Irresistible Spiced Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies: Your Essential Fall Baking Recipe

Embrace the cozy essence of autumn with these delightful Spiced Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. This recipe masterfully combines the inviting warmth of classic fall spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—with the sweet, earthy notes of pumpkin puree and generous chunks of rich chocolate chips. These aren’t just any cookies; they are soft, wonderfully chewy, and perfectly festive, making them the ultimate treat to celebrate the crisp fall season.

Crafting these easy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies is a joy. The recipe yields a batch of soft, pillowy cookies, made with straightforward pantry staples like flour, sugar, eggs, and, of course, that fantastic blend of warm spices. They are ideal for enjoying with a steaming cup of tea or coffee on a cool afternoon, or for sharing their comforting goodness with friends and family during holiday gatherings. Get ready to fill your home with the most incredible aromas of autumn!

Why Everyone Craves the Cozy Comfort of Pumpkin Spice Flavor

Pumpkin spice has transcended seasonal trends to become an iconic flavor of the fall season, and its widespread appeal is entirely justified. For many, the aroma and taste of pumpkin spice evoke cherished childhood memories: crisp pumpkin patches, joyful hayrides, and heartwarming Thanksgiving dinners. It’s a flavor deeply intertwined with happy recollections, instantly transporting us to a place of comfort and nostalgia. My own family eagerly anticipates pumpkin season every year; we simply adore everything about it!

The magic truly lies in the harmonious blend of spices. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves come together to create that distinctly warm, inviting, and cozy taste that defines pumpkin spice. It’s the quintessential flavor for those chilly autumn days when all you desire is to snuggle up with a captivating book and a soft blanket. What’s more, its versatility is unmatched! Pumpkin spice flavor can elevate a vast array of dishes, from sweet baked goods to savory meals. You’ll find it infused in delectable cookies, moist cakes, fluffy muffins, hearty oatmeal, and even unique savory soups. It’s no wonder that people eagerly embrace this beloved flavor as soon as the leaves begin to change color.

Beyond its nostalgic appeal and comforting taste, pumpkin spice offers a sensory experience that perfectly complements the transition from summer to fall. The earthy undertones of pumpkin combined with the zing of ginger (often included in spice blends), the sweetness of cinnamon, the woodiness of nutmeg, and the potent warmth of cloves create a complex profile that is both invigorating and soothing. This blend not only tastes good but also feels good, making it a staple in kitchens and cafes worldwide throughout the autumn months. It’s a celebration of harvest and hearth, embodying everything we love about this special time of year.

Why You’ll Absolutely Adore This Spiced Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

• Unforgettable Taste & Delightful Texture. These cookies are a sensory dream! The addition of pure pumpkin puree isn’t just for flavor; it’s a secret weapon for moisture, resulting in incredibly soft and wonderfully chewy cookies. This rich moisture is perfectly balanced by a generous blend of traditional fall spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—which infuse each bite with a comforting warmth and impressive depth of flavor. Then, the semi-sweet chocolate chips melt into gooey pockets, creating an irresistible contrast that elevates the entire experience.
• Remarkably Simple Recipe Steps. Don’t be intimidated by homemade cookies! This recipe is designed for ease and accessibility, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. It calls for just a few common ingredients and features straightforward steps that come together quickly. Whether you’re whipping up a last-minute dessert for guests or craving a sweet snack, these cookies are a fantastic, low-stress option that delivers impressive results every time.
• A Generous Batch for Sharing (or Savoring!). Who doesn’t love a bounty of delicious cookies? Each batch of this recipe yields approximately 36 cookies, or about three dozen! This means you’ll have plenty to share with friends, family, coworkers, or to simply stash away for yourself to enjoy throughout the week. You might even consider freezing some for a future craving! The abundance is definitely one of the many reasons to fall in love with this recipe.
• Perfect for the Fall Season & Holidays. With their warm spices and autumnal flavor, these cookies are intrinsically linked to the fall and winter holidays. They are an ideal addition to Thanksgiving dessert tables, Christmas cookie exchanges, or simply as a comforting treat during apple-picking season. Their festive nature makes them a crowd-pleaser and a perfect way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

Essential Ingredients for Your Spiced Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

To create these wonderfully soft and flavorful cookies, gather the following simple ingredients:

Pumpkin: You will need one standard 15-ounce can of pure pumpkin puree. It is crucial to ensure you pick 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, as pie filling contains added sugars and spices that will drastically alter the flavor and texture of your cookies.

Sugar: We use 1 ⅔ cups of granulated sugar. This amount provides the perfect level of sweetness and contributes significantly to the chewy texture that makes these cookies so irresistible.

Oil: Adding in ½ cup of vegetable oil is key to achieving a beautifully moist cookie. The oil prevents them from becoming crumbly or dry, ensuring a tender bite every time. Any neutral-flavored oil like canola or sunflower oil will also work.

Egg: Just 1 large egg is needed. It acts as a vital binding agent, holding the dough together, and also helps to create that desirable chewy, rich texture.

Vanilla extract: A full 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract is added to enhance and round out all the warm, complex flavors within the cookies, truly making them pop.

Flour: The base of this delicious cookie dough requires 2 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour. Make sure to level your flour carefully for accurate measurements.

Leavening agents: To help these cookies achieve their perfect rise and soft, fluffy interior as they bake, you will need 1 teaspoon each of baking powder and baking soda. These work together to create a light and airy texture.

Spices: This is where the “spiced” in Spiced Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies comes from! You’ll need 1 teaspoon each of ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg, plus ½ teaspoon of potent ground cloves, for that signature warm and inviting bite of fall spice in every cookie.

Salt: Adding ½ teaspoon of salt is essential. It balances the sweetness, enhances the flavor of the pumpkin and spices, and brings out the best in the chocolate, ensuring a well-rounded and delicious taste.

Chocolate chips: For that glorious burst of sweet, melty chocolatey goodness in every single bite, you will need one 12-ounce-sized bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Feel free to use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even a mix if you prefer!

How to Make Perfect Spiced Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Follow these simple steps to bake a batch of heavenly spiced pumpkin chocolate chip cookies:

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Station

Begin by preheating your oven to a precise 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. Next, prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup. Set these prepared sheets aside while you mix the dough.

Step 2: Craft the Delicious Cookie Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl if using an electric handheld mixer, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat these wet ingredients together on medium speed until they are thoroughly creamed, light, and well combined. This step ensures all the liquids and sugars are fully incorporated, creating a smooth base.

In a separate, medium-sized bowl, combine all your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. Sift them together, or whisk them thoroughly, to ensure they are evenly distributed and free of any lumps. This step is crucial for consistent cookie texture and flavor.

Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in the mixer bowl. Mix on low speed, just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Stop the mixer as soon as no streaks of flour remain. As needed, use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Finally, using a spoon or a sturdy rubber spatula, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are just incorporated throughout the dough. Again, avoid overmixing at this stage to maintain a tender cookie texture.

Once your dough is ready, use a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon size) or two spoons to scoop out 2-inch sized balls of dough. Place these onto your prepared baking sheets, ensuring you leave at least 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for slight spreading. Using the back of a lightly greased spoon, gently press down on the centers of the cookie dough mounds. This helps them achieve your desired thickness and ensures more even baking, as these cookies don’t spread significantly on their own.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Carefully place the baking sheets of cookies into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes. The cookies are ready when the edges appear set and lightly golden, and the centers still look soft. Avoid overbaking, as this can make them dry. They will continue to set as they cool.

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up without breaking. Once cooled, they are ready to be served! Enjoy every warm, spiced, chocolatey bite!

Creative Variations and Smart Substitutions for Your Cookies

This versatile Spiced Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe is perfect for customization! Feel free to experiment with these variations and substitutions to make them uniquely yours:

Alternative Spice Blends: While cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves form the traditional pumpkin pie spice base that works beautifully in this recipe, don’t hesitate to explore other warm, aromatic spices. Consider adding ½ teaspoon of ground ginger for an extra zing, or a pinch of allspice or cardamom for a more complex and exotic flavor profile. A touch of mace can also subtly enhance the nutmeg notes. You could even use a pre-made pumpkin pie spice blend in place of the individual spices for ultimate convenience!

Dietary Adjustments for Every Need:

• Vegan Cookies: To transform these into delightful vegan treats, simply replace the egg with a flax egg (mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until gel-like) or ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce. For the vegetable oil, you can continue to use it, or swap it for an equal amount of melted vegan butter or coconut oil for a slightly different richness.
• Gluten-Free Cookies: For those avoiding gluten, substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your chosen blend already contains xanthan gum, or add ½ teaspoon per cup of flour if it doesn’t, to help with binding and structure. Always check that your other ingredients (like chocolate chips) are certified gluten-free.
• Reduced Sugar Options: If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, you can reduce the granulated sugar by up to ¼ cup without significantly impacting the texture. Alternatively, you can substitute a portion of the granulated sugar with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, though this may alter the wet-to-dry ingredient ratio slightly and might require minor adjustments to flour to maintain consistency.

Fun & Flavorful Additions: Elevate your cookies with exciting mix-ins for extra texture and flavor! Consider adding:

• Chopped Nuts: Toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds would be fantastic choices, adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin and spices.
• Dried Fruits: Sweet and chewy dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots can add a lovely tang and chewiness.
• Different Chocolate Types: Beyond semi-sweet, try white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier contrast, dark chocolate chunks for a more intense cocoa flavor, or even butterscotch chips for a unique twist. A combination of different chocolate chips can also be incredibly delicious!
• Mini Marshmallows: For a s’mores-like twist, fold in mini marshmallows during the last minute of baking or add them to the top of the warm cookies after they come out of the oven.
• Toffee Bits: Add a delightful crunch and buttery caramel flavor with a handful of toffee bits.

Helpful Recipe Tips for Baking Perfectly Amazing Cookies Every Time!

Achieving cookie perfection is easier than you think with these helpful tips and tricks:

• Don’t Be Shy to Flatten: These cookies are designed to be soft and pillowy, and they won’t spread much on their own during baking. It’s perfectly fine, and even recommended, to flatten the dough balls quite a bit before baking. Whatever shape you create prior to going into the oven will be very close to the final baked result. Flattening ensures more even baking and a more uniform cookie shape.
• Mastering the Scoop Size: To get consistent 2-inch balls of dough, I find that a heaping tablespoon-sized cookie scoop works wonders. Consistency in size means consistency in baking time and even results across your entire batch. If you don’t have a scoop, use two spoons to portion the dough and then roll it gently between your palms.
• Prevent Sticking When Flattening: When pressing down on the cookie dough mounds with the back of a spoon, you’ll want to prevent sticking. A simple trick is to lightly spray the back of your spoon with cooking spray every 2-3 cookies. This ensures the dough releases cleanly and helps maintain the desired shape without any fuss.
• Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: For the best texture and consistency, ensure your egg (and any other dairy, if you were using butter) is at room temperature. Room temperature ingredients emulsify better, creating a smoother dough that bakes more evenly.
• Avoid Overmixing: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, dry cookies instead of the soft, chewy texture we’re aiming for.
• Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes after coming out of the oven. They are very delicate when hot. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy on the bottom and helps them firm up properly.

How Should I Store These Spiced Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Proper storage is essential to keep your delicious spiced pumpkin chocolate chip cookies fresh and soft. You can keep these cookies stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. Be sure to use a container that seals well to prevent them from drying out. For an extra touch of freshness, you can place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies; the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, keeping them soft.

If you’re looking for longer-term storage, these cookies freeze beautifully! Simply place the completely cooled cookies in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours. You can even warm them slightly in the microwave for a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.

Do I Have to Flatten the Cookie Dough Before Baking?

While not strictly mandatory, we highly recommend flattening the cookie dough out at least a little bit before baking. These pumpkin chocolate chip cookies tend not to spread very much on their own in the oven, due to the moisture content from the pumpkin puree. Pressing them down helps them to cook more evenly throughout, ensuring that the centers are cooked through at the same rate as the edges.

If you choose to skip this step, be aware that your cookies might bake unevenly and will likely retain a more rounded, mound-like appearance rather than the traditional, flatter cookie shape. For that perfectly soft, chewy texture and classic cookie look, a gentle flatten is a small but important step!

Is It Possible to Make Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Without Sacrificing Taste?

Absolutely, it’s entirely possible to create healthier versions of pumpkin chocolate chip cookies that are still bursting with flavor! The key is making smart substitutions and additions:

• Sugar Reduction and Alternatives: You can often reduce the granulated sugar in the recipe by about ¼ to ⅓ without significantly compromising taste or texture. For a more natural sweetness, consider substituting a portion of the sugar with ingredients like honey, maple syrup, or even unsweetened applesauce (which also adds moisture and reduces fat).
• Flour Swaps: To boost the fiber content and nutritional value, replace half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or a whole wheat pastry flour. You might also consider oat flour for a different texture and nutritional profile.
• Fat Adjustments: While the vegetable oil contributes to moisture, you can sometimes slightly reduce the amount or opt for healthier fats like avocado oil. Applesauce or mashed banana can also substitute a portion of the oil, adding moisture with fewer calories and fats.
• Nutritional Boosts: Incorporate healthy mix-ins such as chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds), seeds (chia seeds, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds), or dried fruits (cranberries, raisins). These additions provide healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• Dark Chocolate: Opt for dark chocolate chips or chunks, which contain less sugar and more antioxidants than semi-sweet or milk chocolate.

By making these mindful changes, you can enjoy a more nutritious cookie that still satisfies your sweet tooth and delivers all those comforting fall flavors!

Can I Modify a Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe to Exclude Eggs?

Yes, absolutely! It’s quite simple to modify this pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe to be egg-free, making it suitable for those with egg allergies or who follow a vegan diet. There are several effective substitutes:

• Flax Egg: This is one of the most popular and reliable egg substitutes in baking. To make one flax egg, combine one tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Stir it well and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens into a gel-like consistency. This mixture can then be used in place of one large egg in the recipe, providing both binding and a bit of moisture.
• Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce is another excellent egg substitute, especially good for adding moisture. You can use ¼ cup (about 60ml) of unsweetened applesauce in place of one large egg. Keep in mind that applesauce can add a subtle fruitiness, so ensure it complements the pumpkin and spices. If you use sweetened applesauce, you may want to slightly reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the recipe.
• Mashed Banana: Similar to applesauce, ¼ cup of ripe mashed banana can also replace one egg. It adds moisture and acts as a binder, but will impart a banana flavor to your cookies. This can be a delicious addition if you enjoy the flavor combination!
• Commercial Egg Replacers: Many brands offer powdered egg replacers that are specifically designed for baking. Follow the package instructions for the correct ratio to substitute one egg. These are typically neutral in flavor and work well for binding.

When using egg substitutes, the texture of your cookies might vary slightly, sometimes being a bit softer or denser, but they will still be incredibly delicious and hold together well.

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Explore More Fantastic Pumpkin Cookie Recipes to Try Soon!

If you’ve fallen in love with these Spiced Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’re in for a treat! Pumpkin is an incredibly versatile ingredient, and there are countless ways to incorporate its delightful flavor into your baking. Dive into our collection of other amazing pumpkin cookie recipes:

• PUMPKIN SNICKERDOODLE COOKIE BARS
• NO BAKE PUMPKIN COOKIES
• PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE GINGER COOKIES
• CLASSIC PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
• PUMPKIN OATMEAL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
• GLAZED PUMPKIN COOKIES
• ICED PUMPKIN COOKIES
• PUMPKIN SNICKERDOODLES
• ICED CINNAMON PUMPKIN COOKIES
• PUMPKIN GINGERSNAP COOKIES
• APPLE PUMPKIN OATMEAL COOKIES
• PUMPKIN PUDDING COOKIES

These Spiced Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, crafted from pure pumpkin puree and featuring sweet chocolate in every bite, are the epitome of fall baking. They are undeniably soft, wonderfully chewy, and so incredibly good you might find them almost impossible to share! This easy pumpkin cookie recipe utilizes simple ingredients, comes together quickly, and promises a delightful culinary experience. Get ready to make them a new favorite tradition in your home!