Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall, then these Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are just what you need! The warm spices and soft, chewy texture make them a comforting choice, whether you’re enjoying a cozy evening at home or sharing them with friends at a gathering. What I love most about this recipe is how effortlessly it combines the classic flavors of pumpkin and chocolate, creating something truly special that everyone will adore.

These cookies are not only delicious but also super easy to whip up. You’ll find that they make the ideal dessert for busy weeknights or festive celebrations. Plus, the aroma of baking pumpkin cookies wafting through your kitchen is simply unbeatable!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have a batch of warm cookies ready in no time!
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will be reaching for seconds with these tasty treats.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: These cookies store well, so feel free to bake in advance and enjoy them all week long.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of pumpkin and chocolate creates an irresistible flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Gather these items to create the perfect cookie!

• 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

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility! Feel free to experiment with different flavors or add-ins to suit your taste.

• Add nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Spice it up: Try adding ginger or nutmeg for a more robust flavor profile.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions.
• Mix in fruits: Toss in some dried cranberries or raisins for a delightful twist.

How to Make Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is essential as it ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.

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 until everything is well combined. This mixture forms the flavorful base of your cookies.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the salt, baking soda, baking powder, and flour. It’s important to combine these dry ingredients separately first; this helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the dough.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookies to be soft and tender!

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips

Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The chocolate adds wonderful sweetness and decadence.

Step 6: Scoop onto Baking Sheets

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

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 10-13 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Once done, let them cool on a wire rack before indulging in these delightful treats!

Pro Tips for Making Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking cookies is a delightful experience, especially when you’re making these scrumptious pumpkin chocolate chip cookies! Here are some pro tips to ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps to create a smooth batter that mixes evenly, which results in a better texture for your cookies.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined prevents the cookies from becoming tough and ensures they remain soft and chewy.

• Chill the dough if possible: If you have the time, refrigerating your cookie dough for 30 minutes can enhance the flavor and give you thicker cookies that hold their shape better while baking.

• Adjust baking time for chewiness: For softer, chewier cookies, bake them on the shorter end of the recommended time. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

• Experiment with chocolate types: While semi-sweet chocolate chips are delightful, try mixing in dark chocolate or even white chocolate chips for a fun twist!

How to Serve Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Serving these lovely cookies is all about creating an inviting atmosphere. Whether it’s a cozy gathering or a festive fall celebration, here’s how you can present them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Sprinkling of sea salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of warm cookies enhances the sweet flavors and adds an appealing contrast.

• Dusting of powdered sugar: Lightly dusting with powdered sugar before serving gives these cookies a charming touch and makes them look extra special.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: The warm spices in apple cider complement the pumpkin flavor perfectly, making it a comforting pairing for your cookies.

• Vanilla almond milk: A glass of vanilla almond milk serves as a creamy counterpart that balances the sweetness of the cookies while keeping everything dairy-free.

• Fresh fruit platter: A colorful array of sliced apples, pears, and grapes adds freshness to your dessert table and provides a light contrast to rich cookies.

• Pumpkin spice tea: Enhance the fall vibe by serving these cookies alongside a warm cup of pumpkin spice tea; its aromatic spices will harmonize beautifully with your treats.

Enjoy sharing these delightful Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies with friends and family! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch in advance and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to store them properly.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper in the container.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the cookies cool completely.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours).
• Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, sealing tightly. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• For best results, you can microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Have questions about these delightful cookies? Let’s dive into some common inquiries!

What makes Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies so special?

Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the warm flavors of pumpkin spice with gooey chocolate chips, creating a uniquely comforting treat perfect for fall or any time of year.

Can I use applesauce instead of egg in Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Absolutely! You can substitute one large egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce. This not only keeps the cookie moist but also adds a hint of sweetness.

How do I know when my Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are done baking?

Cookies are usually done when they have spread slightly and the edges start to turn golden brown. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the wire rack.

Can I add nuts to my Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Certainly! Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor that complements the chocolate chips beautifully.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy baking these lovely Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies as much as I do! They are perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in during your cozy evenings at home. Remember, each bite is packed with warmth and nostalgia. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let the smell of fresh cookies fill your kitchen. Happy baking!