Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Seasonal Delight: Perfect for fall, these cookies capture the essence of pumpkin pie in a handheld treat.
Moist and Cake-Like: The addition of pumpkin puree results in a soft, moist texture that’s both satisfying and comforting.
Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, these cookies come together quickly, making them ideal for both novice and experienced bakers.

Ingredients

1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup white sugar
½ cup vegetable oil
1 large egg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking sheet.
Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the canned pumpkin, white sugar, vegetable oil, and egg until well combined.
Activate Baking Soda: In a small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the milk, then stir this mixture into the wet ingredients.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
Mix Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, if using.
Form Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Yield: This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 20-22 minutes

Variations

Spice Adjustments: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a more complex flavor profile.
Dried Fruits: Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins for added texture and sweetness.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to two months.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pumpkin puree can be used. Ensure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the dough.

Are these cookies suitable for freezing?

Absolutely. Both the dough and the baked cookies freeze well.

How can I make these cookies spicier?

Increase the amount of ground cinnamon or add a teaspoon of ground ginger for extra warmth.

Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, vegetable oil can be substituted with canola oil or melted coconut oil.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Ensure the dough is chilled before baking, and avoid overmixing to maintain the desired texture.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Certainly. Chopped pecans, white chocolate chips, or shredded coconut can be added for variety.

Are these cookies soft or crunchy?

These cookies are soft and cake-like, with a moist texture.

How do I make these cookies dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free chocolate chip and substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond milk.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

While sugar contributes to the texture and sweetness, you can reduce it slightly, but be mindful that it may affect the final result.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies offer a delightful blend of seasonal flavors and textures, making them a perfect treat for autumn. Their moist, cake-like consistency combined with the sweetness of chocolate chips ensures they will be a hit at any gathering or enjoyed as a comforting snack.