Name: Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489681H15M15S
Total time: PT-489681H15M15S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup (170g) vegan butter, melted and cooled; ¾ cup (170g) pumpkin puree, canned or homemade (not pumpkin pie filling); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional); 1 ½ cup (285g) packed light brown sugar; 2 ⅓ cups (290g) all-purpose plain flour, or gluten-free all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (see notes for homemade blend); 1 teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt (if using unsalted vegan butter); 1 cup (170g) vegan chocolate chips and/or chopped dairy-free chocolate, plus extra for topping if desired

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 5 reviews

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly blends the cozy flavors of autumn with a luscious chocolatey twist, look no further than this Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. These cookies are irresistibly chewy and soft, capturing the natural sweetness and vibrant color of pumpkin while being completely plant-based. Plus, they come together effortlessly in just one bowl with minimal ingredients, making them the perfect bake for any skill level or occasion. Whether you’re craving a comforting snack or a festive dessert, these cookies are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and warm your heart.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven small white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each filled with different baking ingredients. The largest bowl at the top right contains white flour with a soft, powdery texture. To its left, a smaller bowl holds light brown sugar, granulated but slightly clumped. Below the flour, a white bowl is filled with smooth, orange melted butter. Directly below the brown sugar, a bowl contains a mix of dark chocolate chunks and small chocolate chips with a rough, solid texture. At the bottom right, a small jar holds bright orange pumpkin puree, smooth in texture. Near the bottom left, much smaller bowls contain golden-brown cinnamon, powdery white baking soda, and golden vanilla extract in liquid form. The overall arrangement is clean and organized on the white marbled surface, showing a clear variety of textures and warm colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Each component plays a vital role, from adding moisture and flavor to creating that perfect chewy texture and rich color.

Light brown sugar: Provides natural sweetness and keeps the cookies wonderfully moist and chewy.
Vegan butter (melted and cooled): Adds richness and helps bind the dough for that tender crumb.
Pumpkin puree: Infuses seasonal flavor, vibrant color, and moisture without heaviness; use plain pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
Vanilla extract (optional): Enhances the overall flavor profile with a subtle warmth and depth.
All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour): Forms the dough’s structure while keeping the cookies soft.
Pumpkin pie spice: Brings classic pumpkin spice notes that complement the chocolate beautifully.
Baking soda: Ensures a light rise for just the right cookie texture.
Salt (if using unsalted butter): Balances sweetness and heightens flavor.
Vegan chocolate chips or chopped dairy-free chocolate: The star players adding melty, gooey pockets of chocolate in every bite.

How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree

Start by drying your pumpkin puree to ensure the perfect chewy texture. Spread it on some paper towels and blot to absorb excess moisture. This simple step transforms your pumpkin from watery to just right, helping your cookies hold together without becoming cakey.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, cooled melted vegan butter, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until smooth and evenly combined. This mixture forms the flavorful, moist base of your cookie dough.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt. Use a wooden spoon to gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your cookies tender and soft.

Step 4: Incorporate the Chocolate

Fold in the vegan chocolate chips or chunks, ensuring each spoonful of dough will have sweet bursts of melty chocolate. Feel free to save some for topping your cookies before they bake for an extra chocolatey touch.

Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Roll dough into balls about 2 tablespoons each, place them on parchment-lined baking sheets spaced apart, and gently flatten them. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 13 to 15 minutes until edges are golden and centers look just set. Cookies will puff up and then soften as they cool.

How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

A metal tray lined with parchment paper holds nine round golden-brown cookies with unevenly melted dark chocolate chunks and chocolate chips scattered on top, some sprinkled with coarse sea salt. In the top left corner of the tray is a small white scalloped bowl filled with various sized dark chocolate pieces. The tray sits on a white marbled surface with scattered chocolate chips. Two glasses of milk with white contents are partially visible on the top right. An orange cloth is on the bottom left, and a broken cookie with melted chocolate is on the bottom right edge of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a little something extra, sprinkle a few vegan chocolate chips or a dusting of cinnamon on top right after baking while cookies are still warm. This adds visual appeal and a flavor boost that will wow your friends.

Side Dishes

Pair these cozy treats with a warm cup of plant-based milk, pumpkin spice latte, or a fresh brew of black tea. The flavors play beautifully together and elevate the overall snacking experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your cookies stacked on a rustic wooden board or nestled inside a cute autumn-themed tin. You can even sandwich them with vegan cream cheese frosting or nut butter for an indulgent twist that feels special and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll stay soft and delicious but are usually devoured much sooner because they’re just that good!

Freezing

To extend their life, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying, and they’ll taste almost as fresh as when first baked.

Reheating

Warm your cookies gently in a 150°C (300°F) oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This revives their softness and enhances that melty chocolate charm you crave.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Absolutely! Just roast and blend your fresh pumpkin before using it. Make sure to dry it well with paper towels to avoid watery dough that could affect the cookie texture.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

You can easily make your own blend by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in the right proportions. This DIY mix tastes just as wonderful and keeps your cookies bursting with warm spice flavor.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Many readers have successfully done this and loved the results, just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder.

Why is it important to use cooled melted vegan butter?

Using warm butter can cause the chocolate chips to melt before baking and can make the dough too oily, affecting the texture. Cooling the butter helps maintain the perfect cookie consistency and chocolate chip integrity.

Can I make these cookies cakey instead of chewy?

If you prefer cakey cookies, you can skip drying the pumpkin puree and just use ½ cup as is. This adds extra moisture, resulting in a softer, cake-like bite instead of chewy.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am for this Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. It combines ease, wholesome ingredients, and that coveted chewy texture with comforting fall flavors in a way that feels like a big warm hug. Don’t wait—grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a batch of cookies that will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen!