Easy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe 

As the crisp autumn air descends upon us, it's time to welcome the season of falling leaves, cozy sweaters, and pumpkin-spiced everything. From lattes to pies, pumpkins take center stage in our kitchens, infusing warmth and a touch of magic into our favorite treats. Among the plethora of pumpkin-inspired delights, one classic never fails to captivate our taste buds: pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

With their soft, pillowy texture and the irresistible combination of sweet pumpkin and rich chocolate, these cookies embody the essence of autumn indulgence. Whether you're an avid baker or a novice in the kitchen, mastering the art of creating these delectable treats is easier than you might think. So, tie on your apron and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will fill your home with the enticing aroma of freshly baked goods.

In this blog post below, I will share with you a soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe that you will make on repeat all season long. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this simple recipe will guide you through the process of creating pumpkin chocolate chip cookies that are sure to impress your family, friends, or even yourself. It may just become one of your favorite pumpkin recipes.

Soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookies

Ingredients

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

2. Combine the pumpkin puree, avocado oil, coconut sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Mix until thoroughly combined.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just blended. Avoid over-mixing, as it can result in dense cookies.

4. Carefully incorporate the chocolate chips into the dough, ensuring even distribution.

5. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving approximately 2 inches of space between each portion.

6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. The center may seem slightly undercooked, but they will firm up as they cool.

4. Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Let them cool properly: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up without becoming too crispy. Cooling completely on the wire rack prevents moisture buildup, ensuring a soft texture.

Press a few chocolate chips: If desired, gently press a few chocolate chips onto the warm cookies to make them more appealing.

What Ingredients You Will Need To Make These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pumpkin Puree

This is the main ingredient that provides the pumpkin flavor and moistness to the cookies. Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Canned pumpkin pie filling already has added sugars and spices, as it will alter the flavor and sweetness of the cookies.

When selecting canned pumpkins, select ones labeled as "100% pure" or "pure pumpkin." This means it contains only pumpkin without any additional ingredients or spices.

In addition to using canned, you have the option to create your own, which is ideal for utilizing fresh pumpkins leftover from carving. If you prefer to make your own from scratch, you can certainly do so. Choose small to medium-sized baking pumpkins, such as a sugar pumpkin or pie pumpkin. Cut the pumpkin in half, remove the seeds, and bake the halves in the oven until tender. Scoop out the flesh and puree it in a blender or food processor until smooth. Homemade pumpkin puree may have slightly different moisture levels compared to canned versions, so you may need to adjust the consistency of the cookie dough accordingly.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is a neutral-tasting oil that adds moisture and helps to keep the cookies soft. It's a healthier alternative to traditional oils or butter. If you don't have avocado oil, you can substitute it with melted coconut oil or vegetable oil.

Coconut Sugar

Coconut sugar is a natural sweetener that adds sweetness to the cookies without causing a significant spike in blood sugar levels. It has a subtle caramel-like flavor. If you don't have coconut sugar, you can substitute brown sugar or other granulated sugar.

Eggs

Eggs act as binding agents and provide structure to the cookies. They also contribute to the moistness and richness of the final product. If you are allergic to eggs or prefer an egg-free option, you can try using a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute. To make a flaxseed egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and adds a hint of warmth. If you don't have vanilla extract, you can substitute it with an equal amount of maple syrup or almond extract.

All-Purpose Flour

All-purpose flour provides structure and texture to the pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. It's a versatile flour suitable for most baking recipes. If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or a combination of almond flour and tapioca flour.

Baking Powder and Baking Soda

These leavening agents help the pumpkin chocolate chip cookies rise and become soft and fluffy. Baking powder provides additional lift while baking soda helps with browning and spread. They work together to create the desired texture. There are no direct substitutes for these ingredients.

Salt

Salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness in the pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. It's an essential ingredient that shouldn't be omitted. If you prefer less salt, you can reduce the amount slightly, but keep in mind that it may affect the overall taste.

Spice Mix

Ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove were used to make these pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and capture fall. These spices add warmth and depth to the cookies, complementing the pumpkin flavor. They contribute to the cozy fall aroma. Cinnamon provides a sweet and woody taste, while ginger adds warmth and a slight spiciness. Cloves offer a strong, aromatic flavor with hints of sweetness, and nutmeg adds a warm and slightly nutty taste.

If you don't have these spices at home, you can consider using pumpkin pie spice or pumpkin spice instead. Pumpkin pie spice contains all the spices you will need to make this recipe and making it a great substitute to make these pumpkin cookies.

Chocolate Chips

Chocolate chips add a delicious burst of chocolatey goodness to the cookies. You can use dark chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or even sugar-free chocolate chips if desired. If you prefer to omit them, you can replace them with chopped nuts, dried fruits, or shredded coconut.

How To Elevate Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

Add a crunchy texture

Mix some chopped toasted nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the cookie dough. This will add a delightful crunch to each bite.

Enhance the spices

Consider adding a pinch of ground cardamom or a dash of black pepper to the spice blend. These spices can add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.

Incorporate citrus zest

Grate the zest of an orange or a lemon into the cookie dough. The citrus zest will provide a bright, refreshing note that complements the warm spices.

Drizzle with a glaze

Prepare a simple glaze by combining powdered sugar and a splash of milk or citrus juice. Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top for an elegant touch.

Incorporate dried fruits

Consider adding a handful of dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates to the dough. They will add a delightful chewiness and a touch of sweetness.

Sprinkle with sea salt

For a contrasting flavor, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie just before baking. The saltiness will balance the sweetness and add a touch of sophistication.

How To Store Leftover Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Store the pumpkin chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Store the container of cookies at room temperature in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as it can cause the cookies to become dry.

If you live in a humid climate and want to keep the pumpkin chocolate chip cookies even fresher, you can add a small piece of bread or a slice of apple to the container. The bread or apple will help absorb excess moisture and maintain the cookies' softness.

If you want to store the pumpkin chocolate chip cookies for an extended period, you can freeze them. Place the pumpkin chocolate chip cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper, and label them with the date. Thaw the pumpkin chocolate chip cookies at room temperature when ready to enjoy them.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkins in place of canned pumpkins. To make fresh pumpkin puree, roast or steam pumpkin pieces until they are soft, then puree in a blender or food processor until smooth.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the cookies?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can be added to the dough along with the chocolate chips. Other mix-ins, such as dried cranberries, raisins, or shredded coconut, can also be incorporated for added texture and flavor.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

To prevent excessive spreading, ensure your dough is thoroughly chilled before baking. You can refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow the fats to solidify. Additionally, using a parchment-lined baking sheet and spacing the dough portions properly will help control spreading.