Easy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe — Chocolate Chip is my go to move when I want something cozy but I do not want to commit to a big baking project. You know those days when you want a sweet treat, but the sink is already full and you just cannot deal with anything complicated. These cookies are soft, a little chewy around the edges, and packed with chocolate in every bite. They also make your kitchen smell like fall in the best way. If you have a can of pumpkin hanging around, you are already halfway there.
How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
I have made these so many times that I can basically do it on autopilot, and that is exactly why I love this recipe. The dough comes together fast, and the cookies bake up tender and fluffy. The big thing to remember is that pumpkin adds moisture, so the cookies are naturally softer than classic chocolate chip cookies. That is not a flaw, that is the whole charm.

What you will need
- Pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- Cake mix (more on the best one below)
- Eggs (usually 2, depending on your cake mix size)
- Oil or melted butter (I switch based on my mood)
- Chocolate chips (semi sweet is my default)
- Optional: cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, pinch of salt
Simple directions
Preheat your oven to 350 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a big bowl, stir together the cake mix and spices if you are using them. Add pumpkin puree, eggs, and oil or butter, then mix until you do not see dry streaks anymore. Fold in chocolate chips last so they stay chunky and do not melt into the dough.
Scoop the dough onto the pan. I like a medium cookie scoop, but a spoon works fine. Bake about 10 to 12 minutes, until the tops look set and the edges look just slightly darker. Let them sit on the pan for a few minutes before moving them, because soft pumpkin cookies can be delicate right out of the oven.
If you love chocolate chip cookie recipes in general, you might also want to check out these easy irresistible homemade chocolate chip cookies for when you want the classic version.
“I made these for a school bake sale and they were gone first. My kids asked if we can keep pumpkin puree in the pantry year round now.”
Best Cake Mix for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
This is where you can really make the recipe your own, because cake mix flavors change the whole vibe. I have tried a few, and I keep coming back to the simplest option when I want that true pumpkin and chocolate combo to shine.
Here is what works best in my kitchen:
- Yellow cake mix: my favorite all purpose base. Mild, buttery, and it lets the pumpkin taste come through.
- Spice cake mix: great when you want big fall flavor without adding extra spices. It is the easiest shortcut.
- Chocolate cake mix: this makes a rich, darker cookie. Tastes like a brownie and a pumpkin cookie had a baby.
If you are making this Easy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe — Chocolate Chip for a party, I usually go with yellow or spice because most people love that familiar flavor. Chocolate mix is fun for the serious chocolate people.
One quick note that saves headaches: cake mix sizes can vary. Most standard mixes are around 15 to 16 ounces. If yours is bigger, your dough may be thicker and you might need a spoonful or two more pumpkin. If yours is smaller, your dough may be looser, so add a small handful of extra chips or chill the dough for 15 minutes.
When I am in a cookie mood and want something different, I rotate in other fun ones like these easy chocolate chip cannoli cookies. Totally different flavor, but still that sweet chip filled comfort.
My 4 Tricks to Apply in this Recipe
I am not a fancy baker, but I have learned a few simple tricks that make these cookies come out better every time. These are the little things I would text a friend if they were making the Easy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe — Chocolate Chip for the first time.
Four small things that really help
1. Use pumpkin puree, not pie filling. Pie filling has sugar and extra ingredients that throw off the texture. Puree keeps you in control.
2. Add a pinch of salt even if you are using cake mix. It makes the chocolate pop and keeps the cookie from tasting flat.
3. Do not overbake. Pumpkin cookies can go from perfect to dry fast. Pull them when they look set, even if they feel soft. They firm up as they cool.
4. Cool on the pan first. Five minutes on the baking sheet helps them finish cooking gently and keeps them from breaking when you move them.
Also, if you want a thicker cookie, chill the dough for 20 to 30 minutes. If you want a flatter cookie, bake right away and gently tap the tray on the counter once halfway through baking.
For another cookie that has that big, fun, loaded texture, you might like these easy cowboy cookies oat chocolate chip pecan. They are a totally different style, but they are a good example of how mix ins can change everything.
Storing Pumpkin Cookies
Pumpkin cookies are naturally moist, so storing them the right way matters. If you leave them uncovered, they dry out. If you seal them up too tightly while they are still warm, they get sticky. Here is what I do at home so they stay soft and still taste fresh the next day.
Let the cookies cool completely first. Then place them in an airtight container with a sheet of paper towel on the bottom and another on top. That little paper towel trick absorbs extra moisture and keeps the tops from getting tacky.
Storage options that work well:
Room temperature: 3 to 4 days, best texture on days 1 and 2.
Fridge: up to 1 week, but let them sit out for 15 minutes before eating so they soften.
Freezer: up to 2 months. Freeze in a single layer first, then move to a freezer bag. Thaw on the counter.
If you want to freeze dough instead, scoop it into balls and freeze them on a tray. Once frozen, toss them in a bag. Bake from frozen and add about 1 to 2 minutes to the bake time.
By the way, if you are building a cookie stash for the week, it is fun to mix flavors. I will do half pumpkin and half something like easy chocolate chip cannoli cookies so there is variety without extra effort.

More Pumpkin Favorites
Once you have made these, you might catch the pumpkin baking bug. It happens. The nice thing is pumpkin pairs with so many flavors, especially chocolate, cinnamon, maple, and nuts. And if you are already buying a can, you might as well plan a couple more treats.
Here are a few easy ideas I do at home:
Pumpkin chocolate chip muffin hack: use a similar batter concept and bake in a muffin tin. Great for breakfast with coffee.
Pumpkin snack cake: spread the dough in a small pan, bake until set, then drizzle with melted chocolate chips.
Pumpkin oatmeal cookies: add oats for more texture and a hearty bite.
If you are craving that loaded cookie style with chocolate and add ins, you can also peek at these easy cowboy cookies oat chocolate chip pecan for another big batch option.
Common Questions
Why are my pumpkin cookies so soft?
Pumpkin adds a lot of moisture, so softness is normal. If they feel too wet, add a tablespoon or two of flour or chill the dough before baking.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, but make sure it is thick like canned puree. If it is watery, strain it in a fine mesh strainer for a bit or the dough can get runny.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Not required. Chilling helps if you want thicker cookies or if your kitchen is warm.
What chocolate chips work best?
Semi sweet is classic. Milk chocolate makes them sweeter. Dark chocolate balances the pumpkin nicely. Mini chips spread out more evenly in each bite.
Can I make this Easy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe — Chocolate Chip gluten free?
Often yes if you use a gluten free cake mix and check that your chips are gluten free too. The texture may be a little more delicate, so let them cool fully before moving.
One last cozy note before you bake
If you make this Easy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe — Chocolate Chip once, you will probably keep it in your back pocket for busy weeks and last minute gatherings. It is simple, forgiving, and it checks that cozy fall dessert box without making you feel like you need a whole afternoon to pull it off. If you want to compare versions, I have also learned a few tips from Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies – Tastes Better From Scratch and Easy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies – Barbara Bakes™, and it is always fun to see how small tweaks change the final cookie. Now grab that pumpkin, crank the oven, and do not overthink it. You are about to have warm cookies and a kitchen that smells amazing.

Easy Pumpkin Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, stir together the cake mix and optional spices.
- Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, and oil or melted butter; mix until combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips gently to keep them chunky.
- Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet using a medium cookie scoop or spoon.
- Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes until the tops are set and edges are slightly darker.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them.
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