Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are soft, fluffy, and packed with warm fall flavors. Each bite has the perfect balance of sweet pumpkin, cozy spices, and melty chocolate chips. They come together quickly and make the perfect seasonal treat for family gatherings, holidays, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of coffee or tea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.

• Perfectly soft and cake-like with a hint of spice.

• Loaded with gooey chocolate chips for extra sweetness.

• A festive cookie recipe for fall and holiday baking.

• Great for make-ahead treats since they store well.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tbsp vanilla extract
2 cups chocolate chips, semi-sweet or milk chocolate

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Batter will be thick and sticky.

5. Fold in chocolate chips.

6. Drop 2 tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.

7. Bake 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 18 cookies

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.

• Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter flavor.

• Sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top before baking for extra spice.

• Swap pumpkin pie spice with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves if you don’t have it on hand.

• Make them gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes, just be sure to cook and puree it until smooth, and drain excess liquid to avoid overly wet batter.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

No chilling is required—these cookies are meant to be baked right after mixing.

Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil?

Yes, melted butter can be substituted for a richer flavor, though the cookies may be slightly denser.

What type of chocolate chips work best?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips balance the pumpkin flavor perfectly, but milk or dark chocolate chips also work well.

How do I make the cookies softer?

Make sure not to overbake. Pull them out when a toothpick comes out just clean for the softest texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled to make a larger batch.

Why are my cookies flat?

If cookies turn out flat, check that your baking soda and baking powder are fresh. Also, avoid overmixing the batter.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make them a day or two ahead and store them in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, scoop the dough onto a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the bake time.

Are these cookies cakey or chewy?

These pumpkin cookies are more on the cakey side, with a soft and fluffy texture.

Conclusion

Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are the ultimate fall dessert, combining cozy spices and sweet chocolate in a perfectly soft treat. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen. Bake a batch today and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of autumn.

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