Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies | Soft, Spiced Fall Treat

As autumn settles in and the air grows crisp, few treats capture the cozy essence of the season quite like chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. The warm aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice filling the kitchen is an invitation to slow down and savor the comforts of fall. Unlike traditional cookies, these pumpkin-infused delights boast a soft, tender texture that feels like a cross between a cookie and a pumpkin bread bite—chewy on the inside with just the right amount of sweetness from gooey chocolate chips.

Pumpkin adds more than just flavor—it brings natural moisture, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking a batch for a family gathering, a Halloween party, or just a cozy night in with a mug of coffee, these cookies strike the perfect balance between seasonal indulgence and nostalgic comfort. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, require simple pantry ingredients, and can be customized to suit any taste.

Ingredients Needed

Below is a detailed list of the ingredients you’ll need to bake these delicious cookies, along with their approximate calorie counts per serving size (based on standard measurements).

Ingredient	Quantity	Calories (Approx.)
All-purpose flour	2 ¼ cups (270g)	455
Baking soda	1 teaspoon	0
Salt	½ teaspoon	0
Ground cinnamon	1 teaspoon	6
Ground nutmeg	¼ teaspoon	3
Unsalted butter (softened)	½ cup (113g)	810
Brown sugar	¾ cup (150g)	570
Granulated sugar	½ cup (100g)	400
Pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)	½ cup (120g)	50
Egg yolk	1 large	55
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon	12
Semi-sweet chocolate chips	1 cup (170g)	800

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure even baking and easy cleanup.
2. Mix the dry ingredients
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step ensures that all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
3. Cream the butter and sugars
   In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. This process adds air, which helps create that perfect chewy texture.
4. Incorporate the wet ingredients
   Add the pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until smooth and well combined. The dough may look slightly softer than typical cookie dough—that’s okay!
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients
   Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until the flour disappears. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
6. Add chocolate chips
   Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly using a spatula or wooden spoon.
7. Scoop and bake
   Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough balls (about 1.5 tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden and the centers look just set.
8. Cool and enjoy
   Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They will continue to firm up slightly as they cool while maintaining their signature chewiness.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

• Add texture: Mix in chopped pecans, walnuts, or even pumpkin seeds for a satisfying crunch.
• Use white chocolate chips: Swap semi-sweet for white chocolate to complement the pumpkin’s natural sweetness.
• Make them spicier: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a bolder autumn spice flavor.
• Gluten-free version: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend (1:1 ratio).
• Dairy-free option: Use coconut oil or vegan butter, and dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Pumpkin spice twist: Replace cinnamon and nutmeg with 1½ teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice for a quicker flavor blend.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Cookie
Calories	135
Total Fat	6g
Saturated Fat	3.5g
Cholesterol	15mg
Sodium	70mg
Total Carbohydrates	18g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	10g
Protein	2g

Serving Suggestions

• Pair your cookies with a steaming mug of pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall treat.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert twist.
• Pack them in festive tins or boxes to give as holiday gifts.
• Crumble leftover cookies over Greek yogurt or oatmeal for a cozy breakfast topping.
• Enjoy them alongside hot apple cider during autumn gatherings or movie nights.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes! You can use fresh pumpkin puree as long as it’s well-drained and smooth. Simply roast or steam your pumpkin, blend it until creamy, and strain out any excess liquid. Too much moisture can make the cookies cakey instead of chewy.

2. Why are my pumpkin cookies more cakey than chewy?

Pumpkin naturally adds moisture, which can make cookies puffier. To keep them chewy, make sure to blot your pumpkin puree with a paper towel before adding it to the dough, and use only the egg yolk—not the whole egg—to reduce extra moisture.

3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Many bakers also add ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum if their mix doesn’t already include it for better texture.

4. How should I store pumpkin chocolate chip cookies?

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container—the cookies will absorb its moisture and stay chewy longer.

5. Can I freeze the dough or baked cookies?

Yes! For dough, scoop portions onto a tray, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. For baked cookies, cool completely before freezing. Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back the fresh-baked texture.

Conclusion

Chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies bring all the best flavors of fall into one irresistible bite. The combination of velvety pumpkin, warm spices, and melty chocolate chips makes these cookies a standout seasonal favorite. Easy to bake, endlessly customizable, and perfect for sharing, they’ll quickly become your go-to treat when pumpkin season rolls around.