Name: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup canned pumpkin; 1 cup white sugar; ½ cup vegetable oil; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon milk; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips; ½ cup chopped walnuts (Optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 2 reviews

If you are a fan of both pumpkin spice and chocolate, then you are going to absolutely adore this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. These cake-like cookies bring together the warm, cozy flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon with the rich, melty goodness of chocolate chips. They are wonderfully soft with a tender crumb, making each bite feel like fall in cookie form. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or just craving a seasonal treat, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with nine round cookies with a light brown color and many dark chocolate chips visible on their slightly bumpy surface. Behind the bowl, some cookies rest on a rose gold cooling rack on a white marbled surface. The cookies look soft and thick with a slightly uneven round shape. The scene has warm natural light, showing the texture clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to create incredible texture and flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from moistening the dough to adding spice and sweetness that perfectly balance the chocolate chips.

1 cup canned pumpkin: Provides moisture, a tender crumb, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
1 cup white sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft texture.
½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies moist and contributes to their cake-like softness.
1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together for structure and richness.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become light.
1 teaspoon milk: Activates the baking soda, ensuring fluffiness.
2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base structure of the cookie dough.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Works with baking soda to give the perfect lift.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and that classic pumpkin spice note.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness while enhancing flavors.
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips: Brings melty, sweet bursts of chocolate in every bite.
½ cup chopped walnuts (Optional): Adds a nice crunch and depth of flavor.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Adds fragrant sweetness that rounds out the cookie.

How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients and setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin, white sugar, vegetable oil, and egg. Mix these thoroughly until smooth and creamy. This wet mixture forms the luscious base of your cookie dough, infusing moisture and sweetness into every bite.

Step 2: Activate the Baking Soda

In a small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the teaspoon of milk. This step is crucial because it helps the cookies rise perfectly and develop their tender crumb. Once dissolved, stir this mixture into your wet ingredients. You’ll notice the dough start to come together beautifully.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. These dry ingredients add structure, lift, and that signature pumpkin spice warmth you crave. Gradually fold this flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies light and tender.

Step 4: Add the Flavor Boosters

Now it’s time to bring in the chocolate chips, walnuts if using, and vanilla extract. Gently fold these into the batter until evenly distributed. This final addition makes each cookie a delicious balance of sweet, spicy, crunchy, and melty textures that make this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe so irresistible.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a greased baking sheet, spacing them so they have room to rise. Bake in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the cookies have lightly browned edges and feel firm to the touch. After removing from the oven, let them cool on the sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. The cooling step helps the cookies set without losing their moist texture.

How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

On a large metal baking tray, there are fifteen small mounds of raw dough with chocolate chips scattered throughout, arranged in spaced rows. To the left of the tray, there is a clear glass bowl with more dough inside and a black-handled ice cream scooper resting inside the bowl, coated with dough. The background surface is white with a marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These cookies are lovely just as they are, but you can elevate their presentation with a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate. A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking also adds a touch of sparkle and extra warmth.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a steaming mug of chai tea, coffee, or hot cocoa to complement the cozy spices and chocolatey bites. For a fun twist, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to turn this snack into an indulgent dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gifts, stack these cookies tied with a rustic ribbon or place them in pretty jars with fall-themed decorations. You can also sandwich cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a decadent twist that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will retain their soft, cake-like texture for up to 4 days, perfect for snacking throughout the week. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps maintain moisture.

Freezing

This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe freezes wonderfully. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

To enjoy your cookies warm, reheat frozen or refrigerated cookies in a 300-degree oven for about 5 minutes. This will revive their soft texture and melty chocolate without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin for this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, but be sure to cook and puree it until smooth first. Canned pumpkin is convenient because it’s already cooked and has a consistent moisture level, which helps with the cookie texture.

Are these cookies cakey or chewy?

These cookies are delightfully cakey, with a soft, tender crumb rather than chewy. The pumpkin adds moisture and softness that gives them that cake-like quality.

Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?

Butter can be used for a richer flavor, but it will change the texture slightly, making the cookies more firm and less moist. If you opt for butter, consider using melted butter to maintain some softness.

Can I omit the walnuts?

Absolutely! The walnuts are optional and adding them is just for extra texture and nuttiness. If you prefer nut-free or just chocolate chips, the cookies will still be fabulous.

How do I make these cookies spicier?

Add a pinch of ground nutmeg, cloves, or ginger along with the cinnamon as suggested in the recipe notes. This will deepen the warm flavor profile and give your cookies an extra festive kick.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for the perfect marriage of pumpkin and chocolate in a cookie, this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is your new go-to. The ease of the ingredients and method, combined with the loving flavors of fall, make these cookies an instant favorite for friends and family alike. Go ahead, bake a batch today—you won’t regret it!