Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies: A Sinfully Good Recipe

Oh, fall baking! Is there anything better than the smell of pumpkin spice wafting through the house? And when you add chocolate chips to the mix? Forget about it! Today, I’m sharing my absolute FAVORITE recipe for chocolate chip pumpkin cookies. And trust me, this pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe is SO easy, even if you’re, uh, kitchen-challenged (like I sometimes am!).

These aren’t just any pumpkin cookies, y’all. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with that warm, comforting flavor that just screams autumn. My grandmother, bless her heart, used to make something similar every year. She didn’t write down a recipe (Grandma was all about feeling it out!), but after years of experimenting, I’ve finally nailed a version that brings back all those cozy memories.

Living here in Asheville, I’m all about using seasonal ingredients in my cooking classes and supper club. And let me tell you, nothing says “fall in the mountains” like these delicious pumpkin cookies with chocolate chips. So, grab your mixing bowl, preheat that oven, and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

Quick and Easy Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

Look, I get it. Life’s busy! That’s why I made sure this chocolate chip pumpkin cookies recipe is seriously speedy. You can whip up a batch in no time – perfect for those last-minute cravings or when you need a quick treat for a party.

Soft and Delicious Pumpkin Cookies with Chocolate Chips

Forget those dry, crumbly cookies! These pumpkin cookies are all about that soft, chewy texture. And the combination of pumpkin spice and melty chocolate chips? *Chef’s kiss!* Seriously, my favorite part is how they practically melt in your mouth.

The Perfect Fall Baking Treat: Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

These cookies are basically autumn in every bite. They’re the perfect excuse to get cozy, bake something delicious, and embrace all those fall vibes. Plus, they’re a total crowd-pleaser – perfect for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or just a regular ol’ cozy night in!

Ingredients for the Best Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

Flour, Spices, and More for Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! For the dry stuff, you’ll want 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled, trust me on this!), 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and then all those yummy spices: 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon each of ground nutmeg and ground cloves, plus 1/2 teaspoon of salt. That spice blend is what gives these chocolate chip pumpkin cookies that cozy fall feeling!

Wet Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

Now for the wet! You’ll need 1/2 cup (that’s one stick) of unsalted butter, softened – not melted! We’re also using 3/4 cup of granulated sugar AND 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar (make sure you pack it in there!). One large egg and a teaspoon of vanilla extract round it out.

The Star: Pumpkin Puree and Chocolate Chips for Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

Okay, these are the MVPs, obviously! You’ll need 1 cup of pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling, there’s a difference!). And last but definitely not least, 1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips. I usually go for semi-sweet, but hey, use whatever makes your heart sing! Milk chocolate? Dark chocolate? Go wild!

How to Make Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies: Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough for Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

Alright, let’s get this show on the road! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important, y’all! While it’s heating up, grab a medium bowl and whisk together your flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set that aside for now.

In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer, if you’re fancy!), cream together your softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes a few minutes, so be patient! Next, beat in your egg and vanilla extract until everything’s nicely combined.

Now, for the pumpkin! Stir in that glorious pumpkin puree until it’s all mixed in. Don’t worry if it looks a little weird at this point, it’ll all come together! Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until *just* combined. And I mean *just* combined! Overmixing = tough cookies, and nobody wants that.

Finally, fold in those chocolate chips! This is where things get really fun. Just gently stir them in until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Baking Your Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

Okay, time to bake! Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. I like to use a cookie scoop for this, but spoons work just fine too! Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them – ovens vary, and you don’t want burnt bottoms!

Cooling and Enjoying Your Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

Once they’re golden brown, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. I know it’s tempting to eat them right away (trust me, I get it!), but letting them cool a bit helps them set up properly. And that’s it! Now grab a glass of milk (or a cup of coffee!) and enjoy your delicious chocolate chip pumpkin cookies!

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

Use Quality Ingredients for the Best Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

Seriously, it makes a difference! Spring for good butter (the European kind is amazing, if you’re feeling fancy!), real vanilla extract (not the imitation stuff!), and fresh spices. Trust me, you’ll taste the difference in your chocolate chip pumpkin cookies!

Don’t Overmix the Dough for Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

I mentioned this before, but it’s SO important! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which makes for tough, chewy cookies (and not in a good way!). Mix until *just* combined – a few streaks of flour are totally okay! This guarantees those soft, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chip pumpkin cookies we’re after.

Properly Measure Flour for Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

Okay, this is my biggest pet peeve! Don’t just scoop flour straight from the bag – you’ll end up with way too much! Instead, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a knife. Or, even better, use a kitchen scale! Accurate measurements are key to perfect chocolate chip pumpkin cookies every time.

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies Variations

Add Nuts to Your Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

Want to add a little crunch? Toss in about 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or even toasted pumpkin seeds! My personal fave is walnuts – they just seem to go so well with the pumpkin and chocolate in these chocolate chip pumpkin cookies. Yum!

Spice Up Your Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

Feeling adventurous? Try adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to your spice mix! Just a little bit goes a long way, and it’ll give your chocolate chip pumpkin cookies a lovely warm, spicy kick. Ooh, or a dash of cinnamon? Don’t be scared to experiment!

Different Chocolate Chips for Your Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

Okay, this is where you can really get creative! Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor, or use white chocolate chips for a super sweet treat. Peanut butter chips would also be amazing! The possibilities for these chocolate chip pumpkin cookies are endless!

Storing Your Homemade Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

How to Keep Your Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies Fresh

Alright, so you’ve baked these amazing chocolate chip pumpkin cookies…now how do you keep them that way? Simple! Just pop them into an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and delicious for about 3-4 days at room temperature. But honestly? They never last that long at my house!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

Can I freeze chocolate chip pumpkin cookies?

Absolutely! If you want to make these delicious pumpkin cookies with chocolate chips ahead of time, freezing is your friend. Just let them cool completely, then pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature. Easy peasy!

How do I make my chocolate chip pumpkin cookies softer?

Ah, the million-dollar question! For the softest chocolate chip pumpkin cookies, don’t overbake them! Take them out of the oven when the edges are just golden brown – they’ll continue to set up as they cool. Also, make sure your butter is properly softened, and don’t skip the brown sugar – it adds extra moisture. You can also add a tablespoon of molasses!

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree in chocolate chip pumpkin cookies?

Okay, this is a tricky one! While they might seem similar, pumpkin pie filling has added spices and sugar that’ll totally throw off the balance of your pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe. Stick with plain pumpkin puree – you’ll thank me later!

Nutritional Information for Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

Disclaimer: Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

Okay, so here’s the deal: figuring out exact nutrition info for these chocolate chip pumpkin cookies is tricky! It all depends on the brands you use and tiny variations in measuring. So, any numbers you find online are just estimates, okay?

Share Your Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies Baking Success!

Made these chocolate chip pumpkin cookies? Yay! I wanna see! Snap a pic and tag me on social media, or leave a comment below to let me know how they turned out!

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