Get ready to fall in love with baking all over again thanks to these Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies! Moist, fluffy, and just the right balance of sweet and spice, these cookies bring together the rich flavors of pumpkin and dark chocolate in a way that feels both wholesome and indulgent. Perfect for an easy snack or a cozy dessert, each bite packs a little dose of autumn happiness you’ll want to enjoy year-round. And the best part? This recipe comes together using simple, nourishing ingredients so you can treat yourself any day without a hint of guilt.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You might be surprised by how quickly your kitchen fills with incredible aromas using just a handful of pantry staples! Each ingredient in these Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies plays a special role: they bring out pumpkin’s natural sweetness, add a tender texture, and create those melt-in-your-mouth chocolate moments. Here’s what you’ll need and why each choice matters:
- Canned pumpkin purée: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and that unmistakable earthy pumpkin flavor.
- Maple syrup or honey: A wholesome, liquid sweetener that keeps the cookies soft and perfectly sweet without refined sugar.
- Coconut oil or melted butter: Infuses richness and ensures the cookies are delightfully tender — coconut oil also keeps things dairy-free!
- Vanilla extract: Brightens up the flavors and deepens the cookie’s warm notes.
- Oat flour: The secret weapon for a cake-like crumb that’s naturally gluten-free and hearty.
- Baking soda: Lifts the cookies, giving them a soft, fluffy texture instead of being too dense.
- Cinnamon: Brings the cozy, spicy undertones that make pumpkin treats so irresistible.
- Nutmeg: Adds a subtle, aromatic kick that perfectly complements the cinnamon and pumpkin.
- Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and highlight every flavor.
- Dark chocolate chips: Pockets of velvety chocolate goodness that make every bite just a little more special.
How to Make Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. This step sets you up for easy cleanup and perfect results every time!
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, maple syrup (or honey), coconut oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract. Give this mix a good whisk until everything is smoothly combined. The pumpkin is the star here, promising a moist and luscious cookie base!
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle in the oat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt directly over the wet ingredients. Stir gently until you have a thick, cohesive dough. Resist the urge to overmix — you just want everything incorporated so your cookies stay tender and fluffy.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Now, for the best part: gently fold in those dark chocolate chips! Each one is a little burst of happiness, taking these Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies to treat status. Just a few turns with the spatula is all it takes.
Step 5: Portion and Shape
Use a tablespoon (or a small cookie scoop, if you have one) to drop batter onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart. These cookies don’t spread much, so flatten each mound lightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers. You’ll end up with adorable, rustic rounds!
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Slide your baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12–14 minutes. The edges should feel set — keep an eye out for the tops to look gently dry. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then use a spatula to move them to a wire rack. Waiting just a bit ensures they hold their shape and stay delightfully soft.
How to Serve Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Garnishes
Give your Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies some extra love by topping them with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt while they’re still warm, or a dusting of cinnamon just before serving. For a festive touch, try a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a few pumpkin seeds for crunch and color.
Side Dishes
For the ultimate cozy snack, pair your cookies with a steaming mug of chai tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. If you want to go a healthy route, a glass of cold almond or oat milk brings out their natural sweetness and makes snack time feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies into a show-stopping dessert by sandwiching them with your favorite vanilla Greek yogurt or frozen yogurt. For a fun, kid-friendly treat, thread them onto skewers with pieces of apple or pear, or stack them high on a cake stand for a striking centerpiece at your next fall gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or slide them into the fridge for a whole week. Their naturally moist texture means they stay soft, but refrigeration helps them last even longer — if you don’t devour them first!
Freezing
Want to savor Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies all season long? Bake a big batch and freeze the extras! Arrange totally cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll taste just as dreamy for up to 2 months.
Reheating
When that cookie craving hits, simply take one or two out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature, or warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. You’ll get that just-baked flavor and gooey chocolate chips, no waiting required.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned purée?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use pumpkin that’s been roasted and mashed until smooth. Fresh pumpkin can add extra flavor and brightness, but aim for a consistency similar to canned for best baking results.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oat flour these Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are completely gluten-free. Always double-check your packaging if serving someone with gluten sensitivities!
Can I swap in other types of flour?
Oat flour gives these cookies their signature softness and lovely nuttiness, but you can try whole wheat flour or all-purpose if you don’t need them gluten-free. The texture will change slightly, and you may need to adjust the amount as different flours absorb more or less liquid.
What’s the best way to add extra protein?
You can stir in 1–2 tablespoons of your favorite vanilla or unflavored protein powder right with the dry ingredients. If the dough feels too thick, just add a splash of milk or a bit more pumpkin purée.
Can I make these vegan?
Definitely! Use coconut oil instead of butter and opt for maple syrup instead of honey. Make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free too, and you’ve got a delicious vegan batch of Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies ready to share.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a soft, satisfyingly sweet treat that doesn’t sacrifice health for flavor, you absolutely have to try these Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. They’re simple, delicious, and loved by kids and adults alike. Mix up a batch this weekend, and don’t be surprised if they disappear in a flash!
Print
Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 16 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
These Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delicious gluten-free treat perfect for fall. Soft, cake-like cookies made with pumpkin, oat flour, and dark chocolate chips.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add dry ingredients: Add the oat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until just combined, then fold in the chocolate chips.
- Scoop and bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the baking sheet. Flatten slightly and bake for 12–14 minutes, until edges are set.
- Cool and enjoy: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These cookies are soft and cake-like.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For extra protein, add 1–2 tablespoons of your favorite protein powder and adjust flour as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
