Moist and delicious, Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for any occasion. These cookies blend the warm flavors of pumpkin with the sweetness of chocolate chips, creating a delightful treat that everyone will love. Ideal for fall gatherings, cozy afternoons, or as a sweet surprise for friends and family, this recipe is sure to impress with its unique taste and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
- Delicious Flavor Combination – The pairing of pumpkin and chocolate creates a unique flavor that is both comforting and indulgent.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual snack, these cookies fit right in.
- Customizable Options – You can easily swap ingredients like the egg for applesauce to suit your dietary needs.
- Great for Sharing – With 30 servings, these cookies are perfect to share with friends, family, or coworkers.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cookie sheets
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls – Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients without mess.
- Whisk – Helps achieve a smooth batter quickly by aerating the mixture.
- Cookie sheets – Provide even baking surfaces to ensure perfect cookies every time.
Ingredients
Moist and yummy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies!
For the Cookie Base
- 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
For the Chocolate Chips
- 1 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
How to Make Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or spray them with non-stick spray.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. Pumpkin puree
2. Egg (or applesauce)
3. Granulated sugar
4. Brown sugar
5. Canola oil
6. Vanilla extract
7. Ground cinnamon
Mix until well blended.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine:
1. Salt
2. Baking soda
3. Baking powder
4. Flour
Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips
Gently stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Scoop the Cookies
Using a small scoop or rounded tablespoon measure, drop dough onto prepared cookie sheets—about 12 cookies per sheet as they will spread slightly.
Step 6: Bake
Bake on the parchment-lined sheets for about 10-13 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Step 7: Cool
Remove cookies from trays and let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Enjoy your delightful batch of Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies!
How to Serve Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Serving Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies can elevate your dessert experience. These cookies are not only delicious but versatile enough to pair with various accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to enjoy them at their best.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair your cookies with cold milk for a classic combination that balances the sweetness of the chocolate and the spices in the cookie.
A Warm Cup of Tea
- Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or chai, which complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Create delightful ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of vanilla or pumpkin ice cream between two cookies for a fun dessert twist.
Drizzled with Honey
- For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle honey over the top of your cookies before serving. This adds a nice flavor contrast.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange your cookies on a decorative platter alongside seasonal fruits like apples or pears for an inviting presentation perfect for gatherings.
How to Perfect Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
To make your Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies truly exceptional, consider these handy tips. They will help you achieve the best texture and flavor.
- Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for optimal rising and texture.
- Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for 30 minutes before baking can improve the cookie’s shape and texture.
- Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup without packing it down to avoid dense cookies.
- Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined to keep your cookies soft and chewy.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to add nutmeg or ginger along with cinnamon for an enhanced fall flavor profile.
- Store properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain their moisture and freshness longer.
Best Side Dishes for Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies pair well with various side dishes that enhance their flavors and provide complementary tastes. Below are some excellent options to consider.
- Fruit Salad
A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the cookies. - Cheese Platter
Offer a variety of cheeses like brie or goat cheese, which pairs nicely with pumpkin’s earthiness. - Spiced Nuts
A bowl of spiced nuts can add crunch and provide savory contrast to the sweet cookies. - Yogurt Parfait
Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a light dish that contrasts well with rich cookies. - Hot Cocoa
Serve warm hot cocoa topped with whipped cream for a cozy treat alongside your cookies. - Pumpkin Soup
A small bowl of creamy pumpkin soup offers warmth while echoing pumpkin flavors in a savory way. - Scones
Light scones, perhaps flavored with cinnamon or nutmeg, can complement the cookie flavors without overpowering them. - Apple Crisp
This warm dessert provides another layer of fall flavors that pairs nicely with pumpkin chocolate chip goodness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome of your Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
- Using too much flour: If you add too much flour, your cookies will be dry. Always measure flour accurately and avoid packing it into the measuring cup.
- Not mixing wet and dry ingredients separately: Combining all ingredients in one bowl can lead to uneven mixing. Always mix wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them.
- Skipping the cooling step: Letting cookies cool on a wire rack is essential for achieving the right texture. Skipping this step can result in soggy cookies.
- Underbaking or overbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time. Underbaked cookies can be doughy, while overbaked ones will be hard. Set a timer and check for doneness.
- Not using parchment paper: Baking directly on cookie sheets can lead to sticking and uneven baking. Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- They will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
Freezing Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet on low heat for a couple of minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies that might help clarify any uncertainties.
How do I make Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies soft?
To ensure softness, don’t overmix the dough and avoid overbaking. Remove them from the oven as soon as they start to set.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips to suit your taste.
What makes these cookies old fashioned?
The term old fashioned refers to the classic combination of pumpkin and chocolate along with traditional baking methods that evoke nostalgia.
Can I replace egg with other ingredients?
Yes! You can use 1/4 cup of applesauce as an egg substitute if you’re looking for an alternative binding agent.
How long do these cookies last?
When stored properly, Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies will remain fresh for about one week in the refrigerator or up to three months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
These Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them by adding nuts or swapping chocolate chips for other mix-ins. With their moist texture and rich flavor, they are perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love how simple it is!
Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Indulge in the moist and flavorful experience of Old Fashioned Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. These delightful treats combine the warm essence of pumpkin with sweet chocolate chips, making them perfect for any occasion—from cozy fall gatherings to everyday snacks. Easy to prepare, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels. With a soft texture and a rich taste, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike. Plus, they’re easily customizable to suit your dietary preferences. So gather your ingredients and get ready to bake a batch that will bring smiles all around!
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 30 cookies 1x
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 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, egg (or applesauce), granulated sugar, brown sugar, canola oil, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well blended.
- In another bowl, mix salt, baking soda, baking powder, and flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Using a small scoop or tablespoon measure, drop dough onto prepared cookie sheets (about 12 cookies per sheet).
- Bake for 10-13 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: <5mg
Keywords: For extra softness, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate as desired. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.
