Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, look no further than these Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies! They are a delightful blend of warm spices and rich chocolate, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening at home or sharing them with family and friends at gatherings, these cookies will surely bring smiles all around.

What makes these cookies extra special is their moist texture and the fantastic balance of pumpkin flavor and chocolate goodness. Plus, they are easy to whip up, so you can have a batch ready in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious cookies baking in your oven.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike love the combination of pumpkin and chocolate.
• Perfect for Fall: The warm spices make these cookies a seasonal delight that brings comfort on chilly days.
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it to bake fresh cookies later.
• Yummy Versatility: These cookies are great for sharing or enjoying with your favorite hot beverage.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for these Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies is a breeze! You’ll find that they are all simple, wholesome items you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you need:

• 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

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily tweak it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are a few fun ideas to try:

• Swap the sweeteners: Use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a different flavor profile.
• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can give your cookies an added crunch!
• Mix in dried fruit: Try adding raisins or cranberries for an extra layer of sweetness and chewiness.
• Experiment with spices: If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out cinnamon for nutmeg or ginger to change up the spice level.

How to Make Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This step is crucial because it ensures your cookies bake evenly. While the oven heats, line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or give them a quick spritz with non-stick spray.

Step 2: Mix the 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 blended. This creates a lovely base full of flavor and moisture that will keep your cookies soft.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together salt, baking soda, baking powder, and flour. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout your dough so that every cookie rises perfectly.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined; overmixing can lead to tougher cookies. We want them soft and chewy!

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in those semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Who doesn’t love finding chunks of chocolate in every bite?

Step 6: Scoop the Dough

Using a small scoop or rounded tablespoon measure, drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared cookie sheets—about 12 per sheet should do it! Keep in mind that these cookies will spread slightly as they bake.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop those trays into your preheated oven and bake for about 10–13 minutes. You want them lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool on wire racks.

There you go! Now you have delicious Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips for Making Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking is all about feeling confident and having fun! Here are some helpful tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients – Bringing your pumpkin puree and egg to room temperature helps them combine more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and a fluffier cookie texture.

• Don’t overmix the dough – Mixing just until combined prevents the cookies from becoming tough, giving you that soft and chewy texture we all love.

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes – If you have the time, chilling the dough can help enhance the flavors and prevent excessive spreading while baking, leading to thicker cookies.

• Experiment with add-ins – While chocolate chips are fantastic, consider adding nuts or dried fruits for extra flavor and texture. Walnuts or cranberries can make a delightful addition!

• Keep an eye on baking time – Every oven is different; start checking your cookies at the lower end of the recommended baking time. They’re done when they are lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.

How to Serve Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family! Present them in a way that makes everyone feel special.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle with sea salt – A light dusting of flaky sea salt on top before baking enhances the sweet flavor of the cookies.
• Drizzle with melted chocolate – After cooling, a drizzle of melted semi-sweet chocolate adds an elegant touch and extra sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider – The warm spices in apple cider complement the pumpkin flavor beautifully, creating a cozy fall treat.
• Vanilla ice cream – A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream served alongside these cookies makes for a delicious dessert combination that everyone will adore.
• Coffee or tea – Pairing these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea elevates your snack time into a delightful experience.
• Fruit platter – Fresh seasonal fruits like pears or apples add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cookies, making for a balanced dessert spread.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress your family and friends with your delicious Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep, making your life a little sweeter and easier! You can bake a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week or even share some with friends and family.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
• Make sure they cool completely before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.

Freezing

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their delicious flavor!

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• You can also microwave them briefly for about 10-15 seconds if you prefer that method.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delightful cookies:

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

Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth. Drain any excess moisture so it doesn’t affect the cookie texture.

What makes these Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies so moist?

The combination of canned pumpkin puree and oil keeps these cookies incredibly moist and tender. Plus, using applesauce as an egg substitute adds even more moisture if you prefer that option.

How do I ensure my Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies stay soft?

Make sure not to overbake them; they should be soft in the center when you take them out. Also, store them in an airtight container once cooled to maintain their softness.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.

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 treats; they’re memories waiting to happen. Whether you’re enjoying them with family, sharing them with friends, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to bring warmth and happiness. Happy baking!