If you are craving a delightful mix of warm autumn flavors and sweet chocolate surprises, look no further than the Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe. These soft and moist muffins bring together the cozy spices of pumpkin pie and the rich indulgence of chocolate chips, creating a perfect treat that feels like a fresh bakery find right at home. Whether it’s a crisp morning breakfast, a comforting snack, or the star of your fall gatherings, these muffins are sure to become a fast favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, accessible ingredients is key to making these muffins shine. Each component is carefully chosen to contribute to the perfect balance of moistness, flavor, and that irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that provides structure and tenderness for fluffy muffins that hold their shape.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the muffins rise nicely, giving them that light, airy texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda to ensure a perfect lift without heaviness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and spice beautifully.
- 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: Infuses the muffins with those iconic warm and cozy fall notes.
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree: Adds natural moisture, color, and rich pumpkin flavor without overwhelming sweetness.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffins with a clean, crisp sweetness that complements the pumpkin.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Brings a subtle molasses depth that makes the muffins taste even more indulgent.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the muffins moist and tender, preventing dryness.
- 2 large eggs: Provide richness and act as a binder to bring the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the buttery sweetness and brings complexity to the flavor profile.
- ¾ cup chocolate chips: The sweet pockets of melted chocolate that make this Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe truly special.
How to Make Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with your favorite paper liners—this not only makes cleanup easy but ensures your muffins come out perfectly shaped every time.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly helps distribute the leavening agents evenly and ensures every bite is packed with that wonderful pumpkin spice goodness.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a larger bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree with granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. This creates a smooth, fragrant mixture that forms the flavor base and moist texture your muffins need.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Add the dry flour mixture to the wet pumpkin mixture. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to dense muffins. You want the batter to be lumpy and light for that restaurant-quality crumb.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Now for everyone’s favorite part: fold in the chocolate chips. These sweet morsels will melt into little pockets of gooey delight inside every muffin, making them totally irresistible.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool slightly before digging in!
How to Serve Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a gentle spread of softened butter on warm muffins elevates their appeal, making each bite even more delightful. A few chocolate shavings on top before baking add a decorative and tasty touch as well.
Side Dishes
These muffins pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a creamy latte for a comforting treat. On the savory side, serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad or a bowl of yogurt with honey to balance the sweetness with some brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress at your next brunch or fall gathering? Arrange the muffins on a rustic wooden board with scattered cinnamon sticks and pumpkin seeds for a seasonal vibe. You can also slice them horizontally and spread a layer of cream cheese frosting or mascarpone for a decadent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and fresh, ready for a quick snack or breakfast.
Freezing
For longer storage, these muffins freeze wonderfully. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep their flavor and texture for up to two months.
Reheating
Reheat frozen muffins in the microwave for about 20 seconds or until warm, or pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes to regain a freshly baked texture. This quick method brings back their moistness and melts the chocolate chips perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Yes, but you need to cook and puree fresh pumpkin first. Make sure it’s smooth and drained well to avoid adding extra moisture, which can affect the muffins’ texture.
What is pumpkin pie spice made of?
Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes allspice. It’s the secret behind that warm, spicy pumpkin flavor in baked goods like these muffins.
Can I substitute chocolate chips with nuts?
Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and complement the pumpkin spice flavor beautifully if you prefer nuts over chocolate chips.
Are these muffins gluten-free?
The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make them gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free baking flour blend and adjust baking time as needed.
How do I prevent muffins from being dry?
Don’t overmix the batter, and be sure to bake them just until a toothpick comes out clean. Overbaking can dry out the muffins, so keep a close eye near the end of the baking time.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about baking the Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe at home. The blend of pumpkin spice and chocolate chips creates a cozy, sweet treat that’s hard to resist, especially when shared with friends and family. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for all your autumnal baking cravings or any time you want a little homemade happiness.
Print
Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins are soft, moist, and packed with warm pumpkin spice flavor and sweet chocolate chips. These bakery-style muffins are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or fall gatherings, offering a delightful combination of seasonal flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- ¾ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently stir just until combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain tender and moist muffins.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Carefully fold the chocolate chips into the batter to distribute them evenly without overworking the mixture.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full to allow room for rising.
- Bake the Muffins: Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool slightly in the pan before removing and serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins tender and avoid toughness.
- Muffins can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
