piling them on a plate, here are a few ideas to make them stand out:
- Mini Cookie Stacks: Instead of full-sized cookies, use a teaspoon to create mini cookies. Stack them three high and secure them with a cute toothpick. Tie a ribbon around the toothpick to match the party theme. If you make mini cookies using this recipe, it should yield about 40-50 mini cookies, depending on the size of the dough balls. You’ll want to reduce the bake time to about 8-10 minutes, as the smaller cookies will bake faster. Please keep an eye on the edges, and then remove them when they turn lightly golden.
- Cookie Jars: If you have small mason jars, stack cookies inside. Attach a tag with a fun message, like “Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice.” Guests can grab a jar as a party favor on their way out.
- Cookie Tower: Create a cookie tower by stacking them in a pyramid shape on a cake stand. Place a few decorative pumpkins around the base to tie into the fall theme.
These ideas take just a little extra effort, but they make a huge impact. They’re perfect if you want your party treats to be both delicious and eye-catching.
24-Piece Fall Treat Boxes
These 24 fall treat boxes feature festive designs with maple leaves, pumpkins, and acorns. Sturdy and reliable, they’re ideal for baked goods or small gifts with a clear window to showcase your treats. Measuring 3.94 x 3.94 x 2.56 inches, they require simple DIY assembly.
Packaging Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies as a Gift
If you’re giving these cookies as a gift, packaging them well can make all the difference. Here are a few creative ways to wrap up these cookies:
- Decorative Tins: Find a festive fall tin, line it with parchment paper, and stack the cookies inside. You can even add a small card with the recipe tucked into the tin’s lid. This makes it easy for the recipient to bake their own batch later on.
- Cookie Bags with Tags: Place a few cookies in clear plastic cookie bags. Tie the top with a ribbon and attach a handwritten tag. For a personal touch, write a note on the back of the tag about why you love these cookies.
- Pumpkin-Shaped Boxes: If you’re feeling crafty, you can find or make pumpkin-shaped boxes to fill with cookies. This packaging adds a fun, festive element to the gift.
Storage Tips for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies stay fresh for several days if stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay soft and chewy. If you want to make a batch ahead of time, you can freeze them too. Just place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll last for about three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
If you’re gifting or serving the cookies, be sure to mention how they can be stored. This way, anyone who doesn’t eat them right away can still enjoy them later.
Why Pumpkin and Chocolate Are the Perfect Pair
Pumpkin and chocolate might seem like an odd pairing at first, but they actually complement each other in the best way. Pumpkin brings a rich, soft texture to the cookies while adding subtle spice. The cinnamon, ginger, and cloves give the cookie that warm, fall flavor we all love. Meanwhile, chocolate adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the pumpkin’s mild earthiness.
Plus, there’s something about the combination of chocolate and pumpkin that just feels cozy. It’s like wrapping up in a warm blanket on a chilly day—there’s comfort in every bite.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée not the pie filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin purée. Stir until well combined.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
- Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir just until the dough comes together.
- Fold in the chocolate chips. Don’t overmix the dough.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto the baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. The centers may seem a little soft, but that’s what gives them that chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Your Own
This recipe is a great base, but you can always put your own spin on it. Want to make the cookies a little healthier? Swap half the butter for applesauce or use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose. Prefer white chocolate? Go ahead and use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with the spices either. A dash of nutmeg or allspice can give the cookies an even more complex flavor. You can even experiment with different kinds of chocolate—dark chocolate chips or even chunks of chocolate bars can be a delicious change.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are a fall favorite for a reason. They’re easy to make, incredibly tasty, and perfect for any occasion—whether you’re baking for yourself, a family gathering, or giving them as a gift. With a few simple ingredients and a little creativity in how you present them, these cookies can be the star of your fall season. Whether you stick with the recipe as is or make it your own, you’re sure to get rave reviews from anyone who tries them.
