Fall baking is all about warm spices, cozy treats, and recipes that make your kitchen smell incredible. Few desserts capture the season better than pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. These cookies are the perfect combination of soft pumpkin-spiced dough with melty chocolate chips throughout, making them an irresistible fall favorite. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday party, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these pumpkin chocolate chip cookies will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.

What sets this recipe apart is the texture: soft and chewy with just the right amount of pumpkin flavor balanced by rich chocolate. Many pumpkin cookies can turn out cakey, but this recipe uses cornstarch and just the right ratio of butter to pumpkin puree to ensure a cookie that holds together beautifully while staying moist.

If you’ve been searching for the ultimate fall cookie recipe that feels comforting yet indulgent, you’ve found it. And the best part? These cookies are easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, so you can whip up a batch any time the pumpkin craving hits.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Perfectly soft and chewy – no cakey texture
• Rich pumpkin flavor enhanced with pumpkin pie spice
• Loaded with gooey semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Easy to make with one bowl and simple ingredients
• Great for fall gatherings, bake sales, or cozy nights in

Ingredients for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

To make these cookies, you’ll need:

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

Mix-ins

• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fully combined.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. The cornstarch helps keep the cookies chewy while the pumpkin pie spice infuses them with warm fall flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is important for preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking and for enhancing the flavors.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and place them on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. These cookies are delicious warm with melty chocolate chips, but they’re equally tasty once cooled.

Pro Tips for the Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Use real pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The latter contains added spices and sweeteners that can throw off the flavor and texture.
• Chill the dough before baking to help control spreading and to intensify the flavors.
• Don’t overbake – the cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when removed from the oven. They’ll continue cooking on the baking sheet.
• For extra indulgence, sprinkle a few chocolate chips on top of the dough balls before baking for a bakery-style look.

Variations

• White Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies – Swap out the semi-sweet chips for white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier flavor.
• Nutty Pumpkin Cookies – Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch and an earthy balance to the sweetness.
• Glazed Pumpkin Cookies – Drizzle a light vanilla or cream cheese glaze over the cooled cookies for an extra treat.
• Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies – Add 1 cup of rolled oats to the dough for a heartier cookie.

What to Pair With Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are a fantastic treat on their own, but they pair beautifully with:

• A hot cup of coffee or pumpkin spice latte
• A glass of cold milk
• Hot apple cider for a festive fall pairing
• Vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert sandwich

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave.
• Freezing Cookie Dough: Portion the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute to the baking time.

FAQs

Why are my pumpkin cookies cakey?
Pumpkin naturally adds moisture to cookies. Using cornstarch and the right butter-to-pumpkin ratio prevents cakiness.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Yes, just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth. Strain excess liquid before using.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute an equal amount of 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Do I need to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling is highly recommended. It helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents spreading.

Nutrition Facts (per cookie, approx.)

• Calories: 210
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Sugar: 17g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 120mg

Conclusion

Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are the ultimate fall treat that combines everything you love about the season: warm spices, comforting pumpkin, and gooey chocolate. They’re easy to make, customizable, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re baking them for friends, family, or simply to treat yourself, this recipe guarantees cookies that will disappear in minutes. So grab a can of pumpkin puree and whip up a batch today—you’ll quickly see why this recipe earns the title The BEST Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies.