There’s something deeply comforting about the aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin wafting through your kitchen on a crisp autumn day. If you’re craving a cozy, sweet treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite—look no further than these soft, chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.
This foolproof recipe delivers the perfect balance of warm spices, rich pumpkin puree, and melty semisweet chocolate chips. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, meal prepping sweet snacks, or simply satisfying a seasonal craving, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.
And don’t worry—they’re easy to make, require just one mixing bowl for dry ingredients, and come together in under an hour (including chilling time). Plus, I’ll share professional tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly golden, soft in the center, and slightly crisp on the edges every single time.
Let’s dive in!
🎃 Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
Before we get to the ingredients, here’s why this recipe stands out from the rest:
- No raw flour taste: The dough is chilled—this enhances flavor and prevents spreading.
- Perfect spice blend: Cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and cardamom create a complex, warming flavor without overpowering the pumpkin.
- Moist & tender texture: Thanks to real pumpkin puree and brown sugar.
- Chocolate in every bite: One full cup of semisweet chips ensures plenty of gooey pockets.
- Beginner-friendly: Clear, step-by-step instructions—even if you’ve never baked cookies from scratch!
💡 Pro Tip: These cookies freeze beautifully! Bake a double batch and stash half in the freezer for instant holiday treats.
📋 Ingredients You’ll Need
Dry Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp allspice
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp cardamom
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
🌿 Note: Sifting the dry ingredients ensures even distribution of leaveners and spices—critical for consistent texture.
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
Mix-Ins
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
⚠️ Important: Use 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling (which contains added sugar and spices). Brands like Libby’s or Farmer’s Market work great.
🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sift & Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, and salt. Use a whisk to fully incorporate. Set aside.
Why sift? It aerates the flour and prevents clumps—especially important with spices like cardamom that can clump.
Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugars
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the room-temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is light in color and fluffy, resembling wet sand.
💡 Room-temperature butter tip: It should dent slightly when pressed but not melt. Too soft = greasy cookies.
Step 3: Add Egg & Vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed just until combined—about 30 seconds. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
Step 4: Incorporate Pumpkin Puree
Add the 1 cup of pumpkin puree. Mix on low until fully blended. Don’t be alarmed if the mixture looks slightly curdled or separated—this is completely normal due to the water content in pumpkin.
✅ This is expected! The emulsion will come together once the flour is added.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients
With the mixer on low speed, add the entire flour mixture at once. Mix just until no dry streaks remain—do not overmix. Overmixing = tough cookies.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Using a silicone spatula, gently fold in 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Step 7: Chill the Dough (Non-Negotiable!)
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 72 hours). Chilling:
- Prevents excessive spreading
- Enhances flavor (spices meld)
- Creates thicker, chewier centers
🔥 Want bakery-style cookies? Chill for 24 hours—your patience will be rewarded.
🍪 Baking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (not wax paper—parchment prevents sticking and ensures even browning).
- After chilling, use a medium cookie scoop (about 2 tbsp) to portion dough onto the tray, spacing cookies 2–3 inches apart.
- Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and centers look soft (they’ll firm up as they cool).
- Let cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes—this sets their structure.
- Transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
🕒 Timing Tip: Rotate the tray halfway through baking for even color if your oven has hot spots.
🔍 Troubleshooting Common Issues
❌ Cookies Spread Too Much?
- Dough wasn’t chilled long enough
- Butter was too soft or melted
- Too much pumpkin (measure carefully!)
❌ Cookies Too Cakey?
- You used pumpkin pie filling instead of puree
- Too much baking powder/soda
- Overmixed the dough
❌ Not Enough Flavor?
- Use fresh spices (ground spices lose potency after 6–12 months)
- Add a pinch of black pepper to enhance warmth
- Swap semisweet chips for dark chocolate (70%) for contrast
🍫 Variations & Substitutions
✅ Gluten-Free Option
Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend (like King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill). Add ¼ tsp xanthan gum if not included.
✅ Dairy-Free/Vegan
- Use plant-based butter (e.g., Miyoko’s or Earth Balance)
- Replace egg with 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water
- Use dairy-free chocolate chips (Enjoy Life brand)
✅ Healthier Twist
- Reduce sugar to ¾ cup total (½ brown, ¼ white)
- Use dark chocolate (85%) for antioxidants
- Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch & healthy fats
🌾 Keto Note: While this recipe isn’t keto-friendly due to flour and sugar, you could experiment with almond flour and erythritol—but texture will differ significantly.
🧊 Storage & Freezing Tips
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer (dough): Scoop raw dough onto a tray, freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen—add 1–2 minutes to bake time.
- Freezer (baked): Cool completely, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp or warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
🎁 Gift Idea: Package cooled cookies in a mason jar with a ribbon and tag—perfect for teachers, neighbors, or holiday hosts!
🍂 Why Pumpkin + Chocolate = Fall Perfection
Pumpkin isn’t just a trend—it’s a nutritional powerhouse! Rich in vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants, it adds moisture and earthy sweetness without refined sugar. Paired with dark chocolate (which contains flavonoids), this cookie is more than just dessert—it’s a functional treat.
And the spice blend? It’s inspired by traditional pumpkin pie, but elevated with cardamom—a floral, citrusy note that adds sophistication.
📝 Final Thoughts
These pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are the ultimate fall comfort food: spiced, soft, chewy, and studded with melty chocolate. They’re simple enough for weeknight baking, yet impressive enough for Thanksgiving dessert tables or holiday cookie swaps.