Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins Tasty Fall Treat

Name: Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh); 1 2 cup granulated sugar; 1 2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 4 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

December 26, 2025July 18, 2025 by Chef Evan

Fall is here, and it’s time to savor those cozy flavors with Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins! These muffins combine the warm spice of pumpkin with sweet chocolate chips, creating a treat that even the pickiest eaters love. In this post, I’ll share simple steps and helpful tips to bake the perfect batch. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a delightful fall snack that’s both tasty and easy to make!

Jump to Recipe

Why I Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of pumpkin and chocolate creates a unique and delightful taste that is perfect for fall.
Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to the pumpkin puree, these muffins are incredibly moist, making every bite a treat.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these muffins come together quickly, perfect for busy mornings.
Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a breakfast option, snack, or dessert; these muffins fit any occasion beautifully.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

To make these tasty muffins, gather these key ingredients:

– 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

– 1/4 cup vegetable oil

– 2 large eggs

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 teaspoon baking powder

– 1 teaspoon baking soda

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

These ingredients blend well to create a moist and flavorful muffin. The pumpkin adds a nice texture and taste. The chocolate chips give a sweet surprise in every bite.

Optional Ingredients for Customization

You can personalize your muffins with these optional ingredients:

– Chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans)

– Dried fruit (like cranberries or raisins)

– Different spices (like allspice or cloves)

Adding these ingredients can change the flavor and texture. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite mix!

Recommended Baking Supplies

To bake your muffins, you’ll need:

– Muffin tin

– Paper liners (optional)

– Mixing bowls

– Whisk

– Measuring cups and spoons

– Rubber spatula

These tools help you mix and bake your muffins easily. Using a muffin tin ensures even baking, and liners make cleanup a breeze. Enjoy the process and get ready for a delicious treat!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Muffin Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the muffins bake evenly. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Add 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it is smooth. In another bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

Now, gently add the dry mix to the pumpkin mix. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your muffins soft. Finally, fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Make sure they are spread evenly in the batter.

Baking the Muffins

Prepare your muffin tin with paper liners or a light greasing. Spoon the batter into each cup, filling them about 3/4 full. This gives the muffins room to rise. Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, they are ready!

Cooling and Serving Suggestions

Once baked, take the muffins out and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serving them warm is a great option. You can dust the tops with powdered sugar or drizzle a chocolate glaze for a special touch. Enjoy your delicious muffins with friends or family!

Tips & Tricks

How to Prevent Overmixing

Overmixing can make your muffins tough. To avoid this, mix gently. When you add the dry mix to the wet mix, stir just until you see no dry flour. Small lumps are okay. This keeps the muffins light and fluffy.

Best Practices for Measuring Ingredients

Measuring correctly is key for great muffins. Use dry measuring cups for flour and sugar. Spoon flour into the cup, then level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping directly from the bag. This can pack the flour and lead to dry muffins.

Enhancing Flavor and Texture

Want to boost the flavor? Add a pinch of sea salt to the batter. This helps the chocolate taste richer. You can also mix in nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for crunch. For a twist, try adding a bit of orange zest for a fresh note.

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Pumpkin: For a richer flavor, consider using fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. Roast a small pumpkin and blend it until smooth for the best results.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins, so a few lumps are okay!
Check for Doneness: To ensure your muffins are perfectly baked, use a toothpick inserted into the center. It should come out clean or with a few crumbs, but not wet batter.
Cool Completely: Allow the muffins to cool on a wire rack after baking. This prevents them from becoming soggy and helps maintain their texture.

Variations

Nut-Free Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

If you want nut-free muffins, skip any nuts. The chocolate chips add sweetness. You can also use seeds for crunch. Sunflower seeds work well. They add a nice texture without nuts.

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins Options

To make gluten-free muffins, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for a mix that has a good taste. You may need to add a bit more baking powder. This will help the muffins rise well and stay fluffy.

Adding Spices or Nuts for Extra Flavor

You can boost flavor by adding spices. Try a pinch of allspice or cloves. They add warmth and depth. If you like nuts, add walnuts or pecans. Chop them finely and fold them in with the chocolate chips. This creates a tasty blend of flavors and textures.

Storage Info

How to Store Pumpkin Muffins for Freshness

To keep your pumpkin muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, try the fridge. They can stay good for about a week. Just make sure the container is sealed tight to avoid dryness.

Freezing Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

Freezing is a great way to save your muffins for later. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each muffin in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy them, just thaw them at room temperature.

Reheating Tips for Enjoying Later

Reheating your muffins is simple. If you want them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. You can also use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and heat the muffins for about 5 to 10 minutes. This will make them soft and tasty again. Enjoy your delicious chocolate chip pumpkin muffins any time!

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh pumpkin for canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just cook and puree it first. Make sure it’s smooth and thick. Fresh pumpkin may taste fresher, but both options work well. If you use fresh, check the moisture. Too much moisture can affect the muffins’ texture.

How can I make my muffins more moist?

To make moist muffins, you can add a little more oil or pumpkin puree. You can also try using yogurt or sour cream in the batter. These ingredients help keep the muffins soft and tender. Avoid overmixing the batter, which can make them dry and tough.

What are the best chocolate chips to use in this recipe?

I recommend semi-sweet chocolate chips for a balanced sweetness. They melt nicely and add rich flavor. You can also try dark chocolate chips for a bolder taste. If you want a fun twist, use mini chocolate chips. They mix in well and provide bites of chocolate in every muffin.

You can now make awesome chocolate chip pumpkin muffins with ease. We covered the main ingredients and optional ones to let you customize. I shared step-by-step instructions to guide you through mixing, baking, and serving.

You learned tips to avoid overmixing and improve flavor. We also discussed variations, storage, and common questions.

Now, gather your supplies and start baking. Enjoy the warm, tasty treat

$To make these tasty muffins, gather these key ingredients: - 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh) - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/4 cup vegetable oil - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips These ingredients blend well to create a moist and flavorful muffin. The pumpkin adds a nice texture and taste. The chocolate chips give a sweet surprise in every bite. You can personalize your muffins with these optional ingredients: - Chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) - Dried fruit (like cranberries or raisins) - Different spices (like allspice or cloves) Adding these ingredients can change the flavor and texture. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite mix! To bake your muffins, you'll need: - Muffin tin - Paper liners (optional) - Mixing bowls - Whisk - Measuring cups and spoons - Rubber spatula These tools help you mix and bake your muffins easily. Using a muffin tin ensures even baking, and liners make cleanup a breeze. Enjoy the process and get ready for a delicious treat! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the muffins bake evenly. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Add 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it is smooth. In another bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Now, gently add the dry mix to the pumpkin mix. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your muffins soft. Finally, fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Make sure they are spread evenly in the batter. Prepare your muffin tin with paper liners or a light greasing. Spoon the batter into each cup, filling them about 3/4 full. This gives the muffins room to rise. Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, they are ready! Once baked, take the muffins out and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serving them warm is a great option. You can dust the tops with powdered sugar or drizzle a chocolate glaze for a special touch. Enjoy your delicious muffins with friends or family! Overmixing can make your muffins tough. To avoid this, mix gently. When you add the dry mix to the wet mix, stir just until you see no dry flour. Small lumps are okay. This keeps the muffins light and fluffy. Measuring correctly is key for great muffins. Use dry measuring cups for flour and sugar. Spoon flour into the cup, then level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping directly from the bag. This can pack the flour and lead to dry muffins. Want to boost the flavor? Add a pinch of sea salt to the batter. This helps the chocolate taste richer. You can also mix in nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for crunch. For a twist, try adding a bit of orange zest for a fresh note. Pro Tips Use Fresh Pumpkin: For a richer flavor, consider using fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. Roast a small pumpkin and blend it until smooth for the best results. Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins, so a few lumps are okay! Check for Doneness: To ensure your muffins are perfectly baked, use a toothpick inserted into the center. It should come out clean or with a few crumbs, but not wet batter. Cool Completely: Allow the muffins to cool on a wire rack after baking. This prevents them from becoming soggy and helps maintain their texture. {{image_2}} If you want nut-free muffins, skip any nuts. The chocolate chips add sweetness. You can also use seeds for crunch. Sunflower seeds work well. They add a nice texture without nuts. To make gluten-free muffins, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for a mix that has a good taste. You may need to add a bit more baking powder. This will help the muffins rise well and stay fluffy. You can boost flavor by adding spices. Try a pinch of allspice or cloves. They add warmth and depth. If you like nuts, add walnuts or pecans. Chop them finely and fold them in with the chocolate chips. This creates a tasty blend of flavors and textures. To keep your pumpkin muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, try the fridge. They can stay good for about a week. Just make sure the container is sealed tight to avoid dryness. Freezing is a great way to save your muffins for later. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each muffin in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy them, just thaw them at room temperature. Reheating your muffins is simple. If you want them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. You can also use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and heat the muffins for about 5 to 10 minutes. This will make them soft and tasty again. Enjoy your delicious chocolate chip pumpkin muffins any time! Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just cook and puree it first. Make sure it’s smooth and thick. Fresh pumpkin may taste fresher, but both options work well. If you use fresh, check the moisture. Too much moisture can affect the muffins’ texture. To make moist muffins, you can add a little more oil or pumpkin puree. You can also try using yogurt or sour cream in the batter. These ingredients help keep the muffins soft and tender. Avoid overmixing the batter, which can make them dry and tough. I recommend semi-sweet chocolate chips for a balanced sweetness. They melt nicely and add rich flavor. You can also try dark chocolate chips for a bolder taste. If you want a fun twist, use mini chocolate chips. They mix in well and provide bites of chocolate in every muffin. You can now make awesome chocolate chip pumpkin muffins with ease. We covered the main ingredients and optional ones to let you customize. I shared step-by-step instructions to guide you through mixing, baking, and serving. You learned tips to avoid overmixing and improve flavor. We also discussed variations, storage, and common questions. Now, gather your supplies and start baking. Enjoy the warm, tasty treats!$