30 Minute Chocolate Chip and Pumpkin Cookies So Soft & Chewy
There’s nothing quite like the magical combination of rich chocolate chips melting into tender, spiced pumpkin cookies. These delightfully soft treats capture autumn’s essence in every bite, blending the warm comfort of pumpkin puree with irresistible chocolate sweetness.
What makes these cookies truly special is their incredible simplicity – they come together in just 30 minutes using pantry staples you likely already have. Much like our popular snickerdoodles, these chocolate chip and pumpkin cookies have become a family favorite that brings everyone together in the kitchen.
What Are Chocolate Chip and Pumpkin Cookies?
Ever wonder why pumpkin and chocolate make such perfect partners? It’s like autumn decided to throw a party and invited the two most beloved flavors to dance together! These cookies marry the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with rich chocolate chips, creating a treat that’s both nostalgic and exciting.
As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these cookies certainly prove that point. Ready to fall in love with your new favorite cookie?
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip and Pumpkin Cookies Recipe
Amazing Flavor Combination
These cookies deliver the perfect balance of warm pumpkin spices and rich chocolate in every single bite. The pumpkin adds natural moisture and subtle sweetness, while the chocolate chips provide delightful bursts of indulgence that make your taste buds sing.
Budget-Friendly Home Baking
Making these chocolate chip and pumpkin cookies at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay at a bakery. With simple ingredients like canned pumpkin and basic pantry spices, you can create dozens of cookies for under $5, making them perfect for large gatherings or meal prep.
Irresistible Texture and Toppings
The secret lies in the incredibly soft, cake-like texture that comes from the pumpkin puree, combined with perfectly distributed chocolate chips that create pockets of melted goodness. Unlike our classic chocolate chip cookies, these stay remarkably tender and never dry out. Why not give homemade baking a try and experience the joy of fresh-baked cookies filling your kitchen with amazing aromas?
How to Make Chocolate Chip and Pumpkin Cookies
Quick Overview
These chocolate chip and pumpkin cookies are wonderfully easy to make and incredibly satisfying to eat. The key to their success lies in the perfect balance of pumpkin puree, warm spices, and high-quality chocolate chips that create a soft, chewy texture with amazing fall flavors.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 12-15 minutes per batch
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 36 cookies
Key Ingredients for Chocolate Chip and Pumpkin Cookies
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup melted butter, cooled slightly
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Mix-ins:
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Setup
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even browning. Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center for optimal heat distribution.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture is creamy and uniform in color.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. This ensures even distribution of spices throughout your cookies and prevents any lumps in the final dough.
Step 4: Create the Cookie Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix, as this can make cookies tough. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Reserve a few extra chocolate chips to press on top of cookies before baking for an extra appealing appearance.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are set and centers appear slightly underdone. They’ll continue cooking on the hot pan after removal.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This prevents breaking while ensuring they maintain their soft texture. Serve warm or store for later enjoyment.
What to Serve Chocolate Chip and Pumpkin Cookies With
These delightful cookies pair beautifully with a steaming mug of hot apple cider or spiced chai tea, enhancing the warm autumn flavors. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk.
They also complement other fall desserts like pumpkin pie or apple crisp when creating a seasonal dessert spread. Consider serving them with a warm pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate cozy afternoon snack.
Top Tips for Perfecting Chocolate Chip and Pumpkin Cookies
Use Quality Pumpkin Puree: Always choose 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugars that can throw off the recipe’s balance. Libby’s is a reliable brand that consistently delivers great results.
Don’t Overbake: These cookies continue cooking on the hot pan after removal, so slightly underbaked centers ensure perfectly soft cookies. Look for set edges rather than completely firm centers.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs to room temperature by placing them in warm water for 10 minutes. This helps ingredients blend more easily and creates a smoother dough texture.
Ingredient Substitutions: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for added nutrition, or use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version. Mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly than regular-sized ones.
Storage Secret: Add a slice of bread to your storage container to keep cookies soft and prevent them from drying out over time.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store your chocolate chip and pumpkin cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For maximum freshness, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. These cookies actually taste better after 24 hours, as the flavors have time to meld together beautifully.
For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the cookie dough by scooping it onto baking sheets, freezing until solid, then transferring to freezer bags. Bake frozen dough directly from the freezer, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
To reheat, warm cookies in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes or microwave individual cookies for 10-15 seconds. This restores their just-baked softness and makes the chocolate chips slightly melty again.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Cookie (1 of 36) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 145 |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 12mg |
| Sodium | 95mg |
| Total Carbs | 23g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 12g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Vitamin A | 8% DV |
| Iron | 4% DV |
Values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute fresh pumpkin puree for canned. Roast a sugar pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and puree until smooth. Make sure to drain excess moisture by placing the puree in a fine-mesh strainer for 30 minutes before using.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Excessive spreading usually occurs when butter is too warm or dough is too soft. Chill your dough for 30 minutes before baking, and ensure your melted butter has cooled to room temperature before mixing.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend like King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I prevent my chocolate chips from sinking?
Toss chocolate chips in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the dough. This helps them stay suspended throughout the cookie during baking.
Can I add other mix-ins besides chocolate chips?
Definitely! Try butterscotch chips, white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped pecans. Keep the total mix-in amount to about 1 1/2 cups for best results.
What’s the best way to measure pumpkin puree?
Use the spoon-and-level method for accuracy. Spoon pumpkin puree into your measuring cup and level with a knife. Packed measurements can make cookies too dense and moist.
Pro Baker’s Additional Tips
Enhance the Spice Profile: Toast whole spices like cinnamon sticks and nutmeg in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes, then grind them fresh. This intensifies the flavor significantly compared to pre-ground spices.
Create Cookie Variations: Make half the batch with dark chocolate chips and half with white chocolate for variety. You can also create a drizzle using melted chocolate or cream cheese glaze for special occasions.
Altitude Adjustments: If baking above 3,000 feet, reduce baking soda by half and increase flour by 2 tablespoons to prevent cookies from spreading too much in the lower air pressure.
Make-Ahead Strategy: Mix your dry ingredients up to a week ahead and store in an airtight container. This makes the actual baking process even quicker when you’re ready to make cookies.
These chocolate chip and pumpkin cookies truly capture the essence of fall baking, combining convenience with incredible homemade flavor. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, school event, or simply treating yourself, this recipe delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results every single time. The combination of warm spices, creamy pumpkin, and rich chocolate creates a cookie that’s impossible to resist and guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite in your home.
