Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins Recipe

Fluffy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe for Fall Mornings

Autumn breezes whisper secrets of delightful chocolate chip pumpkin muffins that dance between sweet and spicy comfort.

Crisp mornings call for warm, fragrant treats straight from your kitchen.

These morsels blend classic seasonal ingredients with unexpected richness.

Soft pumpkin creates a tender crumb that melts delicately on your tongue.

Chocolate chips scattered throughout offer delicious bursts of indulgence in every bite.

Baking these muffins feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy sweater of flavor.

You’ll adore how simple ingredients transform into something magical with just a few stirring moments.

Grab a mug of coffee and let these muffins become your perfect morning companion.

Why Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins Are Perfectly Balanced

  • Quick Fall Comfort: Whip up these delightful chocolate chip pumpkin muffins in under 30 minutes, perfect for satisfying sudden autumn cravings with minimal effort.
  • Beginner-Friendly Baking: Incredibly simple recipe that requires basic mixing skills, making it ideal for novice bakers or kitchen enthusiasts wanting a foolproof treat.
  • Family Crowd-Pleaser: Combines classic chocolate chips with seasonal pumpkin flavor, creating a universally loved snack that appeals to both kids and adults, great for school lunches or weekend breakfasts.
  • Versatile Seasonal Treat: Perfect for fall gatherings, morning brunches, potlucks, or as a cozy afternoon snack that captures the warm, comforting essence of the season.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base of the muffins, providing structure and texture.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents for a light and fluffy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
  • Cinnamon, Pumpkin Pie Spice: Warm spices that give classic fall flavor to the muffins.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweeteners that add depth and moisture to the muffins.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps the muffins soft and moist, replacing butter.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide richness.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, color, and signature pumpkin flavor.
  • Milk: Helps create a smooth batter and adds tenderness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a subtle background flavor and aroma.
Mix-In Ingredient:
  • Chocolate Chips: Adds sweetness and creates delightful chocolate pockets throughout the muffins. Choose semi-sweet or dark chocolate for best results.

How To Make Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins With Ease

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Heat your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Grab your muffin tin and either line it with cute paper liners or give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray. This will make sure your muffins don’t stick around when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Step 2: Create the Dry Powder

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Pumpkin pie spice

Mix these ingredients until they’re friends and well combined.

Step 3: Blend the Liquid Magic

In a large bowl, whisk together:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Vegetable oil
Keep whisking until the mixture looks smooth and glossy. Now toss in:
  • Eggs
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Stir everything until it looks like a beautiful autumn sunset.

Step 4: Marry the Ingredients

Slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently – we’re not running a marathon here! Just mix until everything is barely combined. Toss in most of the chocolate chips, saving a few for dramatic toppings.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Fill each muffin cup about three-quarters full with the batter. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top like little treasure drops. Slide the tin into the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick comes out clean with maybe a few moist crumbs.

Let the muffins rest in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely – if you can resist the temptation!

Bonus Tip: These muffins are perfect for breakfast, afternoon snacks, or midnight cravings. They’ll make your kitchen smell like a warm hug from autumn itself!

Tips For Soft And Moist Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

  • Customize Chocolate Chip Variety: Experiment with different chocolate chip types like milk, dark, or white chocolate to match your taste preferences and create unique flavor profiles.
  • Boost Moisture Retention: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the wet ingredients for extra moistness and a tender crumb in your pumpkin muffins.
  • Enhance Spice Blend: Create a homemade pumpkin pie spice mix by combining ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for a more vibrant and personalized spice flavor.
  • Make Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these muffins accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Prep Ahead and Freeze: Bake a double batch and freeze muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 months, ensuring quick and delicious breakfast or snack options anytime.

How To Store Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins Correctly

  • Preserve your delicious chocolate chip pumpkin muffins by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Keep the muffins away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain their soft texture.
  • Refrigerate for extended freshness, lasting up to 5 days – simply wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap before placing in a sealed container.
  • Freeze these delightful treats for maximum longevity by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container, where they'll stay fresh for up to 2 months.
  • Thaw frozen muffins overnight in the refrigerator or warm them briefly in the microwave for a quick, comforting snack that tastes just-baked.

What Goes Well With Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

  • Brew Perfectly Paired Coffee: Rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee complements the warm pumpkin spices and sweet chocolate chips, creating a harmonious morning breakfast experience.
  • Select Creamy Dairy Companion: Cold whole milk or vanilla-flavored creamer enhances the muffins' soft texture, balancing the chocolate's richness and pumpkin's earthy notes.
  • Elevate with Spiced Spread: Whipped cinnamon butter or maple cream cheese adds an extra layer of autumnal warmth, perfectly matching the muffins' cozy flavor profile.
  • Serve with Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts alongside the muffins to introduce a delightful textural contrast and boost the nutty undertones of the baked treat.

Tasty Additions For Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

  • Nutty Harvest Muffins: Replace chocolate chips with chopped walnuts or pecans for a rich, earthy flavor that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
  • Cream Cheese Swirl Version: Create a tangy cream cheese mixture and swirl it into the batter before baking, adding a luxurious creamy element to the classic muffins.
  • Maple Pecan Crunch Muffins: Top the muffins with a crispy maple-pecan streusel that adds a delightful crunch and extra layer of sweetness to the original recipe.
  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Option: Swap wheat flour with a gluten-free blend and use dairy-free chocolate chips to make the muffins accessible for those with dietary restrictions.

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins FAQs Answered

  • What makes these pumpkin muffins special?

These muffins combine the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin with rich chocolate chips, creating a perfect balance of sweet and spicy that makes them irresistible. The combination of pumpkin pie spice and chocolate creates a unique and delightful treat that’s perfect for fall or any time of year.

  • Can I make these muffins healthier?

Yes! You can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, use less sugar, or replace some oil with applesauce. These substitutions can help reduce calories while maintaining the muffins’ delicious taste and moist texture.

  • Why is it important not to overmix the batter?

Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, which makes muffins tough and dense instead of light and fluffy. Mixing just until the ingredients are combined ensures a tender, soft muffin with a perfect crumb that melts in your mouth.

  • How do I know when the muffins are perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin – if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the muffins are done. They should be golden brown on top and spring back slightly when gently pressed.

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Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins Recipe

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins Recipe


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4.9 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Warm autumn spices dance through homemade chocolate chip pumpkin muffins, blending rich seasonal comfort with sweet indulgence. Crisp mornings and delightful flavors invite you to savor each tender, spice-infused bite of pure breakfast magic.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Dry Ingredients:

  • 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt

Spices and Sugars:

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup light brown sugar, packed

Wet Ingredients and Mix-ins:

  • 0.5 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 0.25 cup milk (or buttermilk)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.75 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Prepare your baking workspace by positioning the oven rack in the middle and heating to 350F (175C). Coat a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Create a delicate dry ingredient foundation by whisking flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice in a medium mixing bowl until thoroughly combined and smooth.
  3. In a separate large bowl, vigorously blend granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until the mixture develops a silky, uniform texture. Incorporate eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla extract, stirring until the wet ingredients form a cohesive, golden-hued mixture.
  4. Gently introduce the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, using a folding motion to prevent overmixing. The batter should appear slightly lumpy but well-integrated. Carefully fold in most of the chocolate chips, reserving a handful for decorative topping.
  5. Distribute the batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each approximately three-quarters full. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips across the top of each muffin for an appealing finish.
  6. Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin – it should emerge clean with perhaps a few moist crumbs.
  7. Allow muffins to rest in the tin for 5 minutes, helping them set and cool slightly. Transfer to a wire rack, permitting complete cooling and allowing the flavors to settle and intensify.

Notes

  • Swap out vegetable oil for melted coconut oil or applesauce to create a healthier alternative with subtle flavor nuances.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals, ensuring the texture remains soft and tender.
  • Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, which maintains sweetness without additional calories.
  • Experiment with dairy-free milk options like almond or oat milk to accommodate lactose-intolerant dietary needs while preserving moisture and richness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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