Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that brings the warmth of fall into your kitchen, you’re in for a delicious surprise! These Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just any cookies; they are a celebration of flavors that blend the rich essence of pumpkin with the sweetness of chocolate. This recipe is close to my heart because it’s perfect for any occasion—be it busy weeknights or family gatherings. Once you take a bite, you’ll understand why these cookies have earned a permanent spot in my recipe book.

Baking these cookies fills your home with an irresistible aroma that makes everyone feel welcome. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them a favorite among bakers of all levels!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 25 minutes of prep time, you can have these delightful treats ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the combination of pumpkin and chocolate—your kids will be asking for seconds!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: These cookies store well, so you can bake a batch and enjoy them throughout the week.
• Moist and Chewy Texture: Thanks to the pumpkin puree, every bite is soft and satisfying.
• Perfectly Spiced: The warm cinnamon adds just the right touch, making these cookies feel like a hug in dessert form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies requires simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need to create this delightful treat:

Wet Ingredients

• 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

Dry Ingredients

• 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

Add-Ins

• 1 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add Nuts: Mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Use Different Chips: Swap out semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile.
• Spice It Up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra kick of warmth.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.

How to Make Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial as it ensures even baking. While the oven heats up, line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or spray them with non-stick spray.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, egg (or applesauce), granulated sugar, brown sugar, canola oil, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until everything is well combined. This mixture forms the flavorful base for our cookies!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the salt, baking soda, baking powder, and flour. Mixing dry ingredients separately helps ensure an even distribution of leavening agents throughout your cookie dough.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gently add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones!

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Now comes the best part! Stir in those lovely semi-sweet chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed throughout your dough.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Using a small scoop or rounded tablespoon measure, drop about 12 cookie mounds onto each prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between them since they will spread slightly while baking.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-13 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Once baked, remove them from the tray and let them cool on a wire rack. Enjoy your homemade Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies while they’re still warm—there’s nothing quite like it!

Pro Tips for Making Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking can be a delightful experience, and with these simple tips, your cookies will turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients – Ensuring your egg and pumpkin puree are at room temperature helps them blend seamlessly, resulting in a smoother batter and fluffier cookies.

• Don’t overmix the dough – Mixing just until combined prevents gluten from developing too much, which keeps your cookies soft and tender instead of dense.

• Chill the dough briefly – If you have some extra time, chilling your cookie dough for about 30 minutes can help the flavors meld together and create thicker cookies that hold their shape better while baking.

• Watch the baking time – Every oven is different! Start checking your cookies around the 10-minute mark; they should be lightly golden around the edges but soft in the center for that perfect chewy texture.

• Store properly – To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for up to three months for a delicious treat anytime!

How to Serve Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. Whether it’s a cozy gathering or a festive celebration, here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of sea salt – A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the warm cookies enhances their sweetness and adds a delightful contrast.

• Chopped nuts – A scattering of finely chopped walnuts or pecans adds an extra crunch and nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin wonderfully.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider – The comforting spices in warm apple cider pair beautifully with the flavors of these cookies, making it a perfect beverage choice for fall gatherings.

• Vanilla almond milk – For a lighter option, serve with chilled vanilla almond milk. Its subtle sweetness enhances the flavor profile of the cookies without overpowering them.

• Pumpkin spice latte – Complement your cookies with a cozy pumpkin spice latte. The warm spices will echo the flavors in your cookies, creating a harmonious treat experience.

• Fresh fruit salad – A refreshing side of fruit salad balances out the sweetness of the cookies while adding brightness to your dessert table. Consider using seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and pomegranates for an autumn touch!

Enjoy baking these Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies and sharing them with friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch in advance and enjoy them throughout the week or even share them with friends. Here’s how to store and manage your cookie stash effectively.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you want to keep them fresher longer, place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain moisture.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour.
• Once frozen, transfer cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• For an extra treat, add a few chocolate chips on top before reheating!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies that might help you out!

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned for Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Yes, you can absolutely use fresh pumpkin! Just make sure to cook and puree it until smooth before measuring out the equivalent of one cup.

How do I make my Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies more chewy?

To achieve chewier cookies, try adding an extra egg yolk or using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. This will enhance the moisture content and create a delightful texture.

What can I substitute for chocolate chips in these cookies?

If you’re looking for alternatives, consider using white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even chopped nuts for added crunch.

How long do Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies last?

These delicious cookies can last up to 5 days at room temperature when stored properly in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies! They’re not only moist and delicious but also bring the cozy flavors of fall into your kitchen year-round. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or sharing them with loved ones, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!