Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you’re looking for a cozy treat that brings the warmth of fall into your kitchen, then you’ve come to the right place! My recipe for Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies is one of my all-time favorites. These cookies are the perfect blend of moist pumpkin goodness and sweet chocolate, making them a delightful snack any time of year. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these cookies are sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.
What makes this recipe extra special is how simple it is. You can whip up a batch quickly, and the aroma that fills your home while they bake is simply irresistible. Trust me, once you try these cookies, they’ll become a staple in your dessert rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious cookies ready to enjoy in no time.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the combination of pumpkin and chocolate. It’s a hit at any gathering!
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for those unexpected cravings.
- Moist and Flavorful: The canned pumpkin keeps these cookies soft and chewy, making each bite delightful.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about making Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies is that you only need simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Grab these items, and let’s get started!
- 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
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to switch things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
- Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Change the Chips: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate or even butterscotch for a different flavor twist.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger for an extra kick.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed.
How to Make Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. While the oven heats up, line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or give them a quick spray with non-stick spray.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin puree, egg (or applesauce), granulated sugar, brown sugar, canola oil, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until everything is well combined. This mixture brings that lovely sweetness and moisture to your cookies.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together the salt, baking soda, baking powder, and flour. Once combined, gently fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just blended. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookies tender!
Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips
Now comes the fun part! Stir in those delicious semi-sweet chocolate chips. They add richness and melt beautifully as they bake.
Step 5: Scoop onto Baking Sheets
Using a small scoop or rounded tablespoon measure, drop dough onto prepared cookie sheets—about 12 per sheet works nicely since they will spread slightly while baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for about 10-13 minutes or until they’re golden around the edges but still soft in the center. The smell wafting through your home will be heavenly!
Step 7: Cool Down
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on wire racks. This allows them to set properly while staying nice and chewy.
Now you have a batch of Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies ready to be enjoyed! Perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!
Pro Tips for Making Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Baking these delightful cookies can be a breeze with just a few handy tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!
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Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your egg (or applesauce) and pumpkin puree to room temperature helps create a better texture, making the cookies more consistent and fluffy.
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Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing until just combined avoids tough cookies. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to chewy rather than tender cookies.
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Chill the dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavors and prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
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Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to customize your cookies! Adding nuts or seeds like walnuts or sunflower seeds brings in extra texture and nutrition, making them even more satisfying.
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Check doneness carefully: Since oven temperatures vary, keep an eye on your cookies. They should be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out of the oven—a perfect balance for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
These pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some ideas to make them shine!
Garnishes
- Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overpowering the flavor.
- Chocolate drizzle: Melt some semi-sweet chocolate chips and drizzle over cooled cookies for an extra indulgent treat—this makes them look beautiful and taste even better!
Side Dishes
- Apple cider: The sweet and tangy notes of apple cider complement the spices in the cookies perfectly, making it a delightful beverage pairing.
- Pumpkin spice latte: This cozy drink enhances your pumpkin flavor experience, creating a warm atmosphere—perfect for fall gatherings.
- Vanilla ice cream: Serve these warm cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert duo. The cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm cookie.
- Cheese platter: A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory balance to the sweetness of your cookies, creating an interesting flavor profile that guests will love.
These serving suggestions will elevate your Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies into a memorable treat that’s perfect for any occasion! Enjoy every sweet bite!

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 ahead of time, store them, and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to keep your cookies fresh and tasty.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
- Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
- They will stay fresh for up to a week.
Freezing
- Let the cookies cool completely first.
- Arrange cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
- Frozen cookies can last up to three months.
Reheating
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place frozen or refrigerated cookies on a baking sheet.
- Heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm and soft.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about making Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes! If you prefer using fresh pumpkin, simply cook it down, puree it, and measure out one cup for the recipe.
How can I make my Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies softer?
For softer cookies, try using more canned pumpkin puree or adjust the baking time slightly. Keep an eye on them while they bake!
What variations can I try with this cookie recipe?
Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even swap in different types of chocolate chips for unique flavors!
How do I ensure my pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are chewy?
Make sure not to overmix the dough and remove them from the oven when they are just set in the center for that chewy texture.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can be used as a substitute, though it may alter the texture slightly—resulting in denser cookies.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to bake these Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies as I am! They are a delightful treat that embodies the cozy flavors of fall. Whether enjoyed with a warm cup of tea or shared with friends and family, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and don’t forget to savor every bite!

Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of fall with these Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. Bursting with moist pumpkin goodness and rich chocolate chips, these delightful treats are perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they’re a hit among both kids and adults alike. Bake a batch for a cozy night in or share them at your next gathering—either way, they’re sure to bring smiles all around!
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, egg (or applesauce), sugars, canola oil, vanilla, and cinnamon until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix salt, baking soda, baking powder, and flour. Gradually fold this into the wet mixture until just blended.
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets (about 12 per sheet).
- Bake for 10-13 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft.
- Cool on wire racks before enjoying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg