Pumpkin chocolate chip muffins

Pumpkin chocolate chip muffins are soft, flavorful, and perfect for cozy mornings or snack times. People love them for the combination of sweet chocolate and spiced pumpkin, which makes every bite comforting and satisfying. Whether it’s a busy weekday breakfast, a family gathering, or a chilly afternoon treat, these muffins fit perfectly. I usually start by scooping fresh pumpkin puree into a bowl while preheating the oven, so the batter comes together quickly. They’re simple to make, fill the kitchen with a warm aroma, and are ready to enjoy in under an hour.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

These pumpkin chocolate chip muffins are moist, tender, and easy to bake, even for beginners. They are naturally sweetened with pumpkin and a touch of sugar, creating a comforting fall flavor. The recipe is flexible, allowing you to add nuts or swap chocolate types, making it Pinterest-friendly for customizing. Muffins freeze well and reheat beautifully, so you can make a batch ahead for quick breakfasts or snacks. Affordable and approachable, they’re perfect for busy mornings, lunchboxes, or cozy weekends. The soft texture and melty chocolate chips make them a crowd-pleasing treat for both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Tip: Use canned pumpkin puree or fresh roasted pumpkin for the best flavor and moist texture.

  • All-purpose flour – 1 ¾ cups
  • Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
  • Baking soda – ½ teaspoon
  • Salt – ½ teaspoon
  • Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
  • Ground nutmeg – ½ teaspoon
  • Ground ginger – ¼ teaspoon
  • Pumpkin puree – 1 cup
  • Brown sugar – ¾ cup, packed
  • Vegetable oil – ½ cup
  • Eggs – 2 large
  • Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
  • Chocolate chips – 1 cup

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease. Gather all ingredients to make assembly quick and smooth.

See also  Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This ensures even distribution of spices and leavening agents for uniform muffins.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix pumpkin puree, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Pour wet ingredients into dry and fold gently until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips without overmixing to keep muffins tender.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling about ¾ full. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack before serving.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

You can prep the batter in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Muffins also freeze individually or in batches, making them ideal for grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks. Minimal equipment and a single bowl for wet and dry ingredients save time, cleanup, and effort.

Tips & Tricks

  • Don’t overmix the batter. Folding just until combined prevents dense, tough muffins and keeps them light and fluffy.
  • Use room-temperature eggs and pumpkin. This helps the batter mix evenly and creates a smooth texture.
  • Line muffin cups with parchment paper to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
  • Check oven temperature with a thermometer. Too hot or cold can affect rise and texture.

Variations

Meaty Version
While unconventional, adding finely chopped cooked bacon can create a sweet-and-savory twist, adding richness to the muffins without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.

Vegetarian Option
The recipe is already vegetarian, but you can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra protein and crunch.

See also  Pumpkin protein muffins

Ingredient Swap
Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate, peanut butter chips, or raisins to change flavor profiles while keeping the texture soft and tender.

Flavor or Herb Boost
Add a teaspoon of orange zest or a pinch of ground cloves to enhance the warm pumpkin spice aroma. These small additions elevate the flavor beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

  • Breakfast Treat
    Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy start to the day.
  • Lunchbox Snack
    Wrap individually for school or work snacks. Kids love the chocolate chips inside.
  • Dessert Option
    Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple, sweet dessert.
  • Holiday Presentation
    Arrange on a platter with a light dusting of powdered sugar for festive gatherings or cozy fall brunches.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge Storage
    Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep paper liners intact to maintain moisture.
  • Reheating
    Warm muffins in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes to refresh texture.
  • Freezing
    Freeze individually wrapped muffins for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly before eating.
  • Make-Ahead Tips
    Prepare batter the night before and refrigerate. Bake in the morning for fresh muffins with minimal morning effort.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
  • Rest Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 40–45 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Each muffin contains 220–250 calories with 4–5 grams of protein. Provides small amounts of fiber, vitamin A from pumpkin, and antioxidants from spices. Values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

FAQs

Yes, refrigerate the mixed batter for up to 24 hours before baking.

Yes, roast and puree fresh pumpkin for natural sweetness and moisture.

Up to 4 days in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated.

Up to 4 days in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated.

Conclusion

Pumpkin chocolate chip muffins are warm, cozy, and easy to make for any occasion. You can tweak the spices, add nuts, or switch chocolate types to suit your taste. They’re perfect for busy mornings, weekend baking, or freezing for later. This recipe creates soft, tender muffins with melty chocolate that everyone will enjoy. Save it for Pinterest inspiration and enjoy a comforting bite anytime.

Pumpkin chocolate chip muffins

Recipe by Tasty VaultCourse: Pumpkin Recipes
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Soft, spiced pumpkin muffins loaded with chocolate chips. Perfect for breakfasts, snacks, or cozy fall treats.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour – 1 ¾ cups

  • Baking powder – 1 teaspoon

  • Baking soda – ½ teaspoon

  • Salt – ½ teaspoon

  • Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon

  • Ground nutmeg – ½ teaspoon

  • Ground ginger – ¼ teaspoon

  • Pumpkin puree – 1 cup

  • Brown sugar – ¾ cup, packed

  • Vegetable oil – ½ cup

  • Eggs – 2 large

  • Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon

  • Chocolate chips – 1 cup

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line muffin pan with paper liners.
  • Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices in a large bowl.
  • In a separate bowl, mix pumpkin, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Combine with dry ingredients. Fold in chocolate chips.
  • Fill muffin cups ¾ full. Bake 20–25 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

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