Name: Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed; 3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Looking for a melt-in-your-mouth cookie that’s perfect for cozy autumn afternoons or anytime you’re craving a bakery treat at home? Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies bring together the irresistible warmth of pumpkin spice and the nostalgic joy of gooey chocolate chips, all enveloped in a soft, pillowy bite. This is a recipe that instantly fills your kitchen with the scent of fall and brings smiles to every face at your table—one taste, and you’ll know why these cookies are truly a classic.

Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just a handful of pantry staples and a can of pumpkin puree, you’re minutes away from baking up a batch of cookies that taste as if they came straight from Grandma’s kitchen. Each ingredient plays a delicious part in giving Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies their signature flavor, texture, and gorgeous deep-golden color.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides that classic rich taste and ensures your cookies are supremely tender.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps give the cookies a gentle backbone.
Light brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Brings a boost of moisture and a hint of molasses flavor for added depth.
Canned pumpkin puree (3/4 cup): The star of the show, it adds unmistakable autumnal flavor and a soft, cakey texture.
Large egg (1): Binds everything together while helping the cookies rise just right.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the warm, spiced flavors beautifully.
All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Keeps the cookies soft but substantial enough to hold lots of chocolate chips.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Assists in just the right amount of leavening for tender cookies.
Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a little lift, keeping the cookies light and soft.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Provides that essential fall spice note everyone loves in pumpkin treats.
Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Contributes a warm, aromatic finish to each bite.
Ground ginger (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a mild, peppery brightness.
Ground cloves (1/8 teaspoon): Delivers just a whisper of deep spice for complexity.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Melty, sweet chocolate in every cookie turns this classic into pure comfort food.

How to Make Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and helps them bake evenly, so you get that perfectly soft texture every time.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer or sturdy wooden spoon to blend the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This step is the key foundation for pillowy Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step 3: Add Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla

Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until everything’s well blended. The pumpkin not only gives flavor but also makes these cookies extra moist and cake-like.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This ensures even distribution of spices and leaveners before they meet the wet ingredients.

Step 5: Mix Your Cookie Dough

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until you see no streaks of flour. Overmixing can create tough cookies, so use a light touch—think of it as folding autumn into every bite.

Step 6: Stir in the Chocolate Chips

Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, making sure each scoopful of dough is rich with chocolate goodness. The combination of chocolate and pumpkin is what makes these cookies truly feel like a warm hug.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers look a little soft—this is how you achieve the perfect soft-baked Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes so they firm up a bit, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief rest gives the flavors time to settle, resulting in better texture and flavor.

How to Serve Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

A gentle dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted white chocolate can give your Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies an irresistible bakery look. For more decadence, try a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar right after baking.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a mug of spiced chai, hot cocoa, or a warm apple cider. If you’re setting out a dessert spread, stack them beside brownies or blondies for a tempting fall-inspired display everyone will flock to.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn a batch of Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies into the center of a festive cookie platter arranged with fall leaves or mini pumpkins. For an extra treat, sandwich two cookies together with a dollop of cream cheese frosting. They also make charming edible gifts—just pop them into a cellophane bag with a rustic ribbon!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cookies soft and fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer parchment between any stacked cookies to prevent sticking. They’ll keep beautifully for up to four days—if they last that long!

Freezing

Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies freeze like a dream. Once cookies are fully cooled, arrange them in a single layer in a freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to two months, and pull out a few whenever you want a homemade treat in minutes.

Reheating

Warm up your frozen cookies by letting them thaw at room temperature for about an hour, or pop a cookie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a soft, gooey texture (and that just-baked aroma).

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you have homemade puree, simply use an equal amount. Just make sure it’s thick—not watery—so your cookies stay soft but don’t spread too much.

Why are my cookies cakey instead of chewy?

The pumpkin in these Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies naturally makes the texture cakier and softer than traditional cookies. For even more lift (and a fluffier crumb), try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

Can I substitute the chocolate chips with something else?

Of course! Try white chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries for a delicious twist while still enjoying the spiced pumpkin base.

What’s the best way to scoop the dough?

A tablespoon cookie scoop works wonders for evenly-sized cookies and tidy baking sheets. If you don’t have one, simply use a spoon and gently shape the dough into mounds.

Do Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies need to be refrigerated?

No refrigeration is required for these cookies once baked. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay soft and delightful for days.

Final Thoughts

Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies capture the heart of fall baking and are a guaranteed hit whether you’re sharing with family, friends, or simply treating yourself. Give this recipe a try—you’ll quickly discover a new favorite to come back to every pumpkin season!

Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect treat for fall, combining the warmth of pumpkin with the sweetness of chocolate chips. Soft and flavorful, they are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additions:

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla until well combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set.
Cool: Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.