Irresistible Soft & Spiced Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies: The Ultimate Fall Treat

As the crisp air signals the arrival of autumn and leaves begin to paint the landscape in hues of gold and crimson, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your home. These Soft and Spiced Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a warm embrace, a nostalgic journey back to cherished childhood memories, and the perfect way to either kickstart your cozy fall morning or wind down your day with a delightful dessert.

I’ve been passionately immersed in the world of food blogging for quite a considerable period now – roughly seven and a half years, to be precise! It’s always amusing to witness people’s surprise when they inquire about my blogging tenure. Most often, I find that fellow bloggers have been at it for one or two years, with a dedicated few reaching the five-year mark. My journey has been one of continuous learning and growth, especially in the art of culinary storytelling.

During those formative first couple of years, I had the pleasure of sharing some truly exceptional recipes that have remained perennial favorites. However, looking back, my understanding of food photography was, to put it mildly, rudimentary. I could manage some basic styling, but the nuances of proper lighting and composition were certainly beyond my grasp at the time. The visual appeal, so crucial in food blogging, was an area I desperately needed to master.

Among those early treasures was an all-time favorite cookie recipe: my original Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, first unveiled way back in 2008. Given my significantly improved photography skills today, I felt it was high time these beloved pumpkin cookies received the spotlight they truly deserve. This wasn’t just about new photos; it was an opportunity to revisit and refine the recipe itself. I’ve made subtle adjustments, elevating them to an even higher standard of deliciousness. Now softer, more richly spiced, and bursting with flavor, these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the quintessential treat for those crisp autumn mornings and evenings when the leaves are transforming into a breathtaking tapestry of color.

A Taste of Childhood: From Raisins to Chocolate Chips

My profound affection for these cookies dates back to my earliest memories. As soon as September rolled around, transforming summer’s warmth into autumn’s embrace, local grocery stores would begin baking their signature soft pumpkin raisin cookies, generously crowned with a vibrant, unmistakable orange icing. These seasonal delights were often a bit of a splurge for our family.

My dad, ever the savvy shopper, would patiently wait until these tempting treats went on reduced sale, then proudly bring home a dozen for us to enjoy. They were a rare indulgence, a beacon of fall’s arrival. Funnily enough, these pumpkin cookies were probably the only instance where I willingly accepted, and even enjoyed, raisins in a baked good. The unique combination of soft pumpkin, warm spices, and that sweet icing somehow made the raisins not just palatable, but an integral part of the experience.

Now that I’ve grown up, my palate has, shall we say, evolved. While the nostalgic memory of those raisin cookies remains, I’ve taken the liberty of making a glorious upgrade: swapping out the raisins entirely for generous amounts of decadent chocolate chips. Because, let’s be honest, as adults, we’re absolutely allowed to make such delicious decisions! The rich, melty chocolate combined with the soft, spiced pumpkin creates a harmony that is simply irresistible, a modern twist on a cherished classic.

Embracing the Pumpkin Craze (But Only the Best!)

It’s quite amusing, but this particular year, I haven’t found myself diving headfirst into the pumpkin obsession as much as I typically do. Of course, my beloved pumpkin spice lattes remain a non-negotiable part of my autumn ritual – some traditions are simply too sacred to break! However, when it comes to baking, I’ve been surprisingly selective with my pumpkin recipes this season.

Aside from these phenomenal cookies, I’ve only shared a handful of other pumpkin creations, including my delightful pumpkin French toast roll-ups, luscious pumpkin cannoli, a quick and satisfying single-serving pumpkin cookie, and charming mini pumpkin cheesecakes. I actually had a plethora of other pumpkin-inspired ideas swirling in my mind, but none of them truly resonated with me this time around. It seems my heart (and my cravings) were solely set on these incredible Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies.

And honestly, I could argue that these cookies might just be all the pumpkin-infused joy you need this autumn. Their perfect balance of soft, chewy texture, aromatic spices, and melty chocolate chips captures the very essence of fall in a way that few other desserts can. They are a testament to how sometimes, the simplest and most comforting recipes are truly the most satisfying.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Yield:
2 dozen

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
30 minutes

Soft and spiced Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies remind me of childhood and are the ideal way to end (or start) your day as fall takes over.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground clove
1/2 cup (8 tablespoons or 4 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove.
In another large bowl, beat together the butter, sugar, and pumpkin until well combined.
Beat in the egg and vanilla. Gradually beat in the flour mixture then add the chocolate chips.
Using a #40 cookie scoop or by hand, scoop the dough into 1 1/2 tablespoons onto the cookie sheets (dough will be soft and sticky). Flatten them down slightly and keep them as round as possible as the cookies won’t spread much.
Bake 10-12 minutes or until the edges are firm. Cool for 5 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack.

Notes

I wrote this recipe before I focused on small batch recipes. To freeze the extra cookie dough, scoop each one onto a plate or tray in a single layer and freeze until firm, about 1 hour. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and freeze until ready to bake.

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Expert Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Achieving the perfect batch of these soft and spiced pumpkin chocolate chip cookies is simple with a few insider tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your cookies come out wonderfully delicious every single time:

Choosing Your Pumpkin Puree

Always opt for 100% pure canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling contains added spices and sweeteners that will alter the flavor profile of these cookies. Make sure to check the label carefully!

The Art of Mixing

Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, rather than soft, cookies.
Room Temperature Egg: A room temperature egg emulsifies better with the other ingredients, creating a smoother, more uniform dough.
Melted Butter: The recipe calls for melted butter, which contributes to the cookies’ characteristic soft and chewy texture. Ensure it’s not hot when added to prevent cooking the egg.

Scooping and Baking Success

Uniform Size: Using a cookie scoop (like the recommended #40) ensures all your cookies are the same size, promoting even baking.
Flatten Slightly: As the dough is soft and sticky and these cookies don’t spread much, gently flattening them before baking helps achieve that classic cookie shape and prevents them from being too thick in the center.
Watch for Doneness: Bake until the edges are firm and lightly golden, but the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool. Overbaking is the enemy of a soft cookie!

Delicious Variations and Serving Suggestions

While these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect as they are, don’t hesitate to get creative with variations and serving ideas:

Chocolate Variety: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips – milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for a sweeter contrast.
Nutty Addition: For added texture and flavor, fold in half a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts with the chocolate chips.
Spice It Up: If you love an extra kick, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper can be added to the spice mix for a subtle warmth.
Serve Warm: These cookies are absolutely divine when served warm, allowing the chocolate chips to be delightfully gooey. Pair them with a cold glass of milk, a mug of hot coffee, or, of course, a pumpkin spice latte!
Dessert or Breakfast: While perfect as an afternoon treat or after-dinner dessert, don’t shy away from enjoying one with your morning coffee – a truly delicious way to start your day!

Storage and Freezing Tips

To keep your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh and delicious, proper storage is key:

Countertop Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Baked Cookies: Once completely cooled, place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave.
Freezing Dough: As noted in the recipe, you can easily freeze scooped dough balls. This allows you to bake fresh cookies whenever a craving strikes! Freeze the scoops on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.

This recipe, perfected over the years, is truly a testament to the comforting power of fall baking. It’s been adapted from Dishing Up Delights, a wonderful starting point that has blossomed into this irresistible treat. We hope you enjoy baking and savoring every single bite!

More Pumpkin Recipes For You To Bake

Single Serving Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Pumpkin Biscotti

Pumpkin Spice Kiss Cookie Cups

Pumpkin Bread Mini Loaves

Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Cookies