Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting treat that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just any cookies; they are a delightful mix of moist pumpkin goodness and rich chocolate chips. They bring back memories of crisp autumn days, warm sweaters, and gathering around the kitchen with family. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household!

What makes these cookies truly special is how easy they are to whip up. With simple ingredients and a short prep time, you can have a batch of soft, chewy cookies ready in no time. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s bring some warmth into your kitchen with these delicious treats!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: This recipe comes together quickly, perfect for those spontaneous baking sessions.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the combination of pumpkin and chocolate; it’s always a hit!
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake them ahead of time and store them for snacks throughout the week.
• Perfectly moist: The pumpkin puree keeps these cookies soft and deliciously moist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Get ready to bake up something wonderful!

• 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 things about this cookie recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Spice it up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique flavor twist.
• Use different chips: Swap out semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or even white chocolate.
• Make it healthier: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a nutritious boost.

How to Make Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. While the oven warms up, line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or spray them with non-stick spray.

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 ground cinnamon. Whisking until everything is well combined helps to incorporate air into the mixture, making your cookies light and fluffy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the salt, baking soda, baking powder, and all-purpose flour. Mixing these dry ingredients separately ensures that everything is evenly distributed before adding them to the wet mixture.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Now it’s time to combine! Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your cookies tender.

Step 5: Stir in Chocolate Chips

Fold in those luscious semi-sweet chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. The melty bits of chocolate will be a delightful surprise in every bite!

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

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

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!

Bake those beauties in your preheated oven for about 10-13 minutes until they’re golden brown around the edges. Once done, remove them from the tray and let them cool on a wire rack. This cooling step is essential as it allows cookies to set perfectly!

Now go ahead and enjoy these delightful Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee! They’re sure to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking can be a delightful experience, and these tips will ensure your pumpkin chocolate chip cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh baking powder and spices provide the best flavor and rise. Stale ingredients can lead to flat cookies.
• Chill the dough: If you have the time, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Don’t overmix: When incorporating the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Experiment with chocolate types: Try swapping semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or even white chocolate for a fun twist on flavor!
• Test doneness carefully: Remove cookies from the oven when they are set but still soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool on the rack.

How to Serve Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are not only a treat but also a wonderful way to bring warmth and comfort to your gatherings. Here are some creative ideas for serving them.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of cinnamon sugar: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar right after baking adds an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.
• Drizzle of melted chocolate: A simple drizzle of melted chocolate over cooled cookies enhances their look and gives that extra chocolatey goodness.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: The warm spices in apple cider complement the flavors of pumpkin and chocolate beautifully, making it a perfect pairing.
• Vanilla almond milk: This creamy drink offers a refreshing contrast to the rich cookies, creating a delightful combination.
• Pumpkin spice latte: For those cozy fall days, serve these cookies alongside this classic drink for a seasonal treat that will warm your heart.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the cookies, making it an ideal side dish for any occasion.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy your Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies in style! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment. Here’s how you can keep them fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

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

FAQs

Here are some common questions that may come up while making these delightful cookies.

Can I use fresh pumpkin for Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just cook and puree it until smooth, then measure out the same amount as you would canned pumpkin puree.

How do I make Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies more chewy?

For chewier cookies, try adding an extra egg yolk or using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. This will give your cookies a softer texture.

What if I don’t have any chocolate chips?

You can substitute with chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even white chocolate chips. Get creative with your mix-ins!

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

Absolutely! Just replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.

How do I store leftover Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Alternatively, freeze them for longer storage!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings warmth and joy to your kitchen as much as it does mine! These Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just delicious but also so simple to whip up. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or sharing them with friends and family, I’m sure they’ll be a hit. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your cookie creations with me!