Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that brings the warmth of fall into your kitchen, you’ve found it! These Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just your average cookie; they are soft, moist, and bursting with flavor. I love making these during busy weeknights or for family gatherings, as they fill the home with the delightful aroma of cinnamon and pumpkin. Plus, who can resist the sweet surprise of chocolate chips in every bite?

These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying with a warm cup of tea. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll want to bake them again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you’ll have delicious cookies ready in no time!
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike adore the sweet pumpkin and chocolate combo—guaranteed smiles all around.
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake a batch ahead of time and store them! They freeze beautifully for later enjoyment.
• Perfectly spiced: The blend of cinnamon (or pumpkin spice) gives these cookies that warm, inviting flavor we all love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create our delicious cookies. You probably have most of these in your pantry already!

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg (or 1/4 cup applesauce)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons canola oil (for extra fluffy, omit 2 tablespoons canola oil)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (or pumpkin spice)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and add your own twist.

• Add nuts: Mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
• Swap the chocolate: Try using dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs.
• Add spices: Experiment with nutmeg or ginger for additional warmth and spice!

How to Make Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly chewy.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, egg (or applesauce), granulated sugar, brown sugar, canola oil, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Mixing these well allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the salt, baking soda, baking powder, and flour. This step is crucial as it helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout your cookie dough.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Carefully add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix! This keeps your cookies light and fluffy.

Step 5: Stir in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in those delicious semi-sweet chocolate chips. They will melt slightly while baking—pure magic!

Step 6: Scoop onto Baking Sheets

Using a small scoop or rounded tablespoon measure, drop about 12 cookies per parchment-lined baking sheet. Don’t worry if they spread a little; that’s part of their charm!

Step 7: Bake Them Up!

Bake your cookies for about 10-13 minutes until they are lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Allow them to cool on wire racks before diving in!

Enjoy these scrumptious Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies any time you need a little comfort or sweetness in your day!

Pro Tips for Making Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking these delicious cookies is a breeze, but a few tips can make your experience even better!

• Use fresh ingredients – Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for the best rise. Expired leavening agents can lead to flat cookies.
• Don’t overmix the dough – When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the soft, tender texture we love.
• Chill the dough – If you have time, chill your cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld and results in a thicker cookie that doesn’t spread too much.
• Experiment with spices – Feel free to add additional spices like nutmeg or ginger for an extra flavor boost. Different spice combinations can create a unique twist on this classic recipe!
• Store properly – To keep cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just make sure they’re well wrapped.

How to Serve Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These delightful cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a cozy night in. Here are some fun ways to present them!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting – A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness.
• Chocolate drizzle – Drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled cookies makes them look irresistible and adds an extra layer of chocolate goodness.

Side Dishes

• Spiced chai tea – The warm spices in chai tea complement the pumpkin flavor beautifully, making it an ideal beverage pairing.
• Apple cider – Enjoying these cookies with hot apple cider enhances the autumnal vibes, creating a comforting treat.
• Vanilla ice cream – Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that balances warmth with creaminess.
• Fresh fruit salad – A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and contrasts nicely with the rich flavors of the cookies.

Now you’re all set to enjoy your Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week or save some for later. Here’s how to store them properly:

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours.
• Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place frozen cookies on a baking sheet and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave each cookie for about 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

Got questions? Here are some common ones regarding Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just make sure to cook and puree it until smooth before measuring out a cup for this recipe.

How do I make Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies fluffier?

For fluffier cookies, you can omit the extra two tablespoons of oil in the recipe. This will give them an even lighter texture!

Can I substitute the chocolate chips with something else?

Absolutely! You can use white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even nuts if you prefer a crunchier cookie.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough seems too sticky, add a little extra flour—start with one tablespoon at a time—until you reach the desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies as much as I do! They’re not just delicious; they bring warmth and comfort during those cozy fall days. Enjoy sharing them with loved ones or savoring them all by yourself. Happy baking!