Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, then you’ve come to the right place! These Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful blend of flavors that elevates any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these cookies make everyone smile. The combination of pumpkin and chocolate creates a magical synergy, reminding us of the best moments of fall.

This recipe has been a cherished favorite in my home for years. The rich, moist texture and the sweet chocolate chips make each bite pure joy. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, so you can enjoy them fresh out of the oven in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have these cookies baking in your oven in about 25 minutes!
• Perfect for sharing: This recipe yields about 30 cookies, making it ideal for parties or just to keep on hand for snacking.
• Family-approved flavor: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet taste of pumpkin paired with chocolate.
• Versatile ingredient options: You can easily substitute ingredients based on what you have at home, making this recipe adaptable to your pantry.
• A taste of nostalgia: These cookies capture the essence of fall and bring back warm memories with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create delicious cookies. Let’s gather everything 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 parts about these Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies is how flexible they are! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch and richness.
• Mix in spices: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of flavor.
• Use different chocolate: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark or white chocolate chips depending on your preference.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs without sacrificing taste.

How to Make Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, egg (or applesauce), granulated sugar, brown sugar, canola oil, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mixing these ingredients well is crucial as it creates a smooth batter that helps the cookies stay moist.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the salt, baking soda, baking powder, and flour. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps ensure even distribution when combined with the wet mixture.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Now it’s time to mix! Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those cookies tender and soft!

Step 5: Stir in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in those delicious semi-sweet chocolate chips. They’ll melt slightly while baking and make each bite extra special.

Step 6: Scoop onto Baking Sheets

Using a small scoop or rounded tablespoon measure, drop dough onto prepared cookie sheets—aiming for about 12 cookies per sheet as they will spread slightly while baking.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-13 minutes until they start turning golden around the edges. Once done, remove them from the tray and let them cool on a wire rack. This part is essential because it allows them to set properly before diving in!

And there you have it—your very own batch of Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking these delicious cookies can be even more rewarding with a few helpful tips!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your egg (or applesauce) and pumpkin puree to room temperature helps create a smoother batter, ensuring even mixing and a fluffier texture.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mixing just until combined prevents the cookies from becoming tough. It’s okay if there are a few small lumps; they’ll bake out during cooking.

• Chill the Dough If Possible: Allowing the dough to chill for 30 minutes can enhance the flavors and help prevent spreading, leading to thicker cookies that stay soft in the center.

• Check for Doneness Carefully: Since ovens can vary, start checking your cookies at 10 minutes. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the middle for that perfect chewy texture.

• Store Properly for Freshness: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature; this keeps them moist and delicious for several days.

How to Serve Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are not only a treat but also a delight to present! Here are some ideas to make your serving stand out.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of Sea Salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a delightful contrast.

• Drizzle of Chocolate: A simple drizzle of melted semi-sweet chocolate over the cooled cookies adds an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.

Side Dishes

• Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spices in chai complement the pumpkin perfectly, creating a cozy pairing that’s ideal for fall gatherings.

• Vanilla Almond Milk: This creamy drink is a great non-dairy option that balances sweetness with its nutty flavor, making it a refreshing sidekick to your cookies.

• Apple Slices with Cinnamon Sugar: Crisp apple slices dusted with cinnamon sugar provide a crunchy contrast to the soft cookies while adding an autumnal flair.

• Caramel Sauce for Dipping: A small bowl of warm caramel sauce invites everyone to indulge by dipping their cookies, bringing an extra layer of decadence to each bite.

Enjoy these delightful Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies with loved ones; they’re sure to brighten anyone’s day!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time, store them properly, and enjoy them throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you prefer softer cookies, place a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookies to a resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delicious cookies!

What makes Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies so special?

These cookies combine the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices with the sweetness of chocolate chips, creating a nostalgic treat that’s perfect for fall or any time of year!

Can I make Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. The result will still be deliciously soft and flavorful.

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

To keep your cookies soft, avoid overbaking them. They should be slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven, as they will continue to firm up while cooling. Storing them with a slice of bread also helps maintain their softness.

What variations can I try with Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. You can also use white chocolate chips or even butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies! They are not only easy to prepare but also filled with warm flavors that bring comfort on any day. Enjoy sharing them with your loved ones—or savoring them all by yourself! Happy baking!