|

Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a fall-inspired treat that’s cozy, indulgent, and totally plant-based, I can’t wait to share this Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe with you. These cookies are my go-to when I want something soft, flavorful, and packed with that perfect balance of pumpkin and melty chocolate chips. Trust me, once you bake a batch, you’ll keep coming back for more — they’re fan-freaking-tastic!

💚

Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Pumpkin Moisture: The pumpkin puree keeps these cookies soft and tender without any eggs or dairy.
  • Vegan Butter Magic: Using melted vegan butter makes the cookies chewy, with a slight crisp edge—pure cookie bliss.
  • Spiced Just Right: Pumpkin pie spice adds cozy warmth without overpowering the chocolate chips.
  • Simple & Adaptable: Gluten-free or not, this recipe comes together quickly and is easy to tweak for your pantry.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is all in the ingredients—each one playing its part in flavor and texture harmony. When you shop, look for high-quality pumpkin puree and vegan butter for the best results.

  • Vegan butter: Melted for that chewy yet slightly crisp finish; a great dairy-free fat for binding and flavor.
  • Organic granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps build the cookie structure.
  • Organic brown sugar: Brings moisture and that lovely caramel note.
  • Pumpkin puree: Moisturizes and gives you that fall-season essence without sogginess.
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances and rounds out the sweet flavors.
  • Gluten-free 1:1 baking flour: Makes it accessible for gluten-free friends, but you can also use all-purpose flour for classic results.
  • Baking soda & baking powder: Ensure your cookies rise just right and have a nice tender crumb.
  • Pumpkin pie spice: The secret spice blend that warms up your cookie world.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates the chocolate.
  • Vegan chocolate chips: The melty, dreamy addition everyone looks forward to in every bite.
📝
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is—whether you like yours cakey or extra chewy, there’s a way to tweak it. Plus, I’m always tempted to sneak in some mix-ins or switch up the spices.

  • Chill for cakey texture: When I refrigerate the dough for a couple of hours, the cookies spread less and get a higher, more cake-like crumb—perfect for a comforting afternoon treat.
  • Add nuts or seeds: Feel free to toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch, or even pepitas if you’re feeling festive.
  • Adjust the spice: Sometimes I bump up the cinnamon or add a pinch of nutmeg if I want to deepen those cozy fall flavors.
  • Swap vegan butter: Coconut oil works well too, especially refined if you want to avoid that coconut flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Start by melting your vegan butter—this really helps with the texture later. In a large bowl, combine the melted vegan butter with both kinds of sugar (granulated and brown), pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. I always whisk this part until it’s smooth and a bit fluffy—that way, the sugars start to dissolve nicely and add that lovely chewiness to the cookies.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients

Next, sift in your flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt right into the wet mixture. Stir everything until just combined—don’t overmix, or the cookies can toughen up. The dough should hold together and be thick but scoopable. This balance is key for that perfect tender crumb.

Step 3: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Now for the best part: stir in the vegan chocolate chips. I always fold them gently so they’re evenly distributed but the dough doesn’t lose its texture. The generous amount of chips in this recipe means every bite is chocolate-forward, without being too sweet.

Step 4: Optional Chill Time

If you want chewier, flatter cookies, skip chilling and bake immediately. But if you prefer cookies that spread less and have a more cakey texture, pop your dough into the fridge for about 2 hours. I find chilling also helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Scoop & Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scooper, drop dough mounds about 2 inches apart—they’ll spread a bit, so give them room! I bake about 12 per sheet and do it in batches since this recipe yields three dozen cookies.

Pop them in for 13 to 14 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges: when they brown gently, you’re in business. Don’t worry if the centers seem soft—they set up as they cool. Let them rest on the pan for a minute, then transfer with a spatula to a wire rack to cool completely.

💡

Tips from My Kitchen

  • Use room temperature vegan butter: Melting it helps with chewy cookies, but if it’s too hot, it can affect the texture—let it cool just a bit.
  • Don’t skip chilling if you want cakey cookies: I learned that chilling not only firms the dough but helps the cookies keep their shape better during baking.
  • Use a cookie scooper for consistent size: It ensures even baking and all cookies come out perfection-sized just like I like them.
  • Resist opening the oven too often: Opening the door lets heat escape and can cause cookies to bake unevenly—patience pays off!

How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

The image shows a batch of round, golden brown chocolate chip cookies cooling on a black wire rack. Each cookie has a bumpy texture with visible chocolate chips scattered unevenly throughout the surface. The cookies vary slightly in size but are all roughly similar, with a soft yet firm appearance. The setting features a white marbled surface under the rack, giving a clean, bright background to emphasize the warm color of the cookies. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually serve these cookies just as they are because the star players—the pumpkin and chocolate—shine naturally. But if you want to get a bit fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vegan white chocolate can take them next level. I’ve also spruced them up with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for that sweet-salty contrast that’s hard to resist.

Side Dishes

A warm cup of spiced chai or a big mug of almond milk is my go-to pairing with these Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. If I’m serving a crowd, I like to set up a cozy hot cocoa bar alongside—these cookies soak up the dunk beautifully!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fall party or special occasion, I’ve arranged these cookies stacked into a rustic cookie “cake,” tied with a twine bow and a little cinnamon stick for flair. They also make adorable edible gifts when packaged in kraft boxes with autumn leaves or mini pine cones added as decoration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. From my experience, they stay fresh and soft for up to a week. If you want to keep them extra moist, place a slice of bread in the container—it works wonders to maintain that fresh-baked feel.

Freezing

This recipe freezes like a dream! When I have leftover dough, I scoop it onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze the mounds for an hour or so, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When I’m ready to bake, I simply bake them straight from frozen—adding an extra couple of minutes to the bake time. No need to thaw, and the cookies taste just as fresh as day one.

Reheating

If you have leftovers, I love popping them back in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to regain that fresh-baked warmth. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave (about 10 seconds) softens them up nicely—just be careful not to overdo it or they get rubbery.

FAQs

  1. Can I use canned pumpkin for this Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?

    Absolutely! Just make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling which contains added sugar and spices. Pure canned pumpkin works perfectly as the base for these cookies, providing that moist texture and pumpkin flavor.

  2. Can I substitute the gluten-free flour with regular flour?

    Yes, you can swap in all-purpose flour if gluten isn’t a concern. The texture will remain wonderful, and it might even make the cookies a touch softer. Just use the same amount called for in the recipe.

  3. Do I have to chill the dough?

    Not at all—if you want quicker cookies with a chewier texture, bake right after mixing. But if you prefer cakier and thicker cookies that spread less, chilling for a few hours is your best bet.

  4. Can I use a different sweetener?

    You can experiment with coconut sugar or maple syrup, but the texture and sweetness will change. Brown and white sugars together give the best balance of chew and structure for this cookie recipe.

  5. How long do these cookies keep fresh?

    Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh and delicious for up to a week. Beyond that, I recommend freezing to maintain texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe has earned a permanent spot in my baking routine because it hits all the right notes: simple ingredients, easy steps, and a deliciously comforting flavor profile. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, these cookies bring that cozy vibe and plant-based goodness everyone will appreciate. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do—happy baking, my friend!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 20 reviews
  • Author: Lucy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Total Time: 24 minutes
  • Yield: 36 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan

Description

Delight in these soft, vegan pumpkin chocolate chip cookies that perfectly blend seasonal pumpkin flavor with rich, dairy-free chocolate chips. These gluten-free treats are easy to make and offer a chewy, flavorful bite with optional cakey texture by chilling the dough.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup vegan butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup organic granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup packed organic brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1:1 Baking Flour (or sub all-purpose flour if not gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (depending on spice preference)

Add-ins

  • 1 1/4 cups vegan chocolate chips


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Plan to bake in multiple batches as this recipe yields about 3 dozen cookies.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted vegan butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the gluten-free flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms without overworking it.
  4. Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the vegan chocolate chips ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  5. Optional Chilling: For thicker and cakier cookies, refrigerate the dough for 2 hours. If you prefer chewier, flatter cookies, bake the dough immediately.
  6. Portion Dough: Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scooper, drop mounds of dough about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Each sheet fits approximately 12 cookies.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 14 minutes or until the edges start to brown. The cookies will appear soft but will firm up as they cool.
  8. Cool: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 1 minute after baking then transfer carefully to a cooling rack. Allow cookies to cool completely before serving.

Notes

  • This recipe is adapted from a classic chocolate chip cookie recipe tailored to be vegan and gluten-free.
  • You can substitute vegan butter with refined coconut oil for a mild flavor without coconut taste.
  • To freeze dough, scoop mounds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze for 30-60 minutes, then transfer to a freezer bag. When baking frozen dough, increase baking time by 1-2 minutes as needed.
  • Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
  • Chilling dough results in thicker, less spread cookies, while baking immediately yields chewier, flatter cookies.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 130 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

You Might Also Like These Recipes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star