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Are you ready to embrace the fall season with a delicious treat? My chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are the perfect blend of warm spices and sweet chocolate. In this post, I’ll guide you through each step, from selecting the right ingredients to baking the cookies to perfection. Whether you’re sharing them at gatherings or keeping them all to yourself, these cookies are sure to delight your taste buds. Let’s get baking!

Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of pumpkin and chocolate creates a unique taste that’s both comforting and indulgent.
- Perfect Fall Treat: These cookies are ideal for autumn gatherings, bringing a festive touch to any occasion.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Chewy Texture: The combination of pumpkin puree and brown sugar ensures a wonderfully chewy cookie that stays fresh longer.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Let’s break down these ingredients:
– Pumpkin puree gives the cookies their rich flavor and moisture. You can use canned or fresh. Canned is easy and saves time.
– Unsalted butter adds creaminess. Soften it for easy mixing. You can swap it with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
– Brown sugar adds depth and moisture. It helps keep the cookies chewy. Granulated sugar adds sweetness and a nice crunch.
– Egg binds the mix and adds richness. You can use a flax egg for a vegan option.
– Vanilla extract enhances the flavors. Always use pure extract for the best taste.
– All-purpose flour forms the base. If you need gluten-free cookies, use a gluten-free flour blend.
– Baking soda and baking powder help the cookies rise. They create a soft texture.
– Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger add warmth and a hint of fall. Feel free to add more spices if you like.
– Salt balances the sweetness. Don’t skip it; it really makes a difference.
– Semi-sweet chocolate chips are the stars. They melt and create pockets of gooey goodness. You can swap these for dark or milk chocolate if you prefer.
With these ingredients, you can create a chewy, delightful cookie that everyone will love. Enjoy experimenting with substitutions to find your perfect blend!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps cookies bake evenly and not stick. In a large bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Cream them together until the mix feels light and fluffy. Next, add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat these together until the mixture looks smooth and well mixed.
Now, it’s time to prepare the dry ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps. This helps the cookies rise and gives them flavor.
Combining Ingredients
When you add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, do it slowly. Mix until everything is just combined. It is important not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Once mixed, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. This step helps evenly distribute the chocolate without breaking the dough.
Baking the Cookies
Now, drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each cookie so they can spread. Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Look for the edges to be set, but the centers should still be soft. This is key for chewy cookies. After baking, allow them to cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your warm, chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Chewy Texture
To get that chewy texture, you need to mix well but not too much. Start by creaming the butter and sugars until fluffy. This step adds air, giving your cookies a great rise. When you add the flour mixture, blend until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Adjust your baking time slightly if you want softer cookies. Bake for only 10 minutes if you prefer a gooey center. Check them at 10 minutes and pull them out when the edges are set but the middle looks soft.
Storage Tips
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. This way, they stay chewy for days!
If you want to freeze them, let the cookies cool first. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to three months. When you want one, just take it out and let it thaw at room temperature.
Common Troubleshooting
If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the butter firm up.
If your cookies turn out too dry, it might be due to too much flour. Always measure flour correctly. Fluff it up first and then scoop it into your measuring cup. If they still seem dry, add a little more pumpkin puree next time.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Pumpkin: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. Roast and puree your own pumpkin for a richer taste.
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Check for Doneness: Cookies will appear soft in the center when done. They will continue to cook slightly after removing from the oven, so avoid overbaking.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice amounts or add additional spices like cloves or allspice to suit your taste preferences.

Variations
Flavor Additions
You can spice up your chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies in many ways. Adding more spices can enhance their flavor. Consider using cloves or allspice for a warm kick. Just a pinch can make a big difference. You might also try a bit of cardamom for a unique twist.
Another fun option is to swap out the chocolate. Instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips, try dark, white, or even milk chocolate. Each type offers a new taste experience. Dark chocolate gives a rich, bold flavor. White chocolate adds a creamy sweetness. Experiment to find your favorite blend!
Dietary Modifications
If you need a gluten-free version, you can easily make changes. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Just make sure it’s a good quality mix. This will help keep your cookies fluffy and chewy.
For a vegan option, replace the egg with a flax egg. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water, then let it sit until it thickens. You can also use coconut oil instead of butter, giving a nice flavor.
Looking to cut back on sugar? Use alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or honey. Just remember to adjust the flour to keep the right texture. These swaps can help meet different dietary needs while keeping your cookies delicious!
Serving Suggestions
Presentation Ideas
You can serve these chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies in many fun ways. Here are some ideas:
– Festive Platter: Arrange cookies on a colorful platter. Add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
– Dips: Try serving them with a warm chocolate dip or maple syrup. This adds a sweet twist.
– Drizzles: Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the cookies. It makes them look fancy and taste even better.
Pair these cookies with warm drinks. A cup of spiced chai or hot chocolate works well. The warmth of the drink matches the cozy flavors of the cookies.
Occasion-Specific Serving
These cookies fit perfectly for many occasions, especially in the fall. Here are some ways to make them special:
– Fall Gatherings: Serve these cookies at potlucks or family get-togethers. They are a hit with everyone.
– Halloween Parties: Decorate cookies with orange and black sprinkles. This adds a festive touch for spooky celebrations.
– Holiday Packaging: Wrap cookies in cute bags tied with twine. This makes a lovely gift for friends or neighbors.
These ideas make serving cookies fun and festive. You can easily impress your guests with these simple touches.
FAQs
How to Store Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, follow these steps:
– Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
– Store them in an airtight container. This keeps them soft and chewy.
– You can also layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
– If you want to store them for longer, freeze them. Use a freezer bag or container.
This way, you can enjoy these treats for weeks!
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, but there are some things to consider:
– Fresh pumpkin: It has a great taste. You need to cook and puree it first. This takes time.
– Canned pumpkin: It is ready to use. It saves you time and gives consistent results.
Both options work, so choose what suits your kitchen best!
How to know when cookies are done baking?
To know if your cookies are done, watch for these signs:
– The edges should look set and not shiny.
– The centers should still look soft. They will firm up as they cool.
– A light golden color on the bottom shows they are ready.
These tips will help you bake the perfect chewy cookies!
In this blog post, I shared all the steps to bake chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. We explored the key ingredients and how to mix them properly. I provided tips to achieve the perfect texture and solutions for common issues. You learned about fun variations and serving ideas for any occasion.
Baking should be a joy, so don’t hesitate to experiment. Happy bakin
Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Deliciously chewy cookies made with pumpkin puree and chocolate chips, perfect for fall.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 150 kcal
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve these cookies on a festive platter, perhaps sprinkled with a light dusting of powdered sugar, and consider pairing them with a warm cup of spiced chai or hot chocolate for an inviting fall treat.
Keyword chocolate chip, cookies, fall, pumpkin
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