Name: Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup brown sugar (packed); 0.5 cup granulated sugar; 1 egg (large); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 2.5 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 0.5 tsp baking powder; 0.5 tsp salt; 1 tsp cinnamon; 0.5 tsp nutmeg; 0.25 tsp ground cloves (optional); 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate fall treat—soft, moist, and packed with warm spices and melty chocolate chips. Pumpkin puree keeps the cookies tender while adding subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. These cookies are perfect for holiday cookie swaps, cozy autumn afternoons, or anytime you crave a soft, flavorful dessert.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup pumpkin puree
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients:
Mix in egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree until fully incorporated.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Add Chocolate Chips:
Fold in chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
Shape Cookies:
Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
Bake:
Bake 12–15 minutes or until edges are set but centers remain soft. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips for Perfect Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Do Not Overmix: Overmixing the flour can result in denser cookies.
Slightly Undercook: Cookies continue to bake on the sheet after removal, keeping them chewy.
Chill Dough: For thicker cookies, chill dough for 30 minutes before baking.

Variations

Add Nuts: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
White Chocolate Twist: Substitute white chocolate chips for a sweeter variation.
Spice Boost: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for a unique fall flavor.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Pumpkin desserts are a staple of fall and holiday baking in North America.
Chocolate and pumpkin pair beautifully, balancing sweetness and earthy flavors.
These cookies reflect the modern trend of using seasonal produce in classic treats for flavor and moisture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a glass of milk or cup of coffee.
Package in festive tins for holiday gifting.
Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.