Name: Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar, packed; 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling); 2 large eggs; ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter; ¼ cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a warm, cozy treat that brings all the best fall flavors together, look no further than the Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe. These muffins are souped-up with rich pumpkin purée, a perfect blend of spices, and pockets of melty chocolate chips that make every bite irresistibly soft and moist. Whether you’re craving a comforting breakfast or a delightful afternoon snack, these muffins deliver flavor and texture that just won’t quit, making pumpkin season downright delicious any time you bake them.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two trays of freshly baked muffins placed on a white marbled surface. The tray in the front is dark-colored and holds twelve round muffins that are golden brown with some small dark spots from chocolate chips. The muffins are evenly risen with slightly cracked tops, showing a soft texture. Behind it, there is another tray that is light-colored and also holds twelve muffins, similar in color and texture but slightly smaller. The background includes some blurred kitchen items, and all focus is on the two trays, displaying a warm and fresh baked look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for the Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in creating that ideal balance of flavor, moisture, and fluffiness. From pantry staples to the all-important pumpkin purée, these simple ingredients come together to give you bakery-style muffins with minimal fuss.

1¾ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for tender muffins.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the muffins rise perfectly.
½ teaspoon baking powder: Adds a gentle lift for softness.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the warm flavors.
1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: Brings that classic autumn warmth.
½ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds subtle depth and a hint of sweetness.
½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens while keeping texture light.
½ cup brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling): The star ingredient that keeps these muffins moist and flavorful.
2 large eggs: Provide richness and help bind everything together.
½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter: Ensures a soft crumb and tender bite.
¼ cup milk: Balances the dry ingredients and adds smoothness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the sweetness with fragrant notes.
1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark): Melts into gooey pockets of pure joy.

How to Make Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This preparation ensures even baking and easy cleanup, setting you up for muffin success right from the get-go.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. This step guarantees that the spices are evenly distributed, giving each muffin a perfectly spiced bite every time.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin purée, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This blend forms the moist, flavorful base of your muffins and helps incorporate air for a light texture.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. It’s key not to overmix here—overworking the batter can lead to tough muffins. The batter should look slightly lumpy, which means you’re on the right track.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly scattered throughout the batter. These little pockets of chocolate will melt as the muffins bake, sprinkling each bite with sweetness and richness.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups and Bake

Divide the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each nearly full for those bakery-style domed tops. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This baking time yields tender, fluffy muffins with gorgeous golden tops.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This short resting period lets the muffins set up just right, making them easier to remove and enjoy.

How to Serve Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe

Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon sugar over warm muffins adds an extra layer of sweetness and a slightly crunchy texture that’s simply irresistible. For a fun twist, drizzle a little melted white chocolate on top for contrast and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea, perfect for a cozy morning or afternoon treat. Serving them alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt makes for a balanced and satisfying snack or light breakfast.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe on a rustic wooden platter with autumn leaves or mini pumpkins as decoration for a festive touch. You can also slice the muffins in half and spread a pat of cinnamon butter or maple cream cheese for a decadent upgrade.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover muffins stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, where they’ll remain moist and delicious. For longer storage, refrigerating them for up to 5 days is a smart move without sacrificing too much freshness.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully. Simply wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them inside a freezer-safe bag or container. They stay fresh for up to 3 months, letting you enjoy your favorite fall treat anytime you want.

Reheating

To bring frozen or refrigerated muffins back to life, pop them in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds or warm them in a preheated 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Warming enhances the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chips and revives that fresh-baked aroma.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin purée?

It’s best to use plain pumpkin purée rather than pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices that could throw off the muffin’s flavor balance.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice? Can I make my own?

Absolutely! Combine cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves in small amounts to make a homemade pumpkin pie spice blend that’s fresh and flavorful.

Can I substitute the oil with butter in this recipe?

Yes, melted butter works beautifully and adds a rich flavor, but keep in mind it may affect the texture slightly, making the muffins a bit denser.

How do I prevent my muffins from sinking in the middle?

Make sure not to overmix your batter and check the freshness of your baking soda and powder. Also, avoid opening the oven door too early during baking to maintain oven temperature stability.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans are fabulous choices that add crunch and extra flavor, complementing the chocolate and pumpkin beautifully.

Final Thoughts

I can confidently say that this Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe has become a beloved staple in my kitchen—perfect for cozy mornings or just whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up. With its moist texture, comforting spices, and those irresistible chocolate chips, it’s a recipe you’ll want to bake again and again. Give it a try and let these muffins bring a little extra joy and warmth to your day!