Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe

Irresistible Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe for Fall

Crisp autumn mornings call for warm pumpkin chocolate chip muffins that burst with cozy comfort and sweet surprises.

Seasonal baking becomes magical when spices dance with rich chocolate chunks.

Delicate crumbs promise a moment of pure indulgence straight from your kitchen.

Maple undertones complement the deep pumpkin essence, creating a symphony of fall flavors.

Soft, tender textures mingle with melting chocolate morsels in each delightful bite.

Baking these treats connects you to cherished memories and kitchen traditions.

Start whisking and let the aroma fill your home with warmth and joy.

FAQs

  • Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Keep in mind this might slightly change the texture and make the muffins a bit denser.

  • How do I ensure my muffins are moist?

Don’t overmix the batter. Mix just until the dry and wet ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dry muffins. Also, using pumpkin puree helps keep the muffins soft and moist.

  • Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for a blend that’s designed for baking to get the best texture and rise.

  • What kind of chocolate chips work best?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal for this recipe. They provide a nice balance of sweetness with the pumpkin’s earthy flavor. However, you can also use milk or dark chocolate chips based on your preference.

Pumpkin and Chocolate Chips Make These Muffins Stand Out

  • Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Chocolate and pumpkin combine to create a kid-approved snack that appeals to both children and adults. Versatile enough for school lunches, after-school snacks, or weekend breakfasts.
  • Seasonal Comfort in Every Bite: Captures the warm, cozy flavors of autumn with classic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Transforms ordinary mornings into a festive seasonal experience that feels like a warm hug.
  • Make-Ahead Convenience: Muffins stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container, making them ideal for meal prep or spontaneous sweet cravings. Freeze beautifully for up to a month, offering a quick grab-and-go option anytime.

What You Mix Into Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for the muffins, a standard pantry staple perfect for baking.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help muffins rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ground Ginger: Warm spices that add classic autumn flavor and complement the pumpkin.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, rich flavor, and beautiful orange color to the muffins.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a soft, tender texture.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps muffins moist and contributes to a tender crumb.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure to the muffins.
Mix-ins:
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Add rich chocolate flavor and delightful texture throughout the muffins, creating a sweet contrast to the pumpkin spice.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins How-To

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Grab your muffin tin and line it with paper liners.

Warm up the oven to a cozy 350°F.

This sets the stage for muffin magic.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together these dry ingredients in a spacious bowl:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Ground ginger

Blend until everything looks evenly distributed.

Step 3: Create Wet Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Vegetable oil
  • Eggs

Stir until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Gently mix until just combined.

Overmixing can make muffins tough, so keep it light and easy.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in most of the chocolate chips, saving a handful for topping.

This ensures chocolatey goodness in every bite.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups

Scoop the batter into each muffin liner, filling about three-quarters full.

Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top for a delicious finish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean when the muffins are ready.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins rest in the tin for 10 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

This helps them set and makes them easier to remove.

Expert Advice for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

  • Toss chocolate chips in a tablespoon of flour before adding to prevent sinking to the bottom of muffins.
  • Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to maintain perfect texture and prevent extra sweetness.
  • Freshly ground spices provide more intense flavor compared to pre-ground versions, enhancing the overall taste profile.
  • Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same tender crumb and delicious result.
  • Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months for longer preservation.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins – Keep Moist After Baking

  • Store cooled muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and moist.
  • Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for long-term storage.
  • Remove frozen muffins and let them sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours, or microwave briefly for a quick defrost.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed muffins in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their soft, delicious texture.

Great Side Options for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

  • Pair Creamy Chai Latte: Complement the warm spices of pumpkin muffins with a smooth, fragrant chai latte that highlights the cinnamon and nutmeg notes.
  • Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Create a delightful dessert experience by topping a slightly warm muffin with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, balancing the rich chocolate and spiced pumpkin flavors.
  • Match with Salted Caramel Mocha: Enhance the muffin's sweetness with a rich salted caramel mocha, whose deep coffee undertones and caramel swirls beautifully contrast the muffin's soft texture.
  • Enjoy with Spiced Maple Butter: Spread a dollop of homemade spiced maple butter on a warm muffin, adding an extra layer of autumnal warmth and complementary sweetness.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins: Seasonal Swaps and Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins: Substitute eggs with flax eggs or applesauce and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a plant-based version.
  • Low-Sugar Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins: Reduce sugar content by using stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or cutting sugar amounts by half while maintaining moist texture.
  • Nut-Infused Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and nutritional value, enhancing the muffins' flavor profile.
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Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe


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4.8 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Homemade pumpkin chocolate chip muffins bring autumn’s warmth to your kitchen with rich spices and sweet chocolate. Moist, tender crumb and delightful flavor invite comfort and joy, making you crave another bite of this seasonal treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

  • 15 ounces (425 grams) 100% pure pumpkin puree
  • 1 12 cups (255 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 large eggs

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 14 cups (270 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by warming it to 350°F (175°C) and positioning muffin liners inside the tin for optimal baking support.
  2. Create a dry ingredient foundation by thoroughly whisking flour, leavening agents, spices, and seasoning in a spacious mixing vessel to ensure uniform distribution.
  3. Construct a moisture base by integrating pumpkin puree, both granulated and brown sugars, vegetable oil, and eggs until the mixture achieves a smooth, cohesive texture.
  4. Merge the dry and wet components cautiously, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender muffin structure.
  5. Gently incorporate chocolate chips throughout the batter, distributing them evenly to guarantee delightful chocolate moments in every bite.
  6. Portion the batter into muffin cups, filling each approximately three-quarters full to allow appropriate rising during baking.
  7. Embellish the muffin tops with additional chocolate chips, creating an enticing visual and flavor enhancement.
  8. Position the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges clean and indicates complete internal cooking.
  9. Allow muffins to rest within the tin for a brief 10-minute stabilization period before transferring to a cooling rack for complete temperature reduction and texture refinement.

Notes

  • Swap vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or applesauce for a healthier twist that keeps muffins moist and adds subtle flavor complexity.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend to make these muffins celiac-friendly without compromising texture or taste, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful treat.
  • Toast chocolate chips briefly before adding to intensify their rich chocolate flavor and create a more complex, deep taste profile in each bite.
  • For extra nutrition, sprinkle pumpkin seeds or chopped walnuts on top before baking to add crunch and boost the muffins’ nutritional value.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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